‘Extremely dangerous’ standoff resolved
Cops arrest man who allegedly waved a gun on a South End sports field
The suspect had been on Boston’s Most Wanted list for armed robbery.
A 37-year-old man waving a gun on a South End sports field perilously near I-93 was taken into custody after a several-hour standoff with police.
The situation at Rotch Field sparked a major police response, warnings from Emerson College and apartment evacuations Tuesday afternoon. Police sharpshooters were seen taking up position on a nearby roof.
After about 7 hours, officers took Ernest Fields of Boston into custody along Albany Street. SWAT Police fired “less-lethal rounds” and struck Fields, who dropped the firearm, police said. The suspect had been on Boston’s Most Wanted list for armed robbery.
He was transported to a hospital for non-life-threatening injuries, and he’s facing several firearms charges. A loaded weapon was also found on him, police said.
“I can’t say enough about the job our officers did today,” Police Superintendent-in-Chief Gregory Long said after the lengthy standoff.
“It’s been a long day,” he added. “The patience, time they utilized, the restraint and the de-escalation tactics they used to turn an extremely dangerous situation into one with a peaceful ending without serious injury to anybody is incredible.”
Fields had been wanted for a recent armed robbery, according to police. When officers approached him at around 9:40 a.m., the suspect brandished a firearm and ran into the middle of Rotch Field, which is used by Emerson College athletics.
“EMERSON ALERT! Armed Person with unknown intent is reported at Rotch Field Boston campus,” Emerson College tweeted earlier on Tuesday. “Be alert.”
The college then followed that with, “Emerson Alert: UPDATE. BPD is off at Rotch Field. Police Activity is anticipated in the area for extended period.
“All Community members should avoid the area until advised otherwise,” the college added. “Further Updates, & when community members may return to the area will be shared when appropriate.”
All members of the Emerson community have been accounted for “to our knowledge,” according to a college spokesperson.
After the suspect was taken into custody, Emerson tweeted, “EMERSON ALERT! The emergency on the Boston Campus has ended. Rotch Field remains closed while BPD processes the scene. Update will be given via email when they are clear.”
Some nearby residents reported that they were evacuated from their apartments during the armed standoff.
“We just got evacuated,” a resident tweeted. “Cops going apt to apt telling us to get out.”
“We’re fine, but half the units in our building directly face the field with just a teeny alley between,” the resident added. “They cleared the entire block from E. Berkeley to Randolph.”