Police: Officer fires on suspected gunman who refuses to stop car on crowded street

Boston Police report arresting a Roxbury man after he allegedly fired a gun near a nightclub letting out for the night, got stuck in traffic on Northampton Street, sped away from police, then crashed his car on Melnea Cass Boulevard and tried to run away from pursuing officers.

Police say Johnell Gilmore apparently fired his gun during some sort of dispute outside the garage at 7 Melnea Cass Blvd., around the corner from Rudi's, just getting out for the night around 2 a.m. On arrival, officers saw what appeared to be Gilmore's car, tried to get him to stop, but instead watched him speed down Northampton - where he got stuck in traffic:

Given the potential involvement of a firearm, officers, with guns drawn, approached the motor vehicle a second time in an effort to stop the car. While assessing the situation, officers noted several patrons crossing the street in front of the car. Upon engaging the vehicle, officers instructed and ordered all four occupants, several different times, to exit the car. Despite the lawful commands that were given, the passengers remained in the car and the operator, again refusing to listen to the officer’s lawful instructions, gunned the engine and took off.

In response to the threat, an officer discharged his department-issued firearm. Nevertheless, the suspect fled the area, barely missing several pedestrians who were forced to jump out of the way of the fleeing vehicle. Officers watched as the suspect’s motor vehicle struck a parked car and, then, took a right onto Melnea Cass Blvd.

A short time down the road, the suspect struck a second motor vehicle. Upon striking the second car, the suspect bailed out of his car and attempted to flee the area on foot. A search of the area enabled officers to locate and apprehend the suspect.

Gilmore was charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, failure to stop for a police officer, driving to endanger and leaving the scene of an accident.

Innocent, etc.