A Scottish football fan visiting the United States for the World Cup has described witnessing a car crash and a shooting at his hotel in the Boston area. Stuart Mackelvie, who was staying at the Sturbridge Hotel ahead of Scotland's match against Morocco, called 911 around 1 a.m. on Thursday after what he called a 'terrifying' incident.
Mr. Mackelvie told local media he was trying to sleep when a car alarm woke him. He then saw a car that had crashed through the wall of the hotel, directly below his room. A woman allegedly jumped out of the vehicle and began shooting.
Sturbridge Police responded to the hotel at 12:55 a.m. for a reported shooting. Police Chief Earl Dessert said there was no threat to the public and urged people to avoid speculation while the investigation continues.
Speaking to CBS, Mr. Mackelvie said: 'I heard gunshots and then I looked out the window again and a lady had driven her SUV into the side of the hotel and then she jumped out and was shouting, "Where are you? Where are you?" and then shot three times quickly, it seemed like, into the hotel room.' He added that he heard glass breaking and banging sounds before calling 911.
Police and three ambulances arrived within minutes. Officers checked on guests and took statements. Mr. Mackelvie said: 'It was terrifying.' He had just arrived from Scotland to watch the World Cup match at Boston Stadium in Foxboro on Friday, where Scotland will face Morocco.
Mr. Mackelvie noted that such incidents are rare in the UK, where police and the public are not routinely armed. 'I've seen this stuff on TV, but I've never been anywhere near anything like this,' he said.
