Boston, August 25, 2025
News Summary
Gerald Vick, 31, wanted for a shooting at Boston’s J’ouvert parade that injured eight individuals, has been apprehended in Lithia Springs, Georgia. He evaded law enforcement for six months after removing an electronic monitoring bracelet. The shooting occurred during the Caribbean Carnival Festival and was linked to gang altercations. Vick faces multiple charges and could serve up to 160 years if convicted.
Boston
Man wanted in 2023 J’ouvert parade shooting arrested in Georgia after six months on the run
Gerald Vick, 31, a Dorchester resident, was arrested in Lithia Springs, Georgia, after being on the run for six months. The arrest was carried out without incident by the U.S. Marshals. Vick was wanted in connection with a shooting at Boston’s J’ouvert parade on August 26, 2023, which left eight people injured.
Key charges and legal status
Vick faces multiple federal and state counts, including eight counts of assault and battery with a firearm, unlawful possession of a machine gun, unlawful possession of a firearm, and firearm use in the commission of a felony. He has pleaded not guilty. If convicted on all counts, Vick could face up to 160 years in prison. Details about his next court appearance in Massachusetts have not yet been released.
What led to the arrest
Vick had been arrested at the scene of the J’ouvert shooting shortly after the August 2023 attack and was released on bail with an electronic monitoring bracelet. Court records show he removed the bracelet on December 1, 2024, shortly before his trial was set to begin, and then failed to appear in court. He was listed as a fugitive until his recent arrest in Georgia.
Incident details and victims
The shooting occurred during Boston’s J’ouvert parade, part of the city’s Caribbean Carnival Festival. Eight people were struck by gunfire: six men and two women. Five men and one woman suffered non-life-threatening injuries and were taken to hospitals. Two other victims were grazed by bullets and declined medical treatment. Boston police reported the shooting stemmed from an altercation between rival gangs that escalated during the parade.
Other suspects and related legal actions
At the scene of the shooting, Vick was initially arrested alongside Dwayne Francis, also from Dorchester. Prosecutors later indicted three additional men on assault and firearms charges connected to the incident; one of those men faces firearms charges alone. The case has involved multiple indictments and ongoing prosecutions tied to the same Aug. 26, 2023, confrontation.
Police description and public guidance
When Vick was wanted, police described him as a 5’6” Black man weighing about 155 pounds with multiple tattoos. Authorities previously asked the public to provide information about his whereabouts. Following the arrest in Georgia, local law enforcement has not yet provided a schedule for his arraignment in Massachusetts.
Community and event context
The J’ouvert parade is a morning street celebration that is part of Boston’s annual Caribbean Carnival Festival. The festival is intended to celebrate Caribbean culture and community. The shooting at the parade raised local concerns about public safety at large cultural events and prompted a coordinated law enforcement response to find those responsible.
What happens next
After being taken into custody in Lithia Springs, Vick is expected to be transported back to Massachusetts for prosecution, though official timing has not been announced. Prosecutors will move forward with the charges described above, and the court process will determine whether Vick is convicted or acquitted on each count.
FAQ
Who was arrested?
The man arrested is Gerald Vick, 31, of Dorchester.
Where was he arrested and by whom?
He was arrested in Lithia Springs, Georgia, by U.S. Marshals, and the arrest was reported to have been without incident.
What charges does he face?
He faces eight counts of assault and battery with a firearm, unlawful possession of a machine gun, unlawful possession of a firearm, and firearm use in the commission of a felony.
How many people were injured in the shooting?
Eight people were shot: six men and two women. Six victims were taken to hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries; two grazed victims declined treatment.
Was Vick previously in custody?
Yes. He was arrested at the scene shortly after the shooting, released on bail with an electronic monitoring bracelet, removed the bracelet on December 1, 2024, and then failed to appear for trial.
Could he face life in prison?
If convicted on all counts, prosecutors say he could face up to 160 years in prison.
Are there other suspects in the case?
Yes. Authorities previously arrested Dwayne Francis at the scene and have indicted three other men on related assault and firearms charges; one additional man faces firearms charges alone.
How can the public provide information?
Police have asked anyone with relevant information to contact law enforcement. Specific tips lines and contact details were provided previously by investigators.
Quick reference table
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Suspect | Gerald Vick, 31, Dorchester resident |
| Arrest location | Lithia Springs, Georgia by U.S. Marshals |
| Incident | Shooting at Boston J’ouvert parade, August 26, 2023 |
| Victims | 8 shot (6 men, 2 women); 6 hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries; 2 grazed and declined treatment |
| Charges | 8 counts assault & battery with a firearm; unlawful possession of a machine gun; unlawful possession of a firearm; firearm use in the commission of a felony |
| Previous custody status | Arrested at scene, released on bail with electronic monitor; removed bracelet on Dec 1, 2024 and failed to appear |
| Possible sentence | Up to 160 years if convicted on all counts |
| Other suspects | Dwayne Francis arrested at scene; three others indicted on related charges; one charged on firearms alone |
| Police description (when wanted) | 5’6” Black man, ~155 lbs, multiple tattoos |
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Additional Resources
- WCVB: Boston Caribbean Carnival Parade Shooting Fugitive Arrest
- Wikipedia: Boston Caribbean Carnival
- MassLive: Boston Caribbean Carnival Shooting Suspect Arrested in Georgia
- Google Search: Boston Caribbean Carnival shooting
- Boston.com: Man Accused in Boston Caribbean Festival Shooting Is on the Run
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Boston Caribbean Carnival
- WCVB: Gerald Vick 2023 J’ouvert Caribbean Festival Shooting Fugitive
- Google News: Gerald Vick Boston shooting
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
