Man arrested after firing shots near college campus

FITCHBURG - Police said a man walked down Highland Avenue with a gun and fired it twice before being taken into custody Thursday. 

Justin Beauregard, 29, of Fitchburg, was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, and discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a dwelling. 

Police said a woman called them around 6:30 p.m. to report her son, Mr. Beauregard, was walking down Highland Street with a gun. He has a history of weapons and violent criminal charges, according to police. His mother told police her son was intoxicated and suicidal. Police set up a perimeter and deployed dogs to help search for Mr. Beauregard. Nearby Fitchburg State University put its campus on lockdown. 

According to police, Sgt. Scott Gabriel was able to contact Mr. Beauregard by cellphone and talked with him about turning himself in. Mr. Beauregard eventually surrendered without incident at the intersection of Normandy Road and Leyte Road. 

No injuries were reported.