BOSTON (WHDH) - A naked man was shot by Boston police responding to a 911 call reporting a breaking and entering near 1928 Beacon Hill Wednesday morning.
Boston police confirmed officers “were involved in an officer involved shooting” at 6:05 a.m.
The investigation centered on Charles Street and Mount Vernon Street, not far from the Massachusetts State House.
According to Boston Police Superintendent Paul McLaughlin, officers responded to a 911 call reporting a breaking and entering in progress in a rear alley. He said the suspect forced his way in the 1928 restaurant, which was closed at the time.
“You could hear all the commotion inside, it sounded like he was breaking glasses and dishes,” said one witness who was in the area when the break-in occurred.
— Boston Police Superintendent Paul McLaughlin speaks on officer-involved shooting —
Officers encountered the suspect, who was unclothed at the time and armed with a large knife. After officers tasered the suspect, which did not subdue him, McLaughlin said officers then discharged their firearms multiple times, striking the individual.
A couple on their way to the gym recalled the chaotic ordeal.
“The door was freshly smashed in. You could hear a bunch of commotion in the restaurant . As that was happening, two pest control guys ran out the back door. They were super rattled. They said a naked man had just barged in the front door, broken in. She called 911,” said one man who witnessed the shooting.
“The police started screaming ‘Boston police, Boston police!’ The guy ran out another side entrance and then we heard the taser go off and then the gunshot a few seconds later,” said a woman who witnessed the shooting.
Boston police said they tried non-lethal force first.
“An officer dispatched his department-issued taser, striking the suspect to no avail. Officers then discharged their department-issued firearms multiple times, striking the individual. He was immediately given first aid by the officers on scene,” said Boston Police Department Supt. Paul McLaughlin.
The suspect was transported to a local hospital with what are believed to be non-life-threatening injuries.
The officers involved were also transported to a local hospital for evaluation.
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu said she’s glad everyone involved is going to be okay.
“Again, another reminder of the risks and sacrifice that our our officers take on every single day . I’m very grateful that they are safe and everyone is recovering from this incident,” Wu said Wednesday.
1928 Beacon Hill announced on Instagram they will not be able to open Wednesday evening and are working to reopen as soon as possible.
1928 Beacon Hill also released a statement, saying in part, “The Boston Police Department took quick action to apprehend a severely disturbed person who broke into the restaurant this morning. We are grateful that it happened off hours and our staff and guests were not there. We want to thank the officers for their fast response, and we are cooperating with authorities to get them the information they need. We will not be commenting further as this is an active police investigation.”
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