Police shot and killed a man yesterday evening after he fled from officers during a traffic stop in the South End.
Police Commissioner Ed Davis said the incident started about 5:47 pm on Dartmouth Street when officers attempted to pull over the vehicle. Officers stopped the vehicle and the driver got out and ran for a few blocks before officers caught up with him on Yarmouth Place.
Police said he then produced a gun. Officers told him to drop the weapon, Davis said. They then fired at him.
The man, who was not identified, was hit once in the chest. He was taken to Boston Medical Center where he died.
The two officers involved in the chase were taken to a hospital for evaluation. They were not hurt, Davis said.
“There are video tapes. There are witnesses who have come back to headquarters to talk to us,” Davis said. There were survellience cameras on some of the buildings and along the route of the foot chase, Davis said.
Davis did not say Tuesday evening why the man was being pulled over by police.
A man who lives nearby the scene said he had just finished showering when he heard gunfire.
“I just got out of the shower and heard one or two gunshots, then all the squad cars,” said the man, who would only give his name as Jay.
Dozens of police officers rushed to the scene and closed down a portion of Columbus Avenue.
Those who lived on Yarmouth Street, next to Yarmouth Place, said the news was shocking.
“Oh my gosh, I’m very surprised to see the police. This doesn’t ever happen around here,” said Amarley Quaye, who has lived in the neighborhood for five years.
Residents said the neighborhood is relatively peaceful and despite the shooting they still feel safe.
The incident, which happened in the busy South End neighborhood and occurred near rush hour, brought out scores of curious onlookers. The scene is a short walk away from the Copley Place shopping center.
