On Thursday, January 22, 2026, at approximately 5:35 p.m., members of the Youth Violence Strike Force Unit, in collaboration with Boston Housing Police, Massachusetts State Police, and Transit Police, conducted a motor vehicle stop in the area of Washington Street and Norwell Street in Dorchester.
Officers observed a vehicle fail to yield to a pedestrian and child who were lawfully crossing in a marked crosswalk. While following the vehicle, officers were able to observe the operator through the vehicle’s windows and conducted a records inquiry, which indicated the operator did not possess a valid driver’s license.
Officers activated emergency lights and safely stopped the vehicle in the area of 3 Bowdoin Avenue in Dorchester. Further verification confirmed that both occupants of the vehicle were unlicensed, and an exit order was issued so officers could continue their investigation.
During the investigation, officers observed the operator displaying heightened concern and closely monitoring the search of the vehicle. While examining a gym bag in the trunk, officers discovered a concealed firearm inside a sock. As the firearm was located, the operator attempted to flee but was immediately taken into custody without injury.
The recovered firearm was identified as a Glock 23 .40 caliber handgun, loaded with eleven rounds in the magazine and one round in the chamber.
The operator of the vehicle was identified as Eric Barnes Jr., 20, of Hyde Park. He was placed under arrest and is expected to be arraigned in Dorchester District Court for the following charges:
- Carrying a Firearm Without a License
- Carrying a Loaded Firearm
- Possession of Ammunition Without an FID Card
- Possession of a Large Capacity Feeding Device
Barnes was also issued a Massachusetts Uniform Citation for the following offenses:
- Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle
- Failure to Yield to a Pedestrian in a Crosswalk