Man Arrested After Firing Shots Near Fitchburg State, Police Say
FITCHBURG (CBS) -- A 29-year-old Fitchburg man is facing multiple charges after allegedly firing two shots into the air near Fitchburg State University on Thursday.
Investigators told WBZ the suspect's mother called police around 6:30 p.m., saying her intoxicated and suicidal son was armed and walking down Highland Avenue.
Because Justin Beauregard allegedly shot twice into the air near campus, the college decided to go into lockdown and issued a warning to the community on its website.
Most students are not on campus because the school year has yet to begin.
In a press conference Thursday night, Fitchburg Police Capt. Steven Giannini said a perimeter was set up, and two canine units were called to the scene to find Beauregard.
Police say they were able to reach Beauregard by cell phone around 7:45 p.m.
After talking with him for about 20 minutes, Beauregard told police where he was and turned himself in.
Beauregard was taken into custody around 8:20, police say.
He has been charged with unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, and discharging a weapon within 500 feet of a home.
Beauregard is slated for arraignment in Fitchburg District Court on Friday.
