Shots rang out on Community Way in Foxborough around 10 p.m. Sunday, striking a home while residents were inside, and investigators say the house was not hit by accident. No one was hurt, but police believe the property was deliberately targeted, launching an active investigation that has brought a heavier police presence to the quiet residential street.
Foxborough Police responded to Community Way and found that a home had been fired upon, according to Boston 25 News. Investigators believe the home was targeted by the shooter rather than struck at random, the outlet reported, though no motive or suspect description has been released. Police confirmed that no one was hurt in the shooting.
Community Way is the location of the shooting, while the town voted to sell the former Pratt School property for single-family residential reuse, according to the Town of Foxborough. It is the kind of street where gunfire striking an occupied home is rare rather than routine.
Police Ask Residents to Stay Alert
Foxborough Police said residents should expect an increased police presence in the area as the investigation continues, the same report noted, and asked neighbors to remain vigilant and report any suspicious persons, vehicles, or activity. The department operates out of the town's Public Safety Building at 8 Chestnut Street under Police Chief Michael A. Grace, according to the Town of Foxborough Police Subsite.
Evidence collected from the scene is being processed by the Massachusetts State Police Crime Laboratory, per the same account.
What Charges Could Follow
Massachusetts law treats gunfire striking an occupied home as a serious felony distinct from other firearms offenses. Under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 269, Section 12G, intentionally or recklessly discharging a firearm that strikes an occupied dwelling carries a penalty of up to 5 years in state prison or a fine of up to $10,000, according to statutory language published by Mass.gov. A related statute, Chapter 269, Section 12E, separately bars discharging any firearm within 500 feet of an occupied dwelling without the owner's consent and defines the conduct as a strict liability offense, according to the Steven J. Topazio Law Office.
Should investigators eventually identify a suspect and establish that occupants were directly threatened, additional charges such as assault by means of a dangerous weapon under Chapter 265, Section 15B could apply regardless of whether anyone was struck. Any prosecution would depend on the evidence developed in the case.
A Rare Incident for a Low-Crime Town
The shooting underscores the seriousness of gunfire at an occupied home for the community.
The Foxborough investigation remains active. Foxborough police are involved in public-safety work.
For now, the motive behind the Community Way shooting, the type of firearm used, and the identity of any suspect remain unknown. Foxborough police have not released additional details beyond confirming the targeted nature of the attack and the absence of injuries, and the investigation remains active as forensic analysis continues.
