Man Shot by Auburn Police Officers Passes Away

Friday, November 16, 2018
GoLocalWorcester News Team

Joseph Early Jr.

An armed man shot by Auburn police officers on Wednesday has died, according to Worcester County District Attorney Joseph Early Jr.

Joseph Loughery, 59, of New Hampshire, was shot by police after he ignored repeated commands by the officers to disarm.

The officers involved in the incident have been placed on administrative leave based on department policy while the investigation continues.

The State Police Detectives assigned to the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office, State Police Crime Scene Services, State Police Firearm Identification Section, State Police Crime Lab, and Auburn Police are investigating.

The Incident

Loughery was approached by officers at about 1:15 p.m. yesterday while he was sitting in a pickup truck in the parking area of the Shell gas station at 380 Southbridge St.

Loughery was holding a sawed-off .22-calliber rifle and moving his arms while officers shouted for him to disarm. Witnesses heard and video captured the officers repeatedly shouting, “drop the gun,” “don’t do it,” and “let us help you.”  The officers were not injured in the confrontation.

Loughery was transported to the UMass Memorial Medical in Worcester where he was later pronounced dead.