Boston police say a quick alert from the city’s ShotSpotter system on April 15 set off a chain of events that ended with two arrests and a cache of guns off the street in Roxbury. Officers responding to Abbotsford Street that night found ballistic damage on two parked cars and multiple spent shell casings, but no victims were reported at the scene. Follow‑up searches later turned up several firearms and rounds of ammunition that investigators say are tied to the case.
Investigators pieced together video and shell casings
Detectives from District B‑2 pulled footage from city‑owned cameras, private security systems and residential buildings to zero in on several people they believe were involved, according to the Boston Police Department. Ballistics specialists combed the Abbotsford Street scene after the April 15 ShotSpotter alert, collecting numerous shell casings, and a vehicle was towed for closer examination. During later searches, officers recovered clothing that investigators say matches what one individual was seen wearing on the night of the gunfire.
Two young suspects, multiple weapons and a stack of charges
Police say 18‑year‑old Dorchester resident Jahsan Mierez was arrested last Friday by the Youth Violence Strike Force working with the Massachusetts State Police gang unit, and a 16‑year‑old juvenile was picked up on Wednesday near New Chardon Street. A search of a Dorchester home turned up a Glock handgun, a revolver, an assault‑style rifle and several rounds of ammunition, along with clothing consistent with what one person had on during the shooting, according to the Boston Police Department. The department said that additional firearm charges are expected, and both suspects are facing counts that include unlawful possession, carrying a loaded firearm and assault by means of a dangerous weapon.
How the public can help
Detectives assigned to District B‑2 are asking anyone who knows more about the incident to call them at (617) 343‑4275 and are reminding residents that tips can be shared without giving a name. Community members can call 1‑800‑494‑TIPS, text "TIP" to CRIME (27463), or upload photos and video through the Boston Police CrimeStoppers portal, as outlined on the Boston Police Department's CrimeStoppers page.
Roxbury shootings under the microscope
The Abbotsford Street gunfire is the latest in a run of shootings in central Roxbury this spring and fits into a broader pattern of ShotSpotter activations that have kept detectives busy. For a look at a nearby incident earlier this month, see Gunfire On Blue Hill Ave, which details another shooting in the area.
