Dorchester, Boston, August 22, 2025
News Summary
Police in Boston took two male suspects into custody after a shooting incident in Dorchester. The shooting occurred on Charlotte Street, leaving one man injured before a nearly three-hour standoff ensued. SWAT teams were deployed as negotiators worked to resolve the situation peacefully. The suspects surrendered without further incident, and the investigation continues concerning the motives and circumstances surrounding the event.
Boston — Two male suspects are in custody following a shooting and subsequent standoff Thursday evening in the Dorchester neighborhood, police said. The incident began with a reported shooting on Charlotte Street at about 4:45 p.m. and ended after nearly three hours of barricade and negotiation activity at a nearby residence.
What happened
Police responded to reports that a man had been shot multiple times on Charlotte Street at approximately 4:45 p.m. The victim was transported to a nearby hospital and listed with non-life-threatening injuries. After the shooting, one or more suspects fled into a home on the same street, prompting a major law enforcement response.
Police response and standoff
Boston police established a large perimeter around the home, deploying SWAT officers, negotiators, an armored vehicle, multiple police cruisers, and officers equipped with shields. Negotiation efforts included the use of a bullhorn. The suspects remained inside the residence and were barricaded for nearly three hours before surrendering and being taken into custody.
Scene management and civilian safety
Officers cordoned off the area with tape and asked nearby residents to evacuate their homes while the standoff was active. Aerial footage and on-scene images showed police on the ground with shields and protective gear. Two children were observed being removed from the home by a uniformed officer and were taken into the care of authorities. Access to the residence is currently limited while investigators execute search warrants.
Legal and procedural status
The names of the two suspects have not been released. Both are expected to be arraigned at Dorchester District Court, though officials did not provide a time for arraignment. Authorities indicated that further information will be released by the Boston Police Department on Friday as investigative and legal steps proceed.
Community reaction and context
Residents in the immediate area expressed concern about safety following the incident, with some community members indicating a desire to move away from the neighborhood. The heightened police activity and the presence of armored vehicles and specialized units drew attention from neighbors and passersby while the situation was active.
Ongoing investigation
Investigators continue to process the scene and execute search warrants at the residence where the suspects barricaded themselves. Officials have said access to the property is restricted during this phase of the inquiry. The investigation will determine charges, motive, and any additional persons involved or affected by the shooting and the subsequent standoff.
What to expect next
Authorities plan to provide additional details on Friday. The suspects will appear for arraignment at Dorchester District Court at a time to be announced. Medical updates about the victim will be released by hospital or public officials when available and appropriate for disclosure.
Key facts at a glance
- Time of incident: About 4:45 p.m. Thursday
- Location: Charlotte Street, Dorchester, Boston
- Victim: One man shot multiple times; taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries
- Suspect status: Two male suspects in custody; names not released
- Police response: SWAT, negotiators, armored vehicle, multiple cruisers; negotiators used a bullhorn
- Duration of barricade: Nearly three hours
- Children: Two children removed from the home and placed in authority care
- Court: Suspects expected to be arraigned at Dorchester District Court; time not disclosed
- Next briefings: Boston Police Department plans to release more information on Friday
Background on common procedures
When a shooting is reported and suspects barricade in a residence, police typically establish a secure perimeter, deploy tactical units when necessary, and use trained negotiators to seek a peaceful resolution. Search warrants are commonly obtained to allow investigators to enter and search the property for evidence once it is safe to do so. Arraignments at district court follow arrest and charging decisions, during which formal charges are presented and initial bail or custody conditions are set.
FAQ
Was anyone seriously injured?
The shooting victim was taken to a nearby hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. No additional information about the victim’s condition has been released.
Are the suspects in custody?
Yes. Two male suspects surrendered after being barricaded in a Charlotte Street residence for nearly three hours and are now in custody. Their names have not been released.
Were children involved?
Two children were removed from the home by a uniformed officer and were taken into the care of authorities. No further details about their condition were provided.
Will there be a court appearance?
Both suspects are expected to be arraigned at Dorchester District Court. The timing of the arraignment has not been disclosed.
Will the police release more information?
The Boston Police Department indicated it will release more information on Friday as the investigation progresses and search warrants are executed.
Should residents be concerned about safety?
Residents expressed concern after the incident. Police actions, including evacuations and establishing a perimeter, were taken to protect public safety. Officials continue to investigate and secure the scene.
Quick reference table
Item | Details |
---|---|
Date and time | Thursday, incident reported at about 4:45 p.m. |
Location | Charlotte Street, Dorchester, Boston |
Victim status | One man shot multiple times; transported to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries |
Suspect status | Two male suspects in custody; names not released |
Police response | SWAT, negotiators, bullhorn, armored vehicle, multiple cruisers, perimeter and evacuations |
Duration | Suspects barricaded for nearly three hours before surrendering |
Next steps | Search warrants being executed; suspects expected to be arraigned at Dorchester District Court; more information to be released Friday |
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Additional Resources
- NBC Boston
- WCVB
- WHDH
- MassLive
- Boston.com
- Wikipedia: Dorchester, Boston
- Google Search: Dorchester Shooting
- Google Scholar: Dorchester Shooting
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Police
- Google News: Dorchester Shooting

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