WESTBORO, MASS – A tense and dramatic scene unfolded in Shrewsbury Thursday morning after a deadly confrontation led to a shooting and the subsequent surrender of a suspect in the middle of the street.
Authorities say 26-year-old Snehal Srivastava of Shrewsbury was taken into custody following the fatal shooting of 57-year-old Kevin Doherty, a local father. The suspect was scheduled to be arraigned Friday at Westborough District Court in connection with the incident.
According to police, the confrontation began after Doherty reportedly witnessed Srivastava spray-painting a nearby bridge and attempted to address the situation. Doherty allegedly called the police and confronted Srivastava, leading to a verbal argument that escalated tragically. During the altercation, Srivastava pulled a firearm, striking Doherty, who was later transported to a hospital in Worcester where he was pronounced dead.
The victim, a father and member of the local community, had been walking home after dropping his child off at Coolidge Elementary School, which was placed on lockdown for several hours as police responded to the incident and secured the area.
Authorities have not confirmed whether the two men were previously acquainted. However, the police chief noted that officers had prior interactions with Srivastava, raising concerns about his past behavior. Neighbors also reported ongoing issues with him in the days leading up to the shooting.
“We had an altercation with him a couple days ago where he came zipping through the parking lot, started yelling at one of the employees over here,” said John Bissonnette, who works near the scene. “I was talking to him and he just started yelling at me, telling me to mind my own business.”
Local news cameras captured Srivastava watering his plants shortly before his arrest. Police also noted that political statements, including phrases like “BLM” and “Free Palestine,” were spray-painted on the home, adding context to the graffiti incident that preceded the deadly confrontation.
The shooting has left the Shrewsbury community in shock, prompting heightened concern about safety in the area. Police continue to investigate the full circumstances surrounding the incident, including the events leading up to the fatal encounter and any potential connections between the suspect and the victim.
Authorities are asking anyone with information about the incident to contact the Shrewsbury Police Department to assist with the investigation. Meanwhile, the community is mourning the loss of Kevin Doherty while grappling with the violent escalation that took place in what had been a quiet neighborhood.
This incident serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly disputes can escalate and the devastating consequences that can follow when firearms are involved.
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