July 24, 2017
For Immediate Release
Contact: Tim Connolly 508-368-7236
Or 508-688-5565
SPENCER – The 49-year-old man shot dead by a Spencer Police Officer during a domestic dispute last night has been identified as Walter H. Lynde of East Brookfield, according to Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr.
Mr. Lynde was shot as he was approaching a house at 160 Northwest Road. A replica handgun was located near him. He was transported to the University of Massachusetts Medical Center in Worcester where he was pronounced dead.
Spencer Police had received a call reporting a domestic dispute at 8:06 last night. When Officer Brandon Fullam arrived he talked with a woman at the home who said the suspect had left. The woman was advised to seek a restraining order in East Brookfield District Court on Monday morning.
A short time later, Officer Fullam encountered the suspect in his vehicle heading toward 160 Northwest Road. The officer attempted to stop the vehicle, but it sped off. A chase ensued with the suspect’s vehicle reaching speeds of 80 miles per hour.
In the driveway of the home, the suspect was ordered to stop and drop the gun. The officer fired one shot and the suspect collapsed before reaching the home.
Officer Fullam is a six-year veteran of policing, the last year with the Spencer Police. He has been placed on administrative leave at this time. The victim in the domestic dispute will not be identified. State Police Detectives assigned to the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office are continuing to investigate.