Fatal Officer-Involved Shooting in Fall River: Suspect Killed, Two Officers Injured
On February 8, 2026, police officers in Fall River, Massachusetts, fatally shot 40-year-old Nigel Vaughn of Fall River. The incident occurred after Vaughn allegedly opened fire on officers with a fully automatic firearm, injuring two officers.
On February 8, 2026, police officers in Fall River, Massachusetts, fatally shot 40-year-old Nigel Vaughn of Fall River.
Confrontation Unfolds
The shooting unfolded around 12:13 a.m. after three officers responded to a 911 call reporting an armed man in a vehicle outside a residence. Officers located the suspect, Nigel Vaughn, in a dark-colored SUV.
During a pat-down search, the suspect reportedly resisted, leading to a physical struggle with officers. The suspect then produced a firearm and began firing at police. One officer sustained a bullet wound to the elbow, and a second officer was shot in the abdomen, though his bullet-resistant vest prevented a more serious injury. Both officers' injuries were classified as non-life-threatening. A third officer at the scene was not injured.
Officers returned fire, striking Vaughn, who was transported to a hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Modified Weapon Recovered
Authorities recovered a Glock handgun at the scene. The firearm was reportedly modified with a device known as a "switch," which converts it into a fully automatic weapon, capable of firing multiple rounds with one trigger pull.
Prior Interaction Minutes Before
Minutes before the fatal confrontation, Fall River Police officers had interacted with Vaughn at a gas station on the same street. They had responded to a call regarding a possible physical altercation and reckless driving in the parking lot. After a brief interaction, Vaughn was instructed to leave the private lot.
Official Reactions
Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III stated that the suspect had a history of violence. Fall River Police Chief Kelly Furtado acknowledged the inherent risks faced by officers. The motive for the shooting remains under investigation.