On a chilly Thursday afternoon in Tewksbury, Massachusetts, a quiet strip mall parking lot became the scene of a deeply unsettling act. Shortly after noon on December 11, 2025, a dark SUV accelerated through a flock of seagulls gathered at 1777 Main Street, leaving six birds dead in its wake. The incident, which unfolded in front of several local businesses—including an Advance Auto Parts, Dollar Tree, beauty salon, cafe, and hardware store—has since sparked outrage among residents and animal lovers alike, and prompted a determined investigation by local authorities.
According to a statement issued by the Tewksbury Police Department and reported by several outlets, officers were called to the scene at 12:06 p.m. after a witness reported the harrowing event. Upon arrival, police found the lifeless bodies of six seagulls, their feathers scattered across the asphalt. The initial investigation quickly determined that the vehicle, a dark-colored SUV, had intentionally accelerated before plowing through the unsuspecting birds. The act, as described by police, was not a tragic accident but a deliberate attack.
Video footage from a security camera overlooking the lot captured the entire episode. The 20-second clip, now circulating online and shared with the public by the Tewksbury Police, shows the SUV driving purposefully through the flock before crossing the remainder of the lot and vanishing from view. While the footage is somewhat grainy—typical of many security cameras—it does offer a clear enough view of the vehicle’s profile, headlights, wheels, and grille in the final moments before it exits the frame.
As reported by The Autopian, the Tewksbury Police have not yet identified the make or model of the SUV. Speculation among car enthusiasts and investigators has centered on mid-sized, semi-modern crossovers, with American brands like the Chevrolet Traverse or Ford Explorer, and even Honda’s Passport or Pilot, being floated as possibilities. Still, the precise identity of the vehicle—and its driver—remains a mystery.
One local reader, who spends many mornings in the very parking lot where the incident occurred, brought the story to the attention of The Autopian. In an email, the reader described the routine of sitting in the lot with coffee, often feeding the seagulls unsalted snacks. That morning, the birds were perched atop a nearby restaurant instead of their usual spot on the pavement. "I snapped a photo. Ten minutes later, I read that someone had driven through them, killing six. As both an animal lover and a car enthusiast, I feel compelled to help. I believe this is one of those moments where Autopian justice should prevail. The community here is incredible at analyzing details, and I’m hoping you can lend your eyes and expertise to help identify the driver responsible," the reader wrote.
The Tewksbury Police are now appealing to the public for assistance. They are urging anyone who may recognize the vehicle from the footage, or who has information about the incident, to come forward. Tips can be provided by calling the department at 978-851-7373. For those who wish to remain anonymous, a separate line—978-851-0175—is available, as is an online submission option via the police website.
Under Massachusetts law, intentionally harming or killing animals is a criminal offense, carrying the possibility of significant penalties. While authorities have not yet specified what charges the driver could face if identified, the law is clear: cruelty to animals is not tolerated. The Tewksbury Police are conducting their investigation in conjunction with the Massachusetts Environmental Police, underscoring the seriousness with which they are treating the case.
For many in the community, the impact of the incident extends beyond the immediate loss of life. Seagulls, often maligned as mere scavengers, are a familiar presence in the parking lots and coastal regions of Massachusetts. They have become part of the daily rhythm for locals—sometimes a nuisance, sometimes a source of amusement, but always a reminder of the delicate balance between human activity and the natural world. The deliberate targeting of these birds has struck a chord, prompting reflection on the responsibilities that come with sharing public spaces.
The strip mall at 1777 Main Street is a hub of everyday activity. Shoppers frequent the stores, families grab lunch at the cafe, and, until recently, flocks of seagulls gathered on the asphalt in search of crumbs and company. The events of December 11 have disrupted that routine, leaving a sense of unease and a determination to see justice served.
For car enthusiasts and amateur sleuths, the case presents a unique challenge. The security footage, while not crystal clear, provides enough detail for those with a keen eye to potentially identify the make and model of the offending SUV. The online community at The Autopian has been called upon to scrutinize the video, drawing on its collective expertise in automotive minutiae. As one contributor put it, "There’s no place on the internet more knowledgeable when it comes to cars than this website’s comment section, after all. So have at it."
The hope among investigators is that, with public engagement and the power of crowd-sourced analysis, the mystery vehicle can be identified and its driver held accountable. The case also serves as a reminder of the vital role that ordinary citizens can play in solving crimes—whether by providing tips, analyzing evidence, or simply remaining vigilant in their communities.
As of now, the Tewksbury Police have not indicated whether the video footage was clear enough to capture a license plate or a definitive image of the driver. The investigation remains active, with authorities reviewing all available evidence and following up on leads as they arise. The involvement of the Massachusetts Environmental Police adds another layer of scrutiny, given the potential environmental and wildlife protection implications.
For those who frequent the parking lot, the absence of the seagulls is a stark reminder of the incident. The reader who first alerted The Autopian to the story noted that the birds had shifted their usual routine, perhaps sensing danger. While it’s impossible to know what the flock experienced in those moments, the aftermath has left a mark on the community—and a resolve to ensure such acts do not go unpunished.
Anyone with information about the case is encouraged to contact the Tewksbury Police Department. In a town where the ordinary and the extraordinary often intersect in the most unexpected ways, the search for justice for six seagulls has united residents, animal lovers, and car enthusiasts alike. The hope is that, with persistence and community effort, the truth will come to light—and those responsible will be held to account.
The investigation continues, but the message from Tewksbury is clear: cruelty, no matter how seemingly small or fleeting, will not be ignored.
