Tuesday brought pleasant weather, with winter’s grip finally loosening and the sun warm enough that people shed their heavy outerwear to enjoy the outdoors.
The afternoon calm shattered when gunfire erupted from a moving vehicle.
According to witnesses, occupants of a car—between two and four people—fired multiple rounds at an individual standing near the intersection of Central Avenue and Willow Streets. The location sits approximately 100 yards from the Boys & Girls Club, a facility that draws hundreds of children daily seeking refuge from street violence, and the shooting occurred just before the usual afternoon influx of young visitors.
Around 1:38 p.m. on Tuesday, police received a report of multiple shots fired in the vicinity of 255 Central Ave. Officers and Day Shift detectives arrived to find no apparent injuries, though witnesses identified a vehicle connected to the incident.
When police approached the vehicle, the driver accelerated rapidly and fled the scene. The chase proceeded toward Essex Street, where the vehicle lost control and struck a curb. The driver managed to escape on foot, but the passenger was apprehended by Chelsea Police.
Witnesses reported that bystanders had to scramble for safety as the vehicle sped through the neighborhood. The suspect was transported to Police Headquarters for questioning, and the vehicle was towed.
Street accounts suggested the shooting represented retaliation for a previous incident on Chester Avenue last month. Police maintained a visible presence in the area throughout the evening.
The bold midday shooting—occurring as students were leaving school—unsettled residents. Police Chief Brian Kyes responded with a firm statement: “fblikebutton_button”This brazen act of violence will not be tolerated on Chelsea Streets,”fblikebutton_button” he said. “fblikebutton_button”I am confident that our investigation will lead to the arrest of those involved.”fblikebutton_button”
The Chelsea Police Department encourages residents to contact the 24 hr Crime Stoppers TIP line at 617-466-4880 with anonymous information, or submit tips through the Police Departments website at www.chelseapolice.com.