'This Was A Serious And Unsettling Event': Shrewsbury Police Chief Addresses Town After Crash At Station

SHREWSBURY, MA — Shrewsbury Police Chief Kevin Anderson is addressing the community after the driver of a vehicle intentionally crashed into the Shrewsbury Police Station on Monday afternoon.

Robert McCluskey, 58, the driver of a black 2022 BMW SUV, crashed into the front lobby of the police headquarters at 106 Maple Ave. shortly after 2 p.m., police said. He was taken to the hospital with injuries, but no officers, staff, or citizens were injured after the incident.

"This was a serious and unsettling event, particularly because it occurred within our own facility, a shared community building," Chief Anderson wrote in a news release on Wednesday. "The lobby was intentionally designed to be a warm, open, and inviting place where people feel safe when they come to us for help. When something like this happens in a space so many people trust, it affects more than just a building; it affects people and we recognize that impact, and take it very seriously."

Related: Driver Intentionally Crashes Through Front Of Shrewsbury Police Department, Officials Say

McCluskey remains in custody and is facing a number of charges, including assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. The incident remains under investigation.

The vehicle crashed into the station at a high rate of speed, and went through two double front doors, the lobby, and a wall. It ultimately stopped at the communications center. Chief Anderson said there were three dispatchers working at the time.

"As we move forward, we are committed to rebuilding the lobby to be stronger and safer while preserving its welcoming nature," he wrote.

Chief Anderson said he is incredibly proud of how the team responded during the circumstances, citing many off-duty officers who responded without hesitation.

The Shrewsbury Police Department said that the front lobby of the police headquarters is closed. If someone wishes to file a police report, they are encouraged to contact the business line at (508) 845-1212.

The Shrewsbury Police Department is still fully operational, including its business and 911 emergency phone lines.

You can find Chief Anderson's complete statement below:

I want to speak directly to the residents of Shrewsbury, our town employees, police staff, and the families who are part of our extended community following the intentional vehicle crash into the front lobby of the Shrewsbury Police Department Headquarters on January 19th, 2026.

This was a serious and unsettling event, particularly because it occurred within our own facility, a shared community building. Many town employees use the conference rooms and training room located just off the lobby each day, and that same lobby is a space our residents, visitors, and employees’ families, including children, regularly pass through. The lobby was intentionally designed to be a warm, open, and inviting place where people feel safe when they come to us for help. When something like this happens in a space so many people trust, it affects more than just a building; it affects people and we recognize that impact, and take it very seriously.

I want to reassure everyone that despite the damage, your Shrewsbury Police Department remains fully operational and steadfast in our commitment to serving and protecting this community. Thanks to the immediate and coordinated actions of our officers, dispatchers, town employees and civilian staff both on and off duty the situation was quickly brought under control, medical aid was rendered, and police services continued without interruption. We are extremely relieved that no staff members or members of the public were injured.

I am exceptionally proud of how our team responded under challenging circumstances. Faced with a sudden and dynamic event, our personnel adapted immediately, maintained professionalism, and ensured public safety while continuing to answer calls for service. Many off-duty officers responded without hesitation, allowing us to adjust operations seamlessly.

As we move forward, we are committed to rebuilding the lobby to be stronger and safer while preserving its welcoming nature. We will work closely with town leadership, facilities, and public safety partners to evaluate what happened and implement improvements that better protect everyone who works in and visits our building.

I would also like to thank the Shrewsbury community for the many messages of support and concern we have received. Your trust and patience mean a great deal to the men and women of this department. Moments like this remind us how much we rely on one another. The professionalism, resilience, and compassion shown by our police staff, town employees, and community reflect the very best of Shrewsbury.

Thank you for your continued support. We remain fully committed to ensuring that this building and all town spaces are safe places for those who work here, visit here, and bring their families here.

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