BOSTON — Flashbangs and then gunfire erupted on Ferndale Street in Dorchester on Tuesday afternoon after a five-hour-plus negotiation ended in a hail of bullets.
“During those negotiations, the individual fired at the officers, striking three officers on scene,” said Superintendent-in-Chief Gregory Long who is Boston’s Acting Police Commissioner.
And police say it started when Dashaun Wright, 37 years old, pulled a gun on people inside a home at 29 Ferndale. Julie Clark, who says she is his stepmother, says it was aimed at her and her son.
“I came in this morning and I asked him to leave. He just pulled out a gun and put it to his brother’s head,” Clark said.
After a 911 call, police quickly filled the street not far from Codman Square.
“As a result SWAT assets were brought down here as well as BP negotiators,” said Superintendent in Chief Long.
Negotiators spent more than five hours trying to get Wright to surrender but police say he shot first.
“As a result of being fired upon, officers on scene returned fire, striking the suspect,” said Superintendent in Chief Long.
Wright died at the scene. The officers were rushed to the hospital. But Superintendent in Chief Long says recent attacks on police take a toll on officers.
“In the last three days, we’ve had four Boston Police officers suffer injuries as a result of facing lethal force. Again, this highlights the dangers the men and women face every day they put on this uniform,” said Superintendent in Chief Long.
Suffolk County District Attorney Rachel Rollins, whose office will investigate the shootings, acknowledged the risks police face.
“I would say ultimately law enforcement still shows up every day,” said DA Rollins.
Acting Boston Mayor Kim Janey and Mayor-elect Michelle Wu were at Boston Medical Center to meet with injured officers. Mayor Janey released the following statement:
“I want to thank the officers of the BPD for their service and professionalism today. My sympathies are with those who were shot and injured, along with their families. The City of Boston will support the District Attorney’s full investigation of this case. The recent incidents that resulted in violence against police officers are reminders of the need to address unresolved trauma in our communities.”
Mayor-elect Michelle Wu’s office released the following statement regarding the shooting:
“I have been briefed about the tragic incident unfolding in Dorchester, and will be monitoring this developing situation closely. My prayers tonight are with the injured officers, their loved ones, and those in our community who have repeatedly had to face violence and trauma in our neighborhoods in the past week.”
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