B 3 Anti Crime Unit Recovered a Firearm After a Shot Spotter Activation

At about 2:55 AM, on Sunday, July 7, 2024, officers assigned to the Anti-Crime Unit of District B-3 (Mattapan) arrested Denzel Harper, 37, of Dorchester, on firearm charges.

Officers responded to the area of 85 Astoria Street for a shot spotter activation. Officers were advised that the one round was mapping in a field at the end of the street. As officers approached the area, they observed a group of individuals.

Officers' attention was drawn to one individual who began to turn his body away from officers. Officers approached the individual and immediately observed the end of a firearm protruding from his right jean shorts pocket.

Officers were able to safely place the suspect into handcuffs and recovered the firearm. Officers observed that the firearm was locked to the rear and the casing was still in the chamber which failed to properly eject. The firearm was later determined to be a Republic Arms Patriot with one spent shell casing in the chamber and five rounds in the magazine.

Harper was placed under arrest and charged with Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, Unlawful Possession of Ammunition, and Discharging a Firearm within 500 Feet of a Dwelling. He is expected to be arraigned in Dorchester District Court.