Wilbraham police officer wounded, suspect injured in exchange of gunfire

WILBRAHAM — A domestic disturbance call escalated into an exchange of gunfire, leaving a Wilbraham police officer seriously injured and the suspect hospitalized with gunshot wounds, authorities said Sunday.

The Wilbraham Police Department reported that officers were dispatched to a residence on Old Carriage Road around 8:20 p.m. Friday after receiving reports of a male resident threatening others in the home.

Chief Edward Lennon stated that upon the officers’ arrival, they were confronted by 53-year-old Michael Ortega, who was inside the residence.

Gunfire was exchanged between Ortega and the officers stationed outside the home.

Other occupants in the house managed to flee the scene by escaping through a second-floor window onto a lower roof.

They were later helped down by police officers using a ladder.

A 29-year-old male officer was shot during the confrontation and subsequently transported to a local hospital with serious injuries.

He is currently reported to be in stable condition.

Ortega was discovered inside the home, also suffering from gunshot injuries.

He was taken to a hospital where he remains in stable condition.

The suspect faces charges of Assault with Intent to Murder and Assault with a Dangerous Weapon.

The investigation into the incident is ongoing and involves the Wilbraham Police Department, the Massachusetts State Police, and the Hampden County District Attorney’s Office.