4-year-old boy, man shot in Dorchester park

DORCHESTER, Mass. -- A young boy was shot at the Harambe playground near the intersection of Talbot Avenue and Wales Street near Blue Hill Avenue at 9:20 p.m. on Monday.

Police stepped up patrols in the area as they search for the gunmen. Authorities said they do have strong leads in the case, but wouldn’t be more specific. Police confirm this does appear to be a gang-related shooting.

The 4-year-old boy was rushed to Boston Medical Center and listed in critical condition, according to paramedics. Upon arrival, he went directly into surgery and later stabilized. The boy’s condition was upgraded to stable condition on Monday night. Another person was also shot; he was in stable condition with a grazed in the foot by a bullet. The two victims were not related as far as they know.

“I heard the gunshots and then I heard the police zooming down the streets. I heard ambulance and that just scared me because…I automatically knew what was going on,” said Michaela Sharon.

According to a press conference on Monday night there were numerous shots fired. The boy was in the park with his mother. There were other people around, but police did not say how many or if they were also families.

Police have recovered ballistic evidence from the scene and are mobilizing the community.

“There are so many things to do and my heart is broken that today that child could possibly been going to my school and he’s in the hospital,” said one woman.

“It’s outrageous that this type of incident has taken place and I think about the individual that was responsible for the shooting of a 4-year-old child. I hope he’s proud of himself this morning,” said Boston Police Commissioner Ed Davis.

“Ninety-nine percent of the people who live in this specific area are law-abiding citizens, and they are outraged and traumatized by this incident,” Boston City Councilor Charles Yancey said.

“We had several males, one with a white T-shirt -- light-skinned males -- approximately 18 years of age, fleeing through the park towards Blue Hill Avenue,” Superintendent Bruce Holloway said.

Boston police urged the public to come forward to help them in their investigation.

“We need the public to step up on this and to send a big message that they will not allow this type of behavior to take place in the city,” Hollway said.

Mayor Thomas Menino issued a statement expressing his "sadness and anger" over the incident, and his concern for the child and his family. He said police would use every resource possible to catch those responsible.

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