BOSTON — Officers assigned to District C-11 conducted a directed patrol in the area of Freeport Street and Dorchester Avenue on Wednesday as part of an ongoing effort to address the illegal operation of motorized scooters across the city.
The initiative was developed in response to community concerns and reports of unsafe scooter use, including unlicensed and uninsured operators, underage riders, and the increasing involvement of scooters in violent incidents.
At about 10:25 a.m., officers observed a scooter being operated without a helmet or registration plate.
When approached, the operator, identified as 32-year-old Donta Lewis of Boston, attempted to flee.
During the encounter, Lewis resisted arrest and a struggle ensued.
He fled on foot but was quickly apprehended by responding officers.
While being pursued, Lewis discarded what appeared to be a firearm onto Dorchester Avenue.
The firearm was later recovered and processed by detectives.
Lewis was arrested and is expected to be arraigned in Dorchester District Court on charges including unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, carrying a loaded firearm on a public way, resisting arrest and multiple motor vehicle violations.
The motor vehicle violations include operating an unregistered and uninsured motor vehicle, operating without a license, operating to endanger, helmet violation and refusal to submit.
In addition to the firearm and scooter seized from Lewis, officers towed 12 additional scooters for infractions and issued multiple citations throughout the operation.
