Yesterday Afternoon at approximately 14:13 hours Boston Police Department (Official) Officers from District D-4 responded to a 911 call for a man threatening people in the area of 134 Northampton Street with a firearm. First arriving officers observed an individual fitting the description of the suspect. When officers approached the suspect in an effort to speak with him, the suspect, refusing to acknowledge them, took off running down Massachusetts Ave towards Chester Park.
During the brief foot pursuit, the suspect produced a firearm and began firing rounds in the direction of the responding officers. In fear for their lives, as well as the safety and well-being of community members in the immediate area, officers returned gunfire. Undeterred, the suspect continued firing his weapon until his weapon reached the lock-back position which occurs when a firearm is completely out of ammunition. Witnesses reporting hearing at least 20 rounds and per BPD radio chatter two ShotSpotter activations for at least 21 rounds were received. Multiple vehicles and other forms of property were struck, however luckily no bystanders or officers were injured.
After a violent struggle, one in which the suspect continued fighting with the officers, the suspect was placed in custody using full restraints in the form of shackles. He was then promptly transported to the station for processing and booking. Witnesses recalled the man fighting the entire way, even once he was placed into the transporting unit.
Several of the responding officers were transported by Boston EMS to a local area hospital for evaluation purposes which is not uncommon in situations such as this. There has been no update on their condition as of this time, however it is assumed they are okay.
The suspect, Tyler Brown, 40, of Boston, was arrested and charged with Assault with Intent to Murder, Discharging a Firearm within 500 Feet of Residence/Dwelling, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, Unlawful Possession of Ammunition, Unlawful Possession of a Large Capacity Firearm and Feeding Device. The suspect is scheduled to be arraigned in Boston Municipal Court on Monday, May 18, 2020. This is not Mr. Brown’s first interaction with Law Enforcement, as he was just released
During a press conference, BPD Commissioner Gross, surrounded by his command staff, called upon the community to hold their local elected leaders accountable when it comes to the release of violent offenders from jail. This following the multiple releases of known violent offenders and gang members on low to no bond or bail over the past few weeks. He stated that he spoke with Boston Mayor Marty Walsh and Suffolk County DA Rachael Rollins who are both “highly upset” by this.
Visibly upset, and speaking directly to the crowd that had gathered behind the cameras to watch, “You folks standing over there, this is your neighborhood. Nobody should be releasing repeat violent offenders that will act like this, this is unheard of.” He continued, “Judges are releasing violent offenders to the street… setting the mentality that people can do what ever they want because they will get smacked on the wrist. Within the last week we’ve recovered 14 handguns with multiple arrests. Within the last three weeks several of the people we arrested with firearms were related the next day or on a low bail.” He finished with a plea to the citizens of Boston, “This is what I’m saying voters. Pay attention… Talk to the Governor, talk to your politicians, if folks can’t do their job they need to be held accountable.”
The suspect in this incident, Mr. Brown was a known violent criminal who had been released from prison in January of this year.