BOSTON, Feb. 1, 2015—A man shot by Chelsea Police after allegedly opening fire on an occupied vehicle near Bellingham Square is in custody at Massachusetts General Hospital and expected to survive.
The Suffolk DA’s office is investigating the incident, which took place at about 12:30 this morning. The preliminary evidence from witness statements, surveillance footage, and other sources indicates that the gunman, IGOR PEULIC (D.O.B. 1/30/83) of Chelsea, fired several shots at an occupied vehicle outside the Chelsea Walk Pub. No one was struck by those shots.
Chelsea Police on patrol in the area saw and heard the gunfire. Multiple officers responded to the scene from various locations as the gunman, later identified as Peulic, ran from Broadway to 5th Street and then onto Chestnut Street. Officers ordered him to drop his weapon. Peulic ignored those orders. The preliminary evidence suggests that an officer discharged his service weapon on Chestnut Street, striking Peulic once in the chest. Peulic’s firearm was recovered from the scene.
Officers immediately called for medical assistance and administered first aid. Peulic was transported to Massachusetts General Hospital, where he will remain until he can be arraigned in Chelsea District Court.
In addition to the DA’s investigation, an examination of this event is also being conducted by the Chelsea Police Department’s Professional Standards Division – Critical Incident Review Team. This review will focus on existing policy, tactics, and training as they relate to the use of force in this situation.
Anyone with any information regarding this incident – or any other in the City of Chelsea – is reminded and strongly encouraged to provide it to the Suffolk County State Police Detective Unit at 617-727-8817 or Chelsea Police Department by calling the 24-hour CrimeStoppers tip line at 617-466-4880. Callers may remain anonymous if they wish. Tips can also be submitted through the Chelsea Police Department’s website at www.chelseapolice.com. The Chelsea Police Department MYPD app is also available for Smartphone applications such as Apple and Android.
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All defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt
