For Immediate Release
Contact: Laura French 774-317-2007 or 774-502-8567
ERVING – The Worcester County District Attorney’s Office is investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting that resulted in the death of a 55-year-old New York resident in Franklin County, Massachusetts, according to Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early, Jr.
Police in Suffolk County, New York, were searching for a suspect wanted in connection with a recent homicide. Investigators developed information that the suspect may be in Erving, Massachusetts, and located his vehicle outside the French King Motel and Restaurant.
Members of the Massachusetts State Police and the Northwestern District Anti-Crime Task Force responded to the location. When officers encountered the suspect, he was wielding a sharp object. Officers gave multiple verbal commands for him to drop his weapon, but he did not comply and instead charged toward officers. The officers discharged their department-issued firearms, striking the individual.
The suspect, identified as Brandon William Hampson, 55, of New York, was transported to Baystate Franklin Medical Center in Greenfield, where he was pronounced deceased.
At the request of the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office, the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office and Massachusetts State Police Detectives assigned to the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office are the lead investigative agency in this matter to avoid any perceived conflict of interest and to ensure an independent review of the circumstances. The investigation remains ongoing, and additional information will be released as appropriate.