Gun-wielding woman shot by officer after tense standoff at Norwood business, police say

A gun-wielding woman was shot by an officer following a lengthy standoff at a business in Norwood on Friday afternoon, police said.

Officers responding to a 911 call for a dispute at Extra Space Storage on Morse Street found a “middle-aged” woman in the parking lot who was holding a gun to her head, Norwood Police Chief William Brooks said during a news conference.

Brooks said officers attempted to “negotiate with her to find out what she needed” for about 45 minutes as she held the firearm to her head.

The woman then began to walk around the parking lot and started pointing the gun at officers, according to Brooks. A Norwood officer ultimately fired a single shot, striking the woman in the midsection, when she came out into the street and got too close to where first responders were positioned.

Officers rushed to the woman’s side and rendered aid. She was driven to Norwood Airport, where a medical helicopter flew her to a Boston hospital. There was no immediate word on her condition.

“We understand that she is still alive. There was only a single shot fired during this entire incident,” Brooks explained. “No officers were struck. The only round fired struck the woman. We hope that she’s going to be OK.”

Brooks said investigators are trying to determine why the woman was at Extra Space Storage and how she arrived there.

Brooks also praised his officers for showing restraint during the tense standoff.

“The officers did a remarkable job throughout the entire incident. They were communicating with me and with each other,” Brooks said. “It would have been justified firing much earlier than they did.”

Sean McKeown works in the building right next to the self-storage business on Morse Street in Norwood. He left for lunch and could not get back to his office until about 1 p.m. on Friday.

“A little scary so close to home,” said McKeown. “I was surprised I really was. There’s usually a lot of accidents down here so I just figured that’s what it was so when they told me it was a potential hostage situation or active shooter…that was a little harrowing.”

McKeown says the outcome is very sad especially just days before Christmas.

“It’s obviously unfortunate any time of year but especially this being so close to the holidays.”

State troopers assigned to the Norfolk District Attorney’s Office are assisting Norwood police with an investigation.

There were no additional details available.