METHUEN — On Friday, May 1, 2026, at approximately 7:30 p.m., the Methuen police and fire departments responded to the Wendy’s restaurant at 90 Pleasant Valley Street following a report that a person was shot inside the restaurant.
According to Methuen Police Chief Scott J. McNamara, when first responders arrived on scene, they found that a 16-year-old boy, who had been at the restaurant with a group of juveniles, had been shot once in the arm. He was transported to an area hospital for treatment.
A preliminary investigation by Methuen police determined that a verbal dispute between the victim and another juvenile escalated when the other juvenile brandished a handgun and fired, striking the victim.
Chief McNamara said the 17-year-old suspect was located near the scene and turned himself in to police without further incident.
Methuen police recovered a firearm and found a shell casing inside the restaurant.
The 17-year-old male, from Lawrence, was charged with the following:
- Assault with Intent to Murder
- Illegal Possession of a Firearm
- Discharging a Firearm Within 500 Feet of a Dwelling
He is scheduled to be arraigned Monday in Lawrence Juvenile Court.
The incident remains under active investigation by Methuen police, Chief McNamara said.
