DUDLEY, MASS. (WHDH) - Police are searching for suspects who allegedly forced their way into an apartment in Dudley and shot a resident early Wednesday morning.
Emergency crews responding to a reported shooting on Green Street around midnight found a 26-year-old man suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest, according to Dudley police.
He was transported to UMass Memorial Medical Center, where police say he is expected to recover.
“What it looks like at this point is, at least one individual, possibly two or three, — we’re still trying to piece together exactly how many entered the apartment… assaulted him inside there, fired the shot and then fled on foot,” said Police Chief Steve Wojnar.
Initial reports indicate that multiple suspects forced their way into a first-floor apartment and confronted the victim while his fiancee and two children under the age of 5 were present, police said.
“We did get the chance to speak to the woman that was there, yes she was obviously very upset. The children were taken care of. They were brought to a safe location for the night,” Wojnar said. “We are working with the Department of Children and Families to make sure everything is OK there.”
Following the shooting, the suspects reportedly fled in an unknown direction. Police are canvassing the area looking for witnesses and surveillance video.
Police say this is not believed to be a random act.
“We do believe that there was probably some type of either relationship, or somebody was known or was a targeted situation,” Wojnar said.
Anyone with information is asked to call Dudley police at 508-943-4411.
This is a developing story; stay with 7NEWS on-air and online for the latest updates.
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