Fall River, MA – Authorities have confirmed that the victim in a fatal police‑involved shooting early Sunday morning in Fall River was Nigel Vaughn, 40, a long‑time resident of the city. The incident occurred shortly after midnight on Sunday, February 8, 2026, when officers responded to a 911 call about a man reportedly in possession of a firearm in a vehicle parked outside a residence on Linden Street.
According to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office and Fall River Police Department, officers encountered Vaughn outside the SUV. During a pat‑down search, Vaughn allegedly began to resist, resulting in a physical struggle. Vaughn then produced a firearm and fired at the officers, striking one in the elbow and another in the abdomen, although the latter was protected by his bullet‑resistant vest.
Police returned fire, and Vaughn was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. Two officers injured in the exchange were treated for non‑life‑threatening injuries and subsequently released.
Fall River officials described the confrontation as a stark reminder of the dangers law enforcement faces, noting that officers were acting to protect the public in difficult circumstances. Investigators recovered a firearm at the scene that had been modified to fire in a fully automatic mode.
The investigation into the incident is active and being led by the State Police Detective Unit working with the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office. Community members continue to process the events of the early morning hours as authorities work to provide clarity and context around this tragic and complex case.