In a shocking incident that unfolded on Monday night, a man from Dorchester has been accused of shooting a Boston police officer. Avery Lewis, 31, was ordered to be held without bail at his arraignment, which took place in a courtroom at Dorchester District Court. The courtroom was filled with Boston police officers who gathered to show their support for the injured officer, who authorities say was saved by the bulletproof vest he was wearing.
Lewis faces an array of charges, including unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, unlawful possession of a large capacity feeding device, armed assault to murder, assault and battery with a firearm, discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a building, assault and battery of a police officer, possession of a firearm in commission of a felony, trafficking cocaine, and resisting arrest. Despite the severity of these charges, Lewis pleaded not guilty.
The incident occurred when the officer was responding to a domestic call on Esmond Street at approximately 9:30 p.m. According to the Boston Police, the injured officer was rushed to Boston Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries. “We are very fortunate tonight that our officer is going to be fine, at least physically,” said Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox. He emphasized the importance of bulletproof vests in safeguarding the lives of law enforcement officers.
The injured officer has been serving on the force for a little over two years, and his bravery and resilience were praised by Mayor Michelle Wu. “I’m just very grateful to all the first responders who made sure that he was okay and could get medical treatment as quickly as possible while also resolving the situation and the scene at the initial call,” she stated.
During the investigation, authorities recovered a firearm at the scene. This discovery further highlights the ongoing concern about the abundance of illegal guns on the streets. Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden expressed his worries about how this issue affects not only law enforcement officers but also the entire community. “We have to wrest control of the situation, not just from the law enforcement perspective but from a community perspective,” he emphasized.
Hayden believes that the incident serves as a turning point for the community, urging everyone to collectively say, “enough is enough.” It is crucial to address the underlying causes of gun violence and work towards creating a safer environment for all residents.
As this case unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by law enforcement officers every day. Their commitment to protecting the community often comes at great personal risk. The incident also highlights the need for stronger measures to combat the proliferation of illegal firearms. It is a call not only to law enforcement but also to the entire community to come together and demand change.
Stay tuned for further updates on this case as it progresses. Sign up for our newsletter to receive the latest news right in your inbox.
