Officers Arrest Female, Recover Firearm and Ballistics Following ShotSpotter Activation in Dorchester
Keeping Boston Safe: At about 12:37 AM on Friday, March 20, 2026, officers assigned to District B-3 (Mattapan) responded to a ShotSpotter Activation in the area of 16 Bradlee Street in Dorchester.
Upon arrival, officers observed a female suspect who attempted to obscure herself by crouching behind a parked motor vehicle. Officers approached the female who was holding a small black and brown firearm in her hand. Officers immediately secured the firearm and asked the suspect if she possessed a valid license to carry, which she denied. The female suspect was then placed under arrest. Officers recovered three live rounds on the suspect’s person as well as six small plastic bags containing a substance believed to be crack cocaine and a small plastic bag containing a leafy green substance believed to be marijuana. Officers recovered ballistic evidence in front of 16 Bradlee Street.
The firearm was determined to be a F.I.E. .25 caliber pistol.
Officers arrested Qualiah Johnson, 34-years-old, of Roxbury. Johnson is charged with Carrying a Firearm without a License, Unlawful Possession of Ammunition, Discharging a Firearm within 500 feet of a Building, Possession of a Class B Substance, and Possession of a Class D Substance.
Johnson is expected to be arraigned in Dorchester District Court.
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.
