2 Arrested After ShotSpotter Activation Leads To Chase In Boston

A ShotSpotter activation was the catalyst for the events that followed.

By Benjamin Pierce, Patch Staff

Aug 21, 2026 8:06 AM EDT

BOSTON, MA — Two people are facing charges after reported gunfire in Dorchester Wednesday afternoon led to a vehicle pursuit, crash and foot chase, the Boston Police Department announced.

Seth Porong, 19, of Brighton, and a 16-year-old teenager were arrested after officers responded at approximately 3:14 p.m. to a ShotSpotter activation near 719 Washington St. Officers found ballistic evidence near Roslin Street and received descriptions of the suspects and a vehicle believed to be involved.

According to the department, a vehicle matching the description was later seen traveling on Washington Street toward Melville Street before allegedly fleeing officers at a high rate of speed. Police lost sight of the vehicle near Waldeck Street before officers searching the area saw a suspect running through backyards on Tonawanda Street.

Officers pursued the suspect on foot and reportedly saw him jump a fence into the backyard of 111 Tonawanda St., where he was taken into custody. Two officers suffered minor injuries during the arrest and were taken to local hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries.

Members of the Youth Violence Strike Force later saw the fleeing vehicle crash at the intersection of Tonawanda and Greenbrier streets. Officers removed the driver and took him into custody before he was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Boston Police K-9 units searched the path taken by the fleeing suspect and reportedly recovered a Glock 27 handgun in the backyard of 119 Tonawanda St. Police said the firearm had a magazine capable of holding 22 rounds of ammunition. Investigators also determined that the vehicle's license plates had been reported stolen.

Porong is expected to be arraigned in Dorchester District Court on charges of reckless operation of a motor vehicle, receiving stolen property, receiving a stolen motor vehicle and operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license.

The juvenile is expected to be arraigned in Boston Juvenile Court on delinquency charges of unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of a large-capacity feeding device, and trespassing. Police said the teen also had multiple outstanding warrants on charges including assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, assault and battery, larceny over $1,200, and firearm offenses.