BOSTON (WHDH) - A Boston police officer was in stable condition Friday night after he was shot in Roxbury, city officials said.
Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox said the officer initially saw a robbery in progress and approached a suspect, who opened fire in the area of Cedric Street. Cox said the officer was shot multiple times and was being treated at Boston Medical Center.
Cox said a suspect was arrested. Two other officers were also injured, though Cox said their injuries were not firearm-related.
“Thank goodness that officer who was struck multiple times is still with us” said Cox, who also called the situation “troubling.”
There was a large police presence seen in Roxbury after the shooting and the scene remained active with many officers and cruisers visible after 11 p.m. Several streets in the area were taped off, though some officers had left the scene.
Law enforcement personnel from several different agencies were seen outside Boston Medical Center shortly after the shooting. A Boston police cruiser was also spotted parked by a hospital entrance with crime tape wrapped around it.
In an update shortly before 11:30 p.m., Boston Mayor Michelle Wu thanked emergency crews and hospital personnel for their efforts after this incident.
“I am so relieved and grateful to know that the officer is safe and with loved ones right now,” she said.
“It’s a reminder of the risks that happen every single day, every hour of each day,” Wu later added.
Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden thanked community members for their support, promising a thorough investigation.
“We’re happy to know that he’s okay,” Hayden said.
The shooting of an officer comes after an uptick of violence in Boston and surrounding communities, with recent shootings in locations including Roxbury, Dorchester and Revere.
Cox and Mayor Wu discussed efforts to curb the violence late last month, announcing a plan which includes more community policing block parties, $19 million for summer jobs and efforts to act quickly when crime happens.
Contacted Friday night, community leader Rev. Kevin Peterson called the shooting of an officer “appalling.”
“This should never, never happen,” one other community leader said, going on to say “Cops should never be shot by civilians.”
The Massachusetts State Police also shared support for the injured officer on Twitter, writing “Tonight, our thoughts are focused on the Boston police officer shot tonight in Roxbury.”
“As always we proudly stand with our BPD brothers and sisters,” state police said.
This is a developing story; stay with 7NEWS on-air and online for the latest updates.
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