Verbal Altercation in the area of 270 Columbia Road Enables Police to Arrest Two and Seize a Firearm

At about 3:45 pm, on Monday, December 17, 2012, Boston School Police officers observed two teen-aged males attempting to enter the front entrance of the Lilla G. Frederick Middle School located at 270 Columbia Road. When approached by the officers, the males stated they were there to observe the basketball tryouts. Upon hearing this, school officers informed the individuals that they could not be on the property and escorted them away from the building. A short time later, school officers learned that the same two individuals, along with two additional males, had returned to the property and were involved in a verbal altercation with a male student outside the school gym. Upon seeing the verbal altercation, school officials and school police moved in to break up the exchange. Officers later learned that one of the suspects threatened the victim with a firearm.

Upon seeing the approaching officers, all four suspects took off running. Officers were, however, able to detain one of the suspects. After a brief altercation, officers were able to subdue Kwame Browder, 17, of Dorchester. Browder was arrested and charged with Trespassing, Assault & Battery on a Police Officer and Resisting Arrest.

A description of the other three suspects was promptly broadcast over the police radio. In short time, officers observed two males matching the description of the suspects walking in the area of Devon Street. Officers noted that one of the suspects was carrying a backpack. However, as officers approached, officers observed the suspect place the backpack on the ground, walk a short distance and then stop. Officers immediately ordered both suspects to the ground. A search of the backpack enabled officers to see and seize a firearm. Officers subsequently arrested the suspect, Dashaun Harris, 22, of Dorchester, and charged him with the Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.