Four Arrested and Eight Injured in Mass Shooting at Boston’s J’ouvert Parade
Boston was struck by tragedy as a mass shooting erupted during the J’ouvert Parade, a key event in the city’s Caribbean Festival. The incident resulted in four arrests and left eight individuals injured. The violence unfolded in Dorchester, Boston, around 7:43 a.m. on Saturday when authorities received multiple reports of shots being fired near Blue Hill Avenue and Talbot Avenue.
At the scene, the police swiftly apprehended Gerald Vick and Dwayne Francis, both aged 30. Vick was found in possession of a 9mm pistol equipped with a large capacity magazine and a Glock switch that enables continuous firing. Additionally, Francis was discovered carrying a loaded 9mm pistol, according to WFXT. The two individuals were charged with unlawful possession of a firearm.
Among the eight victims, six men and two women were injured during the incident. Five men and one woman were taken to the hospital for treatment, while two victims with graze wounds declined medical attention. In their investigation, the police obtained video footage capturing two men involved in the initial gunfire.
One of the victims, 21-year-old Sebastian Fernandez, sustained a leg injury. Despite his wound, Fernandez managed to reach a nearby tow lot, where officers applied a tourniquet to help stop the bleeding before he was transported to a hospital.
Fernandez himself was later arrested in connection with the shooting and is currently being held under guard at the hospital. Notably, no firearm was found on his person. The second individual involved initially managed to escape, but officers eventually apprehended a 17-year-old male teen matching the suspect’s description on Westview Street. The teen was found in possession of a Polymer 80 pistol with a Glock switch and arrested for firearm possession. Authorities are also investigating his potential involvement in the shooting.
Mayor Michelle Wu and Police Commissioner Michael Cox provided updates to the public following the incident. Mayor Wu expressed gratitude to the Boston Police Department for their prompt response and apprehension of all individuals involved in the shooting. She emphasized the city’s commitment to ensuring community safety and pledged to support the prosecution of those responsible. Commissioner Cox condemned the individuals’ complete disregard for human life, as their actions endangered hundreds of people during a cultural celebration. He commended the officers for their quick and professional response and underscored the city’s resolve in identifying and apprehending anyone who engages in such violence.
This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for continued efforts to prevent gun violence and protect public safety. The investigation into the mass shooting at Boston’s J’ouvert Parade remains ongoing, with authorities working diligently to gather further evidence and bring justice to the victims and their community.
