Last night around 10:27pm an off-duty Boston Police Detective heard several gunshots in the area of Blue Hill Avenue and Landor Road and went to investigate. The detective observed a suspect, later identified as Tracy Howard, 22 of Dorchester, walking on Blue Hill Avenue firing a gun. The detective identified himself as a police officer and violent struggle ensued with Howard firing the gun towards the detective. The detective was able to knock the gun from Howard’s hand and hold him until the arrival of backup. At this point other units from District 3 arrived and Howard was taken into custody and is charged with; Assault by means of a Dangerous Weapon, Unlawful Possession of Firearm/Ammunition, and Firearm Discharged within 500 feet of a Dwelling. Howard also was suffering from an apparent stab wound to the chest from a fight inside 1166 Blue Hill Avenue moment before encountering the detective. A loaded 9mm handgun was recovered from the scene. Boston Police Homicide Detectives are investigating a discharge of the detective’s firearm during the struggle. The detective was taken to an area hospital for evaluation and released. Howard was also treated for a non-life threatening stab wound and released.While investigating the incident, officers were approached by two victims. One, a 22-year-old male from Roxbury who told the officers that he was standing in front of the liquor store and saw a male shooting from inside a dark colored Jeep. This victim ran on Woolson Street and realized he had been shot in the arm. A second victim, an 18-year-old male from Hyde Park, stated that a bullet pierced his car windshield and he was struck in the forehead by debris. Both of these victims were taken to area hospitals and treated for non-life threatening injuries.
Simultaneously a call was received that a dark colored Jeep had crashed at 14 Sutton Street and the occupants fled on foot toward Morton Street. This vehicle was believed to be involved in the shooting and was taken into police custody.
A second suspect, a 16-year-old juvenile was arrested in connection with this incident. He too faces firearm and ammunition charges as well as assault and battery by means of a dangerous weapon.
This incident remains under investigation.
