Police responded to a wellbeing check on a person in a vehicle parked in front of Stop & Shop in Vinnin Square Monday morning. The Essex County District Attorney’s Office told the Swampscott Tides that the 59-year-old male “stabbed himself in the torso with a knife” and later died.
“Stop & Shop is cooperating fully with the Swampscott Police Department’s investigation into this morning’s incident,” Stephanie Cunha, Stop & Shop external communications manager, told the Swampscott Tides. “Based on information provided by police, there is no ongoing threat to the community at this time.”
The Swampscott Police Department told the Swampscott Tides an active investigation is underway.
The District Attorney’s Office told the Swampscott Tides the man, who was known to reside in Swampscott and more recently in Florida, was transported to Salem Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
The man’s identity is being withheld at this time.
“The department is actively collaborating with the Essex County District Attorney’s Office and the Massachusetts State Police,” the Swampscott Police Department said. “Because of the highly sensitive and personal nature of this situation, we must respect the rights and privacy of the individual(s) involved.”
A car was towed from the Stop & Shop parking lot shortly after the incident.
“The safety of our customers and associates remains our top priority, and our Swampscott store remains open to serve the community,” Cunha said.
This is an ongoing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
Updated September 28 at 11:15 a.m. with information from Stop & Shop.
Updated September 28 at 1:15 p.m. with information from the Swampscott Police Department.
Updated September 28 at 3 p.m. with information from District Attorney’s Office
