From BPD News
SIGNIFICANT ARREST: At about 10:24 PM on Tuesday, June 25, 2019, members of the Boston Police Fugitive Unit located and arrested Ernest Watkins, 21-years-old, of Dorchester in the area of Melville Avenue and Dorchester Avenue in Dorchester. Watkins is expected to be arraigned in Dorchester District Court on charges of Assault by means of a Dangerous Weapon, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, and Unlawful Possession of Ammunition.
The facts of the initial incident are as follows: At about 5:15 PM on Monday, June 24, 2019, officers responded to a radio call for shots fired in the area of 506 Geneva Avenue (Town Field) in Dorchester. On arrival, officers observed two black male suspects fleeing from the scene. Officers continued their pursuit of the suspects, one of whom fled up Mather Street while the other male, suspect #1, who was observed carrying a firearm, fled to the area of 10 Penhallow Street in Dorchester. Suspect #1 fired at the officers who returned fire. Suspect #1 was fatally wounded while the second suspect, who was later identified as Ernest Watkins, made good on his escape from officers. Officers continued to search the area for Watkins to no avail.
The Boston Police Department is actively reviewing the facts and circumstances surrounding this incident. Anyone with information is strongly urged to contact the Boston Police Firearm Discharge Investigations Team at (617) 343-4470.
Community members wishing to assist this investigation anonymously can do so by calling the CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 1 (800) 494-TIPS or by texting the word ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463). The Boston Police Department will stringently guard and protect the identities of all those who wish to help this investigation in an anonymous manner.
If you find yourself in need of emotional support or needing to talk to someone about distressing events in your community, the Boston Neighborhood Trauma Team (NTT) provides free, private support 24/7 at (617) 431-0125 or by visiting BPHC.org/trauma.
Maureen Dahill is the editor of Caught in Southie and a lifelong resident of South Boston sometimes mistaken for a yuppie. Co-host of Caught Up, storyteller, lover of red wine and binge watching TV series. Mrs. Peter G. Follow her @MaureenCaught.
