Suspected Gunman Shoots Girlfriend in Head, Kills Self in Lawrence Standoff

Lawrence, MA - The suspect in a Tuesday afternoon shooting on Melrose Street in Lawrence killed himself after shooting his girlfriend and then at police who responded to the shooting.

The man’s girlfriend was critically injured and their 4-year-old son was inside the apartment but was not injured, according to the Boston Globe.

Shortly after noon, State Police reported that there was a gunman barricaded in a house on Melrose Street.

The barricaded suspect was armed with a long gun at 16-18 Melrose St. and there were possibly other people in the building, according to State Police.

According to State Police, the house was entered by Lawrence Police and the threat was determined to be over shortly after 3:30 p.m.

Police were asking people to avoid the area earlier in the afternoon.

Lawrence Mayor Daniel Rivera said Lawrence Police were fired on by someone in the building when they responded to a report of shots fired at the address.

"Police did exchange shots with someone in the building," said Rivera.

At 2 p.m., State Police sent out a tweet stating that the situation was fluid in Lawrence and were ask news media and social media users to not reveal or broadcast tactical positions of police officers. There were also reports that the neighborhood was being evacuated.

Photo credit, WHDH/7 News