Suspect arrested in station shooting


David Taber

FOREST HILLS—Shots exchanged across New Washington Street between one person at Forest Hills Station and three people in the Southwest Corridor Park at approximately 7:50 p.m. on Jan. 17 resulted in no injuries or fatalities, according to MBTA officials.

MBTA Transit Police Lieutenant Detective Mark Gillespie told the Gazette the incident does not appear to be related to a recent spate of shootings in nearby Roslindale.

He could not confirm if it was in any way gang-related.

One of the alleged shooters, Thomas B. Jones, a 20-year-old Dorchester resident, was arrested at the scene, Gillespie said.

“It appears the incident was motivated by some type of incident that
occurred prior to the 17th,” he said.

According to Gillespie, Jones was allegedly with his girlfriend at in the station’s upper bus terminal when he “inadvertently” ran into the three other alleged shooters.

Jones allegedly followed the individuals through the station. They crossed New Washington Street, and shots were allegedly exchanged between Jones on the station side and the three individuals on the park side of the street.

There were numerous witnesses to the incident, Gillespie said, and Jones was apprehended due to “the heroic efforts of a probation officer at West Roxbury District Court who was able to detain the suspect until police arrived.”

Jones was charged with assault by means of a dangerous weapon—firearm, possession of ammunition and unlawful carrying of a firearm, Gillespie said.

Ballistics evidence recovered at the scene indicates that at least one of the weapons used was high-caliber.

The investigation is still “very active,” Gillespie said.

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