MASHPEE – [HN NOTES & THOUGHTS ON THE MATTER] – The last time HN responded to a shooting in this particular area of Great Neck Road North – about a year ago on July 21, 2020 – it turned into a homicide scene, with the shooter still at large. CLICK HERE to review last year’s story and video entitled, “MASHPEE HOMICIDE SCENE: Man gunned down… two suspects taken down nearby…”

Needless to say, considering the history and the way this morning’s call came in, my dog and I were preparing ourselves for the gravest extreme.

It was a worrisome call, so much so I took a moment while responding to quickly pull over and alert a Barnstable Police patrolman, so he could monitor the situation in the event Mashpee Police needed assistance. When it’s a very possible shooting in the wee hours, the tendency is to over prepare.

This morning’s scene fortunately turned out to be unfounded, perhaps some type of “SWATING” incident… and the Mashpee PD is still investigating. But because it was not an actual shooting this time, there was extra time to put together a video which shows a little bit of what it’s like for HN, as a spot news photojournalist, to approach a possible active shooting scene. In short, the first consideration is always for the safety of the police officers, staying outside the perimeter and being careful not to disclose their positions. The second consideration is preparing for just about every conceivable eventuality.

We’ve been training my dog to keep her little beak shut at active scenes, and I’m very proud of her this morning because she remained quiet until the scene had been secured.

“Good girl, Arya!”

Press play to learn more about this morning’s call.

[HN VIDEO – PRESS PLAY]

P.S. – Today’s Hytown Vignette is brought to you by Mr. B.B. King… [CLICK IT/CRANK IT! HEADPHONES OBLIGATORY!]

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