Two men were arrested in Roxbury yesterday for drug and firearm offenses, marking a significant break in a case that began with a shooting incident in 2021. Officers from the Boston Police Fugitive Unit apprehended 37-year-old Evan Velez of Dorchester, and 30-year-old Emmanuel Arnauld of New York City, NY. The arrest took place after officers conducted surveillance near 58 Cedar St., Roxbury, and spotted the suspects engaging in suspicious activity.
According to the Boston Police Department's official report, the scene unfolded when a pickup truck drove into a parking lot with its driver remaining inside while the engine ran. Velez joined the driver shortly after in the vehicle. This activity prompted officers to move in and execute an arrest on Velez for his outstanding warrant related to firearms.
During their intervention, officers discovered a sizeable amount of cash on Velez, believed to be organized for drug distribution. A more thorough investigation of the truck unveiled 513 grams of cocaine concealed under the driver's seat. Arnauld, who was operating the vehicle at the time of the incident, was taken into custody along with Velez. Both men face charges that include firearm offenses and intent to distribute controlled substances.
The series of events leading to these arrests began with a call about a person shot at 360-B Centre St., Jamaica Plain, back in July of 2024. Responding officers found evidence of ballistic and a man with gunshot wounds who was then taken to a hospital by Boston EMS. Velez had since been a person of interest, resulting in an arrest warrant for carrying a firearm without a license. Velez is set for arraignment in Roxbury District Court with charges that carry severe implications for carrying a firearm without a license and conspiracy to violate drug laws. Arnauld also faces arraignment for his alleged involvement in drug trafficking and possession with the intent to distribute Class B drugs.
These arrests underscore an ongoing effort by Boston law enforcement to track down and detain individuals linked to violent crimes and narcotics distribution. The suspects now await their day in court where the judicial process will determine their fate.
