Police, DA Investigate Officer-Involved Shooting In Roxbury

BOSTON, MA — A Boston Police officer is in the hospital Friday morning after he was shot several times in the upper torso during a routine motor vehicle stop, Police Commissioner William Gross told reporters early Friday.

Police said the man who is believed to have shot the officer is dead. The officer was rushed to the hospital, but is expected to survive. The officer had only been on the force for a couple years, according to officials.

Friday afternoon, Suffolk County District Attorney Rachael Rollins said she planned to conduct an investigation independent of the police investigation.

"If anyone in the community has information on this incident they haven’t yet disclosed, they can feel safe bringing it to my attention," she said.

“By statute, this investigation and all decisions stemming from it rest exclusively with me, the District Attorney, independent of any other agency or individual. I pledge to base any decision I make exclusively on the facts, the evidence, and the law, and again I offer my prayers and condolences to both families impacted by this shooting.”

A call came in about 2:21 a.m. that an officer was shot on Gerard Street, near the corner of Allerton Street, police said.

Gross told reporters that during a routine traffic stop, someone inside the car shot at officers. There was an exchange of gunfire and the car drove off, he said. Police later found the car near 90 George Street, where a man in his mid 30s was found inside, dead. The commissioner said during an early morning press conference they also found a firearm in the car.

"The Boston police officer was transported to the Boston Medical Center where he's listed with non-life threatening injuries," said Gross, thanking the quick response and efforts of the hospital staff and first responders.

Allerton Street and George Street were both closed as police investigated. Images of the vehicle being towed away show what appear to be gun shot holes in the windshield.

Police are asking anyone with information to contact them as they investigate at 1-800-494-TIPS.

"Any loss of life is tragic and this morning’s events on Gerard Street are no exception. I want to express my relief that the injured officer is expected to survive," said Rollins. "I also want to express my deep sadness and sympathies for the family and loved ones of the man whose life was lost. They, too, are undoubtedly in shock at circumstances beyond their control."

• Patch will update this story.

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