Two men charged in shooting of Boston Police officer held without bail

BOSTON — Two men charged in connection with the non-fatal shooting of a Boston police officer have been held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing.

The officer, a five year veteran of the force, was shot in the calf while on patrol Sunday, Boston Police Commissioner William Gross said. His injuries are not considered life-threatening.

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Gross said members of the Youth Violence Strike Force had come across a vehicle double-parked on West Springfield Street, with blaring music, when they noticed three men sitting on the steps of an apartment building. After making eye contact with the officers, Gross said the men stood up and clutched something at their waists, which he said were the "characteristics of an armed gunman."

The men then went into the apartment building and tried to hold the door closed to prevent the officers from entering, Gross said. After eventually gaining access to a common hallway, one of the officers was shot in the calf. The officer was taken to Brigham and Women's Hospital, where Gross said he was "doing fine." The officer's name has not yet been released.

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Reports of one of the suspects barricading himself in the apartment caused police to initially treat the incident as a potential hostage situation.

Police initially said three people were in custody on Sunday. Only two have been identified and are facing charges Monday morning. Raquon Martin, 21, of Boston, and 36-year-old Antoine Mack, of Pawtucket, Rhode Island were arrested and charged with armed assault to murder; unlawful possession of a firearm; unlawful possession of a loaded firearm; discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a building; unlawful possession of ammunition; and assault and battery by means of a dangerous weapon.

Not guilty pleas to charges including attempted murder were entered on their behalf  at their arraignment Monday.

Mack's attorney said his client wasn't involved in the shooting.

Martin's attorney indicated his client wants to testify in his own defense at Wednesday's dangerousness hearing.

A search warrant on Monday led to police recovering two firearms in connection to the shooting.

Neighbors found themselves either locked in or out of the active perimeter during the chaotic situation, all coming in the midst of what seemed like a routine Sunday afternoon.

"Just to see this happening in our neighborhood is crazy," Yash Vazirani said.

The shooting was followed by an incoming presence of SWAT and hostage negotiators, creating a concerning situation for residents.

"We were walking by as the rush of cop cars and SWAT teams were putting up the police tape," Alaina Geary said.

When one of the suspects made his way into an apartment, police and neighbors feared that things could get worse.

"I'm thinking, 'I don't know what's going on,'" Jim Linehan said. "Just not respecting any sense or order, I'm quite concerned."

After the incident, Gross made sure everyone knew how dangerous of a job the officers responding in these situations have.

"From ambushes to the death of three officers, it’s now a very dangerous job," Gross said. "It is our job to patrol and protect the people of Boston, and unfortunately, some people take that out against us."

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

Cox Media Group