BOSTON, MA — Two 18-year-old men were arrested and a stolen firearm was recovered after one suspect punched a police officer in Dorchester on Monday night.
Members of the Youth Violence Strikeforce were on patrol in the area of Geneva Avenue at about 9:31 p.m. when they observed a large party on Westville Street.
Officers conducted a U-turn and observed four males standing still on all four corners of the intersection of Westville Terrace and Boyd Street.
The four individuals appeared to be standing guard acting as security for the party, according to police.
All four males were wearing hoods with masks covering their faces.
Officers exited their vehicle and approached the individuals.
As officers engaged the males in casual conversation, one of the males suddenly turned around and attempted to run from officers.
When an officer tried to prevent the male’s flight, the suspect turned around and punched the officer in the face with a closed fist.
The male was promptly taken into custody.
Simultaneously, additional officers on scene attempted to frisk a second male and immediately felt the handle of a firearm inside of the suspect’s waistband.
The suspect reached toward his waistband and attempted to flee.
A brief struggle ensued in which the suspect tried to reach for the firearm several times.
Officers were able to secure the firearm and place the second suspect into custody.
The firearm was determined to be a Smith and Wesson M&P 9c 9mm loaded with nine rounds of live ammunition.
Further investigation led to the discovery that the firearm had been reported stolen.
The remaining males were identified and released from the scene.
Armanti Perez-Taylor, 18, of Dorchester, is charged with assault and battery on a police officer and resisting arrest.
Khyier Winfield Young, 18, of Dorchester, is charged with carrying a loaded firearm without a license, carrying a firearm without a license, possession of ammunition without an FID card and receiving stolen property.
Both suspects are expected to be arraigned in Dorchester District Court.
