At about 6:40 PM on Monday, February 19, 2018, officers from District B-2 (Roxbury) were conducting an investigation in the area of Seaver Street and Blue Hill Avenue, when they observed a male known to them walking with two other individuals. Officers had gleaned information from their investigation that lead them to believe this male, identified as 20-year-old Michael Pearson, Jr. of Dorchester, was armed with a firearm. Officers approached Pearson on foot and, as they did so, Pearson clutched his waistband and began backing up. Fearing Pearson was armed, officers attempted to conduct a pat frisk, but Pearson pushed the officers away and attempted to flee. The officers were able to take him to the ground as he continued to reach for an object in his waistband. As the struggle ensued, officers felt a hard object consistent with the shape and size of a firearm in the Pearson’s waist area. Pearson continued to violently resist and fight with officers, refusing commands to put his hands behind his back. During the struggle, Pearson was able to get back onto his feet, retrieve a black firearm from his waist, and point it at the officers. One of the officers grabbed Pearson’s hand in an attempt to gain control of the firearm and gave repeated commands to drop the gun while Pearson violently resisted. The officers were finally able to remove the firearm, a loaded Hi-Point 9mm handgun, from Pearson and take him into custody. Officers arrested Pearson and charged him with Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, Unlawful Possession of Ammunition, Unlawfully Carrying a Loaded Firearm, Assault by Means of a Dangerous Weapon (Firearm), Resisting Arrest, and Assault and Battery on a Police Officer (3 counts).

Said Police Commissioner William Evans, “I can’t say enough about the bravery of these officers. The restraint that they used in the face of an incredibly dangerous and volatile situation must be commended. Their training and quick-thinking allowed them to take both a dangerous individual and a firearm off the street; and moreover, I’m thankful they were able to go home safely to their families."

Pearson will be arraigned in Roxbury District Court.