Two arrested in July 4 shooting
Girl, 8, and man injured at Dorchester playground
Two men were arrested Friday afternoon in connection with the Fourth of July shooting in Dorchester that injured two people, including an 8-year-old girl, police said.
During a press conference late Friday night, police Commissioner William Gross said officers from District B-2 and members of the gang unit Youth Violence Strike Force arrested two men earlier that afternoon in Mattapan.
Boston residents Ian King, 28, and Nathas Jacquecine, 31, are charged with assault with intent to murder, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition and discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a dwelling.
Police say the two suspects shot the 8-year-old child and a 35-year-old man at the Mary Hannon Park on Dudley and Folsom streets as residents were celebrating the Fourth of July.
Both suspects are schedhave uled to be arraigned in Dorchester District Court on Monday.
“Unfortunately, when we have to give sound bites at these crime scenes, it’s that we really appreciate the fact that if the community works in partnership with us, we will solve these crimes,” said Gross. “Everyone needs to know that it’s not everybody in the community committing these crimes … usually repeat violent offenders, and that totals about 1.5 to 2% of individuals.”
Gross said the community’s help was instrumental in finding the culprits: “It sends a message that those individuals that think they can do what they want, that thumb their nose at the laws, that now we have the community working with us again. This will not be tolerated.”
The 35-year-old man, who was shot in the torso, appears to have been the target of the shooting, Gross said, adding that Mayor Martin Walsh and Suffolk County District Attorney Rachael Rollins visited the 8-year-old victim, who was shot in the foot.
“The best personality that I’ve seen in a while,” Gross said about the child. “I think the kid should have her own Nickelodeon show. And that’s what, quite frankly, pissed me off even more. A kid like that, her death would’ve been a tragedy.”
“Anytime our children in our neighborhoods are injured as a result of senseless violence by individuals who are violating our constitutional rights to enjoy our freedoms, it’s a shame,” Gross continued. “I’m telling you right now — people do care, and they’ve had enough of the 1 or 2% that commit the senseless acts of violence. That’s why I always add too: electronic bracelets, stay-away orders — none of that works. They need to be rehabilitated behind bars.”
Also, on Saturday, a spokeswoman for Boston police said a man was shot in the groin in Roxbury.