A mysterious black bag on the sidewalk was enough to bring a chunk of Downtown Crossing to a halt Wednesday morning, as Boston police roped off part of Chauncy Street and launched an investigation, officials said. Detectives were seen working the scene and talking with witnesses, and as of late morning, police had not announced any arrests.
According to WHDH, officers initially taped off the immediate area around the bag before widening the perimeter as investigators examined both the item and the surrounding sidewalk. Details were scarce, and the station reported that the probe was still active as officers canvassed nearby businesses for surveillance video.
Late-night shooting earlier in the week
Wednesday’s police presence came just days after a late-night shooting on Tremont Street near Boston Common that left a man with non-life-threatening injuries. The Boston Globe reported that officers responded shortly before 10:30 p.m. Thursday, and that the victim was taken to a hospital while detectives searched the area for evidence and leads.
Chauncy Street has seen weapons incidents before
The Downtown Crossing and Chauncy Street corridor has already been on police radar for weapons-related incidents in recent years. In June 2024, Boston Police said officers recovered a loaded handgun after a private security guard reported seeing someone drop what looked like a firearm near Chauncy and Summer streets. Boston Police Department records indicate officers later arrested a suspect in connection with that case.
How to help investigators
Police are asking anyone with information or video related to Wednesday’s investigation to contact detectives. The City of Boston says anonymous tips can be submitted through CrimeStoppers at 1-800-494-TIPS or by texting TIP to 27463. The ask for footage after another downtown shooting shows investigators have been leaning heavily on bystander video in recent downtown cases.
