Boston police officer shoots driver during traffic stop

BOSTON — Some five hours after a traffic stop devolved into a shooting along Washington Street, Boston Police escorted a flat-bed tow truck hauling a silver sedan from a scene that had been cordoned off since before noon.

Almost simultaneously, frustrated residents, arriving home from work, were finally allowed back into their houses and apartments.

The incident began at 11:20 a.m. with that stop, the nature of which is unknown.

“During this traffic stop, a struggle ensued between the officers and the suspect over a firearm that was located inside the vehicle,” said Boston Police Superintendent and Chief Gregory Long. “During the struggle, one of the officers discharged her firearm, striking the subject.”

At no time did the driver’s firearm discharge, Long said. However, three officers were injured during the struggle and they, along with the suspect, were taken to the hospital.

All are expected to recover.

The suspect was arrested. Police had not identified the suspect on Thursday night, saying his name would be released after he has been “properly booked.”

He will be charged with:

· Three counts of Assault and Battery on a Police Officer

· Possession of a Firearm; subsequent offense

· Possession of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony

· Possession of a Loaded Firearm

· Possession of Ammunition

· Possession of Class B Drugs with Intent to Distribute; subsequent offense

· Resisting Arrest

Long said bodycam footage will help determine exactly what happened here. And the investigation will be handled by a special unit within the police department devoted to such incidents.

In addition, he said the Suffolk County D.A.’s office will separately investigate.

Other than saying the suspect was an adult male, Boston Police offered no other details about the driver -- nor did they say whether the traffic stop was random, routine, the result of a warrant or a rolling violation.

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