Boston's South End turned into an active crime scene Sunday night when a person was shot at the busy intersection of Washington Street and East Berkeley Street, according to police. Officers were called to the area around 7:42 p.m., where they found one person suffering from a gunshot wound and rushed the victim to a nearby hospital. No arrests have been reported, and investigators say the case remains very much open.
Police response and investigation
According to NBC Boston, officers arrived at the intersection at about 7:42 p.m. and located a single victim, who was transported to a local hospital. The outlet reported there was no immediate word on the victim's condition. Boston police told NBC Boston that no arrests had been made, and detectives are continuing to investigate what led up to the gunfire.
Timing and neighborhood context
The shooting took place just hours after South Boston's annual St. Patrick's Day parade, which ran Sunday and drew large crowds, according to the South Boston Parade. The intersection of Washington and East Berkeley sits inside the South End's SoWa art and design district, an area packed with galleries, studios, and weekend markets described by the SoWa Artists Guild.
Where this fits in Boston's recent crime trends
Citywide, Boston has seen homicides and shootings decline in recent years, a trend public safety researchers consider when assessing isolated incidents, according to the Vera Institute. Public safety experts, including Dr. Shea Cronin of Boston University, have credited coordinated work between city agencies and community groups as one factor in the drop in crime, BU Today reports.
How to report tips
Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to contact Boston police. The department's Crime Stoppers page lists options for anonymous tips, including calling 1-800-494-TIPS, texting TIP to CRIME (27463), or using its online form, per the Boston Police Crime Stoppers page. The Boston Police Homicide Unit can also be reached directly at 617-343-4470.
Authorities have not released additional details about the circumstances surrounding the shooting. This story will be updated as Boston police provide more information.
