BOSTON (WHDH) - Authorities are searching for a second suspect after Boston police officers shot and killed a 19-year-old man who allegedly opened fire on them after a brief foot pursuit in Dorchester Monday night, officials said.
Two Boston police officers on bicycles were responding to a reported shooting on Geneva Avenue just after 5:15 p.m. when they began pursuing two suspects who were seen leaving the scene, according to Boston police Commissioner William G. Gross.
Gross said the officers chased one of the suspects to Penhallow Street, where, despite numerous commands to drop the weapon he was holding, he allegedly shot at the officers, prompting them to return fire.
Although the officers immediately attempted to render first aid, Gross said the man, whose name was not released, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The second suspect was able to escape.
Neither officer was injured in the incident but both were taken to an area hospital for observation.
Boston police have spoken to several witnesses and are asking the public for any additional information.
One of those witnesses, Maria Lee told 7NEWS that she heard yelling before a hail of gunfire.
“I heard cops on bikes yelling drop the gun,” she said. “The cop looked like he was really hesitant to shoot, but then the kid shot. I think he shot in the air, but the kid shot anyway. He [cop] kept yelling put your gun down, put your gun down.”
The officers on bicycles were not equipped with body cameras but responding officers did. Gross says those recordings will assist authorities in the investigation.
Officials also said a firearm was recovered at the scene.
Mayor Martin J. Walsh and Suffolk District Attorney Rachel Rollins have been briefed about the shooting and Rollins’ Office is investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Boston Police. A free, anonymous hotline is available at 800-494-TIPS.
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