SECOND VICTIM SELF-APPLIES TO LOCAL HOSPITALPOLICE ARREST SUSPECT ON FIREARM CHARGE
Boston Police are actively investigating a shooting incident that injured a 7 year-old boy.
On Monday June 30, 2008 at about 6:56pm, officers from District B-2 (Roxbury) responded to a radio call for shots fired (detected on the Shotspotter system) at 1427 Tremont Street. While en route, officers were dispatched to 10 Smith Street for a report of a person shot. Upon arrival, officers located a young boy suffering from an apparent gun shot wound. He was rushed to Boston Medical Center Pediatrics where he is now currently listed in stable condition.
Simultaneously, an officer performing a paid detail was alerted by security at Brigham and Women’s Hospital that there was a person shot located in the emergency room. Officers observed an 18 year-old black male suffering from a non-life threatening gunshot wound, who self-applied to the hospital seeking treatment.
Detectives believe these two incidents are connected. The preliminary investigation indicates that two males traveling in a Honda heading down Tremont Street toward Parker Street were approached and fired upon by a suspect on a bicycle. The driver was struck once in the torso and continued to drive. Shortly thereafter, the two individuals in the Honda see the suspect on his bicycle in the Sewall Street area and return fire. Investigators believe that a stray bullet from this incident struck the 7 year-old boy.
The 18 year-old suffering from a gunshot wound is then driven (in the Honda) to Brigham and Woman’s hospital. Further information developed led detectives to arrest the second individual in the vehicle. Officers arrested Kenny Francois, 18, of Hyde Park and charged him with unlawful possession of a firearm; the firearm has not yet been recovered.
Boston Police Commissioner Ed Davis stated, ““The wanton disregard for the lives of children as a result of random gunfire is unconscionable. I believe that people who participate in this activity should be committed by the court to a life sentence.”
Boston Police continue to actively investigate the facts and circumstances surrounding this incident. We will provide additional information as it becomes available.
Detectives are asking witnesses or individuals with information about this shooting to come forward. Please call the Detectives from District B-2 at 617-343-4275. For individuals who wish to remain anonymous, you are urged to call either the CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 1-800-494-TIPS (8477) or text ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463). Police will protect the identity of those who wish to remain anonymous.
