In a recent string of incidents in Somerville, Massachusetts, police have identified two juveniles suspected of firing airsoft rifles at passersby. The episodes occurred over Tuesday and Wednesday, instigating a swift response from local law enforcers who managed to locate two presumed assailants, reported to be in the age bracket of 13 to 15 years.
The sequence of events began on Tuesday, with victims targeted by the young bikers on various city streets. Among the incidents, WHDH reports a Somerville Department of Public Works employee was shot in the eye near Star Market. A person was also injured at Prospect Street and Somerville Avenue. Another was bruised on the Community Path between Gilman and Walnut streets, based on police statements.
According to NBC Boston, these airsoft guns, which discharge plastic pellets, are nonlethal but can still pose significant harm. This was highlighted when a person holding an infant became a target at Lincoln Park near Argenziano School; fortunately, there were no injuries in that instance.
Amidst concerns, Somerville Mayor Katjana Ballantyne denounced the violence: "I'm against all forms of violence in our community, absolutely," as reported by WHDH. Addressing the implications of these events, City Councilor Willie Burnley Jr. told NBC Boston, "This is probably illustrative of much deeper problems that that we need to address as a community." As the police continue their inquiry, the suspected teens were released into parental custody, with authorities considering a diversion program to possibly circumvent the filing of criminal charges.
The community's sense of security was visibly shaken by the ambition of such young individuals to commit random acts of assault. Boston.com reported the detention of two teens and the presence of a teacher during their questioning by police, although the full extent of their involvement remains under investigation, with authorities probing whether others may have been part of the series of assaults.
