Man Released After Allegedly Firing Gun Near McDonald's

A Chaotic Scene at McDonald’s Leads to Arrest

In Tewksbury, a tense and chaotic situation unfolded outside a McDonald’s on Main Street on July 3, involving a group of teenagers and an adult couple. The conflict escalated into a dangerous incident that ended with gunfire allegedly fired by a man who arrived to intervene.

Craig Collins, a 38-year-old resident of Tewksbury, was arraigned in Lowell District Court on charges including firearm possession and assault. He was held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing. Following the hearing, Judge Leo Fama released Collins under strict conditions, including GPS monitoring and home confinement, with exceptions for work. He is also required to stay away from the victims, witnesses, and the McDonald’s location where the alleged shooting occurred.

Collins declined to comment directly on the incident, citing the ongoing investigation and legal proceedings. However, through a family member, he expressed that the public information available about the event is “very one-sided.”

The Incident Unfolds

The initial 911 call came just before 11 p.m., as a McDonald’s employee working the drive-thru window witnessed the escalating dispute between a group of teens and an adult couple. According to police reports, the employee saw the adults, described as “irate,” defending what they believed to be their son after a verbal and physical altercation with the teens. At one point, a drink was thrown at the man, prompting him to chase the youths around the parking lot.

Another witness later described the child differently, noting that he appeared scared, with a “messed up t-shirt” and crying for help. This witness said the boy ran up to him asking to borrow a phone, claiming a group of kids were coming to kill him. The witness reported that a large group of teens approached the boy, calling him derogatory names and questioning why he was running.

During the dispute, the man from the couple stepped out of his vehicle and confronted the teens, whom the witness described as bullies. The man threw one of the teens’ shoes across the street, while the woman tried to hold him back. The witness then went inside the restaurant and heard two gunshots shortly after.

The Arrival of Craig Collins

According to the employee, a teen called out to others to contact someone named “Craig.” Shortly after, a van marked “EDI Electrical” pulled into the parking lot. The employee identified the man who exited the van as Collins, who allegedly fired a handgun into the air. He then lowered the firearm and pointed it at the man who had been chasing the youths before returning to his van and leaving.

The adult couple and the group of teenagers also left the scene. Police reports indicated that the couple appeared to be intoxicated and were actively chasing the teens around the store and along Main Street.

Evidence and Investigation

Police recovered two 9mm shell casings near the entrance of the parking lot. Using photos, witness accounts, and vehicle records, officers traced the white van to Collins, who lives less than a mile from the restaurant. Officers later responded to Collins’ Shawsheen Street home and took him into custody without incident.

Collins had a license to carry a firearm, but it was immediately revoked due to the alleged incident. A search of the van revealed an empty gun safe, while a 9mm handgun with six rounds in the magazine was found at his residence—two short of its full capacity. The casing matched those recovered at the scene.

Additional Details

A juvenile family member living in Collins’ home received a Snapchat call from a teen involved in the altercation. The caller reportedly told the juvenile that they were being chased by a man in the parking lot. The juvenile then called Collins, who reportedly responded with a single word: “okay.” Later that night, Collins told the juvenile that “they were safe now.”

Police have made multiple attempts to contact the adult couple involved in the dispute but have not been successful. While they traced the vehicle back to a Wilmington residence, they have not made direct contact with the individuals.

Legal Charges and Ongoing Investigation

Collins faces charges including two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, two counts of discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a building, and disorderly conduct. His attorney, Robert Normandin, has not yet commented on the case.

Collins is employed by Electrical Dynamics Inc. in North Reading. During the investigation, police confirmed that the van involved in the incident had been assigned to him. The company has not responded to requests for comment.

The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to gather more information about the incident.