Igor Peulic, 32, of Chelsea, was brought before Massachusetts General Hospital on Feb. 13 for his arraignment following a police-involved shooting that occurred two weeks prior. The court proceeding resulted in substantial bail being set.
Peulic faced charges including unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, carrying a loaded firearm, discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a building, and assault with a dangerous weapon. Assistant District Attorney Philip Cheng requested that Chelsea District Court Judge Matthew Nestor set bail at $25,000, a request the judge granted.
The incident began on Feb. 1 at approximately 12:30 a.m., when Chelsea Police officers patrolling Bellingham Square observed and heard gunfire near the Chelsea Walk. Prosecutors allege that Peulic, who was later identified as the gunman, fired multiple shots at a parked vehicle outside the establishment. The gunfire struck no one, according to preliminary evidence derived from witness statements, surveillance images, and other investigative materials.
After the shooting, Peulic fled on foot, with police pursuing him from Broadway to 5th Street and then to Chestnut Street as more officers arrived. According to prosecutors, Peulic disregarded officers’ commands to drop his weapon. An officer discharged his service weapon on Chestnut Street, striking Peulic once in the abdomen. Authorities recovered a loaded Dan Wesson .357 long barrel revolver from the scene.
Medical assistance was requested immediately, and officers provided first aid before Peulic was transported to Massachusetts General Hospital, where he remains receiving treatment.
The incident is under investigation by Suffolk prosecutors and State Police detectives assigned to the Suffolk DA’s office. Additionally, the Chelsea Police Department’s Professional Standards Division – Critical Incident Review Team is conducting a separate examination that will assess existing policy, tactics, and training related to the use of force in this situation.
David Yannetti represents Peulic, who is scheduled to return to court on March 11.