2 Hospitalized, Police Search For Suspect After Melrose Shooting

MELROSE, MA — A shooting in Melrose on Sunday left two people injured with a suspect at large as of 9:45 p.m., according to Police Chief Michael Lyle.

Lyle said in a statement that officers were first called to a site on Waverly Place in Melrose around 7:30 p.m. on Sunday following a report of a shooting.

There, Lyle said police found two men with gunshot wounds to their legs. Police gave medical aid on scene before paramedic crews were able to take the two to area hospitals, according to Lyle.

The shooting appeared to have followed what Lyle described as a “verbal altercation” between the suspect and victims.

Lyle said the parties likely knew each other, citing a preliminary investigation. The shooting, as a result, was likely not a random act, Lyle said.

Lyle said police were actively investigating this shooting as of Sunday night.

He described the suspect in question as a white male with a beard, weighing between 130 and 140 pounds and wearing a black hooded sweatshirt.

Lyle warned community members to avoid approaching the suspect if seen, saying he is believed to be armed. Anyone who sees the suspect should call 9-1-1, Lyle said.

Lyle asked motorists and pedestrians to avoid the area around Waverly Place on Sunday night due to the police department’s ongoing investigation. Lyle said a “significant police presence” would be expected in the area for several hours overnight.

Waverly Place splits off West Wyoming Drive in Melrose’s Wyoming neighborhood.

Further information on the condition to the two injured men was not available as of Sunday night.