Somerville cop shot in line of duty
By O’Ryan Johnson | Wednesday, November 3, 2010 | http://www.bostonherald.com | Local Coverage
SHATTERED: A car riddled with bullet holes is investigated by detectives last night on Gibbens Street.
Photo by Matthew Healey
A decorated Somerville police officer working with federal agents was shot in the chest last night on Gibbens Street when they went to serve a warrant and gunfire erupted, authorities said.
The officer was taken to Massachusetts General Hospital, where he was in critical but stable condition last night, a source said. The suspect, who had opened fire on officers, was shot and killed, according to The Associated Press. Police did not release the name of the officer or suspect.
Law enforcement sources said the Somerville officer was connected with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and had been working with ATF agents in recent months. He was with two ATF agents yesterday about 6:30 p.m. when they went to serve a warrant on Gibbens Street.
At some point during the arrest there was an exchange of gunfire, the source said.
Somerville Police Chief Michael Cabral said the veteran officer was the first Somerville cop he knows of to be shot in the line of duty.
“I’ve been on the job 23 years, and I’ve never had to come to come down here for something like this,” he said, addressing reporters with Somerville Mayor Joseph Curtatone in front of the hospital last night.
Curtatone said he has known the officer and his family for years. Several members of the officer’s family are holding vigils inside their homes tonight and praying for his safe recovery, Curtatone said. A source said two bullets were removed from the officer’s chest and his hand was also injured.
“He’s an extraordinary officer,” Curtatone said. “He comes from a great family. We’re asking everyone to pray for him.”
Middlesex District Attorney Gerard Leone’s office, which is investigating, had no immediate comment. ATF also declined to comment last night.
Article URL: http://www.bostonherald.com/news/regional/view.bg?articleid=1293521
