Dorchester man threatens police with fake gun: BPD

A Dorchester resident was arrested after he allegedly threatened officers and pointed a replica handgun at them before being subdued after a brief struggle.

Around 11:55 p.m. on Monday, officers responded to a report of a man with a gun near 16 Howe St. in Dorchester, Boston police reported. When they arrived, police found a man matching the suspect’s description sitting on a chair in a driveway.

As they approached the man, later identified as 53-year-old William Gallop, officers heard him yelling derogatory anti-police statements before they saw him lift what was thought to be a small revolver from his lap and point it at the approaching officers, authorities stated. As they drew their firearms, one officer grabbed Gallop’s arm and knocked the gun from his hand before a physical struggle ended with the suspect handcuffed on the ground.

Further investigation showed that Gallop’s firearm was a replica, officials added. Police also recovered a set of nunchucks and two plastic bags thought to contain marijuana from the suspect’s property.

While he was being booked into a police station in Dorchester, Gallop allegedly threatened the arresting officers, the Boston Globe reported. “I know people, I will blow your house up,” Gallop was quoted. “Here comes the revolution. … I’ll blow this police station up. … I’m ready to die.”

Gallop was charged with assault by means of a dangerous weapon, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and unlawfully carrying a dangerous weapon, authorities added.

“This is what police are faced with on a daily basis. Again, these officers used incredible restraint when faced with threats and a very real-looking replica revolver,” Police Commissioner William Evans stated.”These are troubling times, and I’m thankful everyone involved in this incident is going home safe, especially my officers.”