8 injured, 4 arrested in Boston shooting near Caribbean Festival

Four people were arrested and eight were injured after a shooting broke out in Dorchester, Boston on Saturday. The police said calls about shots fired came in around 7:43 a.m., in the area of Blue Hill Avenue and Talbot Avenue.

Attendees were gathered for the J'ouvert Parade, which is part of Boston's Caribbean Festival.

Gerald Vick and Dwayne Francis, both 30 years old, were arrested at the scene shortly after the shooting. Vick had a 9mm pistol with a large capacity magazine. It was also equipped with a "Glock switch," allowing the gun to fire continuously. Francis also had a gun, a loaded 9mm pistol, according to WFXT.

Both men were charged with unlawful possession of a firearm.

Six men and two women were shot during the incident. Five of the men and one of the women were taken to the hospital to be treated. Two victims received graze wounds and refused treatment.

Police obtained video footage that showed two men involved in the initial gunfire that broke out.

Sebastian Fernandez, 21, was shot in the leg during the incident. He limped to a nearby tow lot where he had a tourniquet used on him by officers. He was soon transported to a hospital to be treated, according to the Boston Police Department.

Fernandez was arrested for the shooting, and he is currently being held under guard at the hospital. There was no firearm found on him.

The second individual involved in the incident was initially able to escape. Officers caught up to a 17-year-old male teen matching the suspect's description on Westview Street. A Polymer 80 pistol with a Glock switch was found on the teen. He was arrested for possession of a firearm, and he is currently being investigated for his involvement in the shooting.

The BPD reported that Mayor Michelle Wu and Police Commissioner Michael Cox updated the public after the incident.

“I thank the Boston Police Department for their strong presence at this morning’s event and swift action to apprehend every individual involved in today’s shooting, and to the EMS and all first responders for their service today. Suspects from today’s shooting are in custody and multiple weapons have been recovered. We will not allow violence and illegal guns to endanger our community or public celebrations, and the City will diligently support the prosecution of those involved,” Wu said.

Cox added that “these individuals displayed a complete disregard for human life in the midst of one of the City’s cultural celebrations, endangering the lives of hundreds of people. We are proud of all of our officers for their quick and professional response in the speedy apprehension of these individuals. This should send a clear message to anyone who comes into our City that we will not stand for this type of violence and we will use all our means to identify you and apprehend you.”

Boston shooting that injured 7 unrelated to nearby parade, officials saywww.youtube.com

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