BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — A man who was recently released from prison is back in custody after he allegedly exchanged gunfire with Boston police officers in broad daylight.
According to BPD, at around 2:15 p.m. on Saturday, May 16th, officers responded to a radio call of a man with a gun threatening people in the area of 134 Northampton St. in Boston's South End.
Police arrived in the area, identified the suspect and attempted to speak with him, but BPD reports he refused to acknowledge officers and took off running down Massachusetts Ave towards Chester Park.
"During the foot pursuit, the suspect produced a firearm and began firing rounds in the direction of the responding officers," BPD said in a statement. "In fear for their lives, as well as the safety and well-being of community members in the immediate area, officers returned gunfire."
BPD said the man was "undeterred," and he continued firing until he ran out of ammunition. Although no injuries were reported at the scene, four responding officers were transported to a local hospital for evaluation.
Police said after a "violent struggle," one in which the suspect continued fighting with the officers, he was taken into custody.
The suspect has been identified at 40-year-old Tyler Brown of Boston, who Boston Police Commissioner William Gross said was released from prison in January. No other information about Brown was available.
Speaking to reporters on Saturday afternoon, Gross criticized local judges for allowing repeat offenders back onto the streets.
"You’re setting a mentality on the street that people can do whatever they want because they’re going to get smacked on the wrist,” said Gross. “Folks, we just need to think about that when it comes to voting time; Who’s releasing violent offenders from jail?”
Brown is scheduled to be arraigned on Monday May 18th on several charges, including Assault with Intent to Murder, Discharging a Firearm within 500 Feet of Residence/Dwelling, and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.
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