Dorchester, Boston, January 24, 2026
In Dorchester, law enforcement agencies recovered a firearm during a motor vehicle stop on Thursday evening. An individual was arrested after attempting to flee the scene. He now faces multiple charges, including carrying a firearm without a license. This incident highlights the ongoing efforts of the Boston Police Department’s Youth Violence Strike Force Unit to enhance public safety in the community.
Boston
A firearm was recovered, and an arrest was made in Dorchester on Thursday evening, January 22, 2026, following a motor vehicle stop. This action, occurring around 5:35 p.m., was conducted by the Boston Police Department’s Youth Violence Strike Force Unit in collaboration with Boston Housing Police, Massachusetts State Police, and Transit Police. The incident took place in the area of Washington Street and Norwell Street in Dorchester.
Details of the Incident
Officers initiated the motor vehicle stop after observing a vehicle fail to yield to a pedestrian and a child in a marked crosswalk. A records inquiry indicated the operator did not possess a valid driver’s license. Upon stopping the vehicle, officers confirmed both occupants were unlicensed and issued an exit order to continue their investigation. During a subsequent search of the vehicle, a firearm was discovered concealed inside a sock within a gym bag in the trunk. The individual, identified as Eric Barnes Jr., 20, of Hyde Park, attempted to flee as the firearm was located but was immediately taken into custody without injury. The recovered firearm was a Glock 23 .40 caliber handgun, loaded with 11 rounds in the magazine and one round in the chamber.
Charges Filed
Eric Barnes Jr. is expected to be arraigned in Dorchester District Court. He faces charges of carrying a firearm without a license, carrying a loaded firearm, possession of ammunition without an FID card, and possession of a large capacity feeding device. Additionally, Barnes was issued a Massachusetts Uniform Citation for unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and failure to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk.
Broader Context of Law Enforcement Efforts
These operations exemplify the diligent work of the Youth Violence Strike Force Unit, a specialized division of the Boston Police Department that focuses on deterring violence and addressing gang activity, particularly in neighborhoods like Dorchester. Their collaborative efforts with agencies such as the Boston Housing Police, who work to enhance public safety within residential developments, are a vital component of urban security strategies. Each firearm removed from circulation represents a potential path of harm averted, contributing to a broader sense of order and safety for residents. The consistent vigilance and targeted interventions by law enforcement, while routine in their procedural aspect, carry profound weight in the lives of those they protect, fostering an environment where individuals can move with greater security. Such events are a testament to an ongoing dedication to the safety and security of Boston’s neighborhoods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When did the firearm recovery and arrest occur in Dorchester?
- A firearm was recovered, and an arrest was made in Dorchester on Thursday evening, January 22, 2026, at approximately 5:35 p.m.
- Which law enforcement units were involved in the incident?
- Members of the Boston Police Department’s Youth Violence Strike Force Unit, in collaboration with Boston Housing Police, Massachusetts State Police, and Transit Police, were involved.
- Where did the incident take place?
- The incident took place in the area of Washington Street and Norwell Street in Dorchester, following a motor vehicle stop.
- What was the outcome of the motor vehicle stop?
- A firearm was recovered, and Eric Barnes Jr. was arrested, facing several charges including carrying a firearm without a license.
- What type of firearm was recovered?
- The recovered firearm was identified as a Glock 23 .40 caliber handgun loaded with 11 rounds in the magazine and one round in the chamber.
Key Features of the Dorchester Incident
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Event Type | Firearm Recovery and Arrest |
| Location | Dorchester (Washington Street and Norwell Street), Boston |
| Date and Time | Thursday, January 22, 2026, at approximately 5:35 p.m. |
| Primary Agencies Involved | Boston Police Department’s Youth Violence Strike Force Unit |
| Collaborating Agencies | Boston Housing Police, Massachusetts State Police, Transit Police |
| Action Initiated | Motor Vehicle Stop (for failing to yield to a pedestrian and child in a crosswalk) |
| Individual Arrested | Eric Barnes Jr., 20, of Hyde Park |
| Recovered Firearm | Glock 23 .40 caliber handgun, loaded with 11 rounds in the magazine and one in the chamber |
| Charges Include | Carrying a firearm without a license, carrying a loaded firearm, possession of ammunition without an FID card, possession of a large capacity feeding device, unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, failure to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk |
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