BOSTON — One person is dead and another is seriously injured after an incident with an armed suspect outside of Brigham & Women’s Hospital led to a police pursuit and officer-involved shooting.
Boston Police were called to Fenwood Road around 9:20 a.m. Friday for reports of a person with a gun. In a news conference Friday afternoon, Boston Police said when officers got to the scene, they found an adult male who they say pulled out what appeared to be a gun and pointed it at officers. Police say officers shot at the suspect, who then allegedly physically assaulted the officers before getting into a car and fleeing.
The incident at the hospital prompted an active shooter alert, which was cleared soon after.
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Boston Police and Mass. State Police troopers pursued the suspect into Brookline where he hit multiple cars before crashing in the area of Route 9 and Hammond Street. After crashing, police say the suspect got out of the car and was ordered to drop the gun, which he allegedly did not. Multiple officers, including the state trooper, then fired at the suspect.
The video below shows the moment authorities fired at the suspect after he crashed his car on Route 9.
He was taken to Beth Israel Hospital where he was pronounced dead. The Norfolk County DA’s office has identified him as 41-year-old Juston Root.
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In the news conference Friday, police say while on scene in Brookline, police learned that an employee of Brigham & Women’s had been shot. Police said the employee, who is a member of the hospital’s valet team, is in critical condition. The hospital tweeted soon after that he is in serious, but stable condition.
That employee’s identity has not been released. On Saturday evening, that victim was in stable condition at Brigham & Women’s.
When asked if the hospital employee was shot in the crossfire, Boston Police officials said it was under investigation. Two Boston Police officers had to be evaluated for minor injuries but have since been released from the hospital.
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Brigham Health sent Boston 25 News a statement Friday afternoon:
“Brigham Health is tremendously grateful to the Boston Police Department for its immediate response to today’s active shooting incident on the streets outside of our hospital. We are also grateful to our colleagues for ensuring the safety of our patients, visitors and each other. Our colleague who was injured is being cared for by our clinical team and we are confident he is in the very best hands. The hospital is returning to normal operations, but traffic around the hospital remains challenging.”
— Erin McDonough, Chief Communication Officer
Police say the investigation is ongoing. The Suffolk County District Attorney and Norfolk County District Attorney are involved in the investigation.
The suspect vehicle was towed from the scene in Brookline just before 5 p.m. All lanes have reopened to traffic.
Police say this is an isolated incident and there is no threat to the public.
WATCH: Boston Police news conference:
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