At approximately 2:28 PM on Saturday, July 25, 2026, officers assigned to District B-2 (Roxbury) responded to a radio call for a pedestrian struck in the area of Blue hill Avenue and Castlegate Road in Dorchester.
Upon arrival, officers observed the victim lying in the middle of the aforementioned intersection. The victim was transported to a local hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries. Officers searched the area for the suspect’s vehicle, but were unable to immediately locate it.
As additional officers and detectives arrived at the scene, they were able to determine that the suspect vehicle intentionally sped up and struck the victim who was operating a scooter, before fleeing up Blue Hill Avenue towards Seaver Street. The victim’s scooter was taken from the scene by an unknown male and has yet to be recovered.
Later in the day, officers located the suspect and his vehicle in the area of Blue Hill Avenue and American Legion Highway. The suspect was taken into custody.
Officers arrested Jhonny Ruiz Soto, 21-years-old, of Dorchester. Soto is expected to be arraigned in Dorchester District Court on charges of Second Degree Murder and Leaving the Scene of Personal Injury or Death.
The Boston Police Department Homicide Unit is actively investigating the facts and circumstances surrounding this incident. Anyone with information is urged to contact Homicide Unit detectives at 617-343-4470.
Community members wishing to provide information anonymously may do so through the Boston Police CrimeStoppers Program by calling 1-800-494-TIPS, by texting the word “TIP” to CRIME (27463), or by visiting the Boston Police CrimeStoppers website. Photos and videos may also be submitted anonymously. The Boston Police Department protects the identities of all individuals who provide information anonymously.
Those impacted by this incident are encouraged to contact the Boston Neighborhood Trauma Team, which provides free, confidential, 24/7 emotional support. A trained provider can be reached at (617) 431-0125.