Police say officers recovered a loaded rifle and made three arrests after a late-night gathering in Dorchester became increasingly disorderly.
BOSTON, Mass. — Three people were arrested and a loaded rifle was recovered during an early Thursday morning police response to an unruly gathering in Boston’s Dorchester neighborhood, according to the Boston Police Department.
Officers assigned to District B-2 (Roxbury) were on directed patrol at approximately 2:05 a.m. near Magnolia Street and Intervale Street when they noticed a vehicle illegally parked in a posted tow zone.
Police said a records check revealed the vehicle’s registered owner had an active felony warrant from South Boston District Court for larceny over $1,200.
After additional officers arrived because of a large group gathered nearby, police attempted to arrest the registered owner. Investigators said the woman refused to identify herself and resisted arrest before eventually complying.
Police identified her as 22-year-old Dejhaunna Howard-Armstrong, of Randolph.
At the same time, officers approached a group inside a nearby park. According to police, several people walked away, but officers noticed a man leave a backpack behind on a bench.
Investigators said officers felt what appeared to be a rifle inside the backpack before opening it and recovering an Aero Precision 5.56 NATO rifle loaded with 31 rounds of ammunition. Police also recovered a magazine containing 20 additional rounds.
The man, identified as 28-year-old Tahjay Jones of Dorchester, was arrested.
Jones is expected to be arraigned in Dorchester District Court on charges including carrying a loaded firearm, third offense; firearm possession with a prior violent or drug crime; possession of a large-capacity firearm; possession of ammunition without an FID card; and trespassing.
Police said that while officers were processing the scene, the crowd became increasingly agitated, refused orders to disperse, pulled down crime scene tape and moved toward the secured area.
Officers arrested 27-year-old Jarell Brown, of Dorchester, on a charge of disorderly conduct.
The charges are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Key Points
- Boston police recovered a loaded rifle during an overnight incident in Dorchester.
- Three people were arrested, including a man facing multiple firearm charges.
- Police said the crowd became disorderly and interfered with the crime scene.
