James Sanders, 18, of Roxbury is expected to be arraigned in a hospital bed at the Boston Medical Center on Friday, June 10, 2011. The arraignment comes one day after Sanders was observed taking part in a drug transaction in the area of 18 Trotter Court. Sanders will be charged with Assault & Battery on a Public Employee, Resisting Arrest and Possession with Intent to Distribute a Class B Drug.
At about 7:27pm, on Thursday, June 9, 2011, officers from Area D-4 (South End) were on patrol in the area of 18 Trotter Court when they observed Sanders engaged in what appeared to be a drug transaction. However, when officers approached, Sanders took off on foot in an effort to escape capture. The suspect was struck by a vehicle as he continued to flee across Washington Street. After a lengthy foot pursuit, officers were able to catch up to the suspect in the area of 1850 Washington Street. As officers attempted to take the suspect into custody, a physical altercation ensued wherein the suspect violently fought and resisted the officer’s efforts to affect the arrest. During the struggle, the officer’s firearm discharged. The discharge struck the suspect who was subsequently transported to the Boston Medical Center where he’s being treated for non-life threatening injuries.
The incident is under investigation by the BPD Firearm Discharge Investigation Team, as well as, the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office.