Boston Police Detective On Sights Shooting Leading to SWAT Stand-Off with Suspects

Monday, April 26th, at about 18:45 hours, Officers assigned to the District B-3 Drug Control Unit were conducting an investigation in the area of Gallivan Boulevard when they witnessed seven to eight rapid gunshots coming from a vehicle in the direction of Owen Street in Dorchester. One of the Detectives then observed the small grey vehicle with tinted windows that the shots came from, leaving from that area at a high rate of speed. The Detective followed the vehicle to 95 Woodbole Avenue, where the four occupants of the vehicle exited the car and entered a residence.  

The Detective quickly radioed an update with responding Officers setting a perimeter at the Woodbole Avenue scene. Boston Police announced their presence and ordered the occupants of the house to exit. A female from the house came outside and said that there was no one there, also refusing entry to police. Given the eye witness account from the detectives as well as multiple neighbors, Officers were certain that the woman was lying. Command staff on scene made the decision to declare a Code 99.

SWAT officers, the Boston Police Entry Team and Negotiators were called in to the scene. They continued to maintain a perimeter while approaching the house. Boston Police held the house for hours in a tense stand off, attempting to convince the men to surrender. At one point a a pitbull was removed from the home. After nearly four hours, the four individuals surrendered – eventually being placed in custody without incident.

Robert Barrett-Scott, aged 23, of Mattapan, Reginald Mells, aged 21, of Dorchester, Junior Galette, aged 22, of Dorchester, and Drequan Haywood, aged 23 of Dorchester were all charged with Assault by Means of a Dangerous Weapon (Gun).

Back at the initial scene of the gunshots, a scene was opened and Detectives were called in to process. Spent shell casings were cast about the street, and ballistic evidence was photographed and collected.

On Tuesday, April 28, 2021, a Dorchester District Court Search Warrant was issued and executed at 95 Woodbole Avenue.  While executing the warrant, detectives located, and seized, a loaded Smith and Wesson 9MM firearm, and a Bersa 9MM firearm with obliterated serial numbers.

The Boston Police Department continues to review the facts and circumstances surrounding this incident and is asking anyone with information relative to this investigation to contact B-3 Detectives at (617) 343-4712.  Community members wishing to assist this investigation anonymously can do so by calling the CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 1 (800) 494-TIPS or by texting the word ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463). The Boston Police Department will stringently guard and protect the identities of all those who wish to assist this investigation in an anonymous manner.