Crime & Safety
Boston Police Officer Shot Valet Worker At Hospital: DA
Suffolk County DA Rachael Rollins said a police officer accidentally shot a valet worker while aiming for a suspect with a fake gun.
BOSTON — A Boston police officer shot a Brigham and Women's Hospital valet worker by mistake earlier this month while intending to shoot a man who had a fake gun during a chaotic scene earlier this month at the hospital's Longwood campus, Boston's top prosecutor said Tuesday.
Suffolk County District Attorney Rachael Rollins said on Feb. 7, Juston Root brandished a replica gun at the hospital when officers showed up. Harrowing video shows one of the officers approach Root, who pulls out what is now known to be the fake firearm. The officer retreats as he fires his gun at Root.
Root, who had a history of mental health issues, was later shot and killed by officers following a car chase that ended miles away on Route 9 in Brookline.
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Norfolk District Attorney Michael Morrissey is investigating the fatal Brookline shooting and is expected to provide more information on that aspect of the case.
The valet worker, who was struck in the head, was released from the hospital after several days.
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