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Trooper Injured, Suspect Dead In Chicopee Shooting

Update at 4:45 p.m.: The deceased gunman has been identified as 41-year-old Carlos Laguer. Said police: "It is still under investigation whether he was struck by rounds fired from police, whether he shot himself, or both."

Update at 2:30 p.m.: Authorities have still not released the now-deceased suspect's name, but Chicopee police say he had a long criminal history.

Update at 12:30 p.m.: The injured trooper has been identified as John Vasquez, 44, a 20-year veteran of the force.

Recap at 11:15 a.m.: A State Police trooper responding to a home invasion call was injured this morning in a shootout in the western Massachusetts city of Chicopee.

Following a lengthy standoff, police entered the West Street home and discovered the shooting suspect dead. It was not immediately clear whether he shot himself or police fatally shot him.

The unidentified trooper has injuries that have been described as non-life threatening. Chicopee Mayor Michael Bissonnette said the trooper was shot in the hand and leg.

Police responded to the residence just before 8 a.m., and witnesses reported hearing heavy gunfire. Police entered the home at about 10 a.m. and discovered the deceased suspect.

After the suspect was found dead, police discovered a potential hazmat situation at the residence. National Public Radio's Anne Mostue reported that the hazmat declaration was just a precaution to make sure all the gas in the house was turned off. She said no harmful substances were detected, according to Bissonnette.

Update at 10:15 a.m. State Police just tweeted that they have entered the house and the suspect is dead. They also said there is a potential hazmat situation. No additional information was immediately available.

Update at 9:55 a.m.: Chicopee Mayor Michael Bissonette told WBZ that the suspect is still holed up inside a three family house on West Street and that police have not had contact with him since 8:30 a.m.

Bissonette also said all roads in in Chicopee Center are closed and a nearby elementary school has been put in lockdown.

Update at 9:20 a.m.: Chicopee Mayor Michael Bissonnette says the trooper injured in the shootout was hit in the hand and leg. He described the injures as non-life threatening.

Update at 9:15 a.m.: Multiple reports out of Springfield say an 8-year-old boy was safely taken away from the scene of the shooting.

The Republican also spoke with a witness who said he "heard a total of 20 shots fired."

Original post:

A State Police trooper has been injured in a morning shootout in the western Massachusetts city of Chicopee.

State Police say the shooting, which occurred just before 8 a.m., occurred at a residence on the city's West Street.

State Police offered no word on the condition of the unidentified trooper, who has been taken to Baystate Medical Center in Springfield.

Police say they are clearing the scene of the shooting. There's no word yet on possible suspects.

We'll have more on this developing story.

This program aired on April 13, 2012. The audio for this program is not available.

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Benjamin Swasey Digital Manager
Ben is WBUR's digital news manager.

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