Shortly after 3 a.m. Friday, a patrol in Mattapan turned into a foot chase and gun recovery, according to Boston police. Officers from District B-3 say they spotted a man on Range Road who abruptly cut into a driveway and tried to conceal himself when he noticed their cruisers. After the man bolted, officers chased him on foot and later found him lying face down beside a residence. A K-9 team was called to the scene, and K-9 Cedric tracked the suspect’s path, leading officers to a handgun. Police say the 19-year-old was taken into custody and is expected to be arraigned in Dorchester District Court.
How K-9 Cedric helped recover the weapon
According to Boston Police Department, officers were on directed patrol in the Range Road area because of two recent ShotSpotter activations when they first saw the individual. Officers say the man jumped a fence and ran with his hands near his waistband before falling and being detained by multiple units. K-9 Cedric and his handler then searched along the suspect’s route and located a Glock 19, and detectives determined the magazine contained seven rounds and was capable of holding 15.
Charges and next steps
Per a Boston Police Department Facebook post, the arrested man was identified as Abrao De Melo Semedo Moreira, 19, of Dorchester, and was placed under arrest on multiple counts. The department lists charges including carrying a firearm without a license, carrying a loaded firearm without a license, possession of a large-capacity firearm, possession of ammunition without an FID card, trespass and resisting arrest. He is expected to be arraigned in Dorchester District Court, and district detectives were asked to process the recovered firearm.
Where this fits in the neighborhood
Mattapan’s B-3 unit has reported several firearms recoveries and patrol responses in recent weeks as officers step up directed patrols following ShotSpotter activations, according to Boston Police Department B-3. Police say proactive patrols like these are intended to remove illegal guns from the street and give detectives leads to follow. Community groups and neighborhood leaders continue to call for both enforcement and investment in local prevention programs.
Legal notes
The charges listed are criminal offenses that will be handled through the Boston Municipal Court system, and the arraignment is expected at the Dorchester Division. Details about arraignments and court procedures for the Dorchester Division are available on Mass.gov. As with any case, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
