Gun, Drug Charges For Brockton Man After Running From Police: MSP

BROCKTON, MA — A Brockton man is facing gun and drug possession charges after running from police with a loaded gun, according to State Police. Shamallah Jones, 23, was charged with, carry a loaded firearm without a license (second offense), possession of cocaine, trespassing, and resisting arrest.

Just before 9:30 p.m., Tuesday, state troopers were assisting Brockton police, following the city's gunshot notification system indicating that shots were fired in the area of Grafton Street. After leaving the call, State Police pulled up in front of an apartment complex on Highland Street, a location police said is known as a frequent place where drug, gun, and other violent crimes occur.

Police said they saw a gathering of people in front of the apartment complex and that the group included Jones, who immediately grabbed his waistband and sprinted away as soon as he saw police. Officers said it was likely Jones was armed because of the way he ran.

"While he ran, the suspect held his right arm pinned against his waistband while his left arm was swinging naturally," State Police said in a statement. "Based on their training and experience, the troopers recognized that action as consistent with how suspects who are carrying a firearm in their waistbands prevent the weapon from falling out as they run."

Two state troopers chased Jones on foot as he ran behind one of the apartment buildings, through a yard on Green Street, to Glenwood Street, back to Highland, and then to Newbury Street. Police said they lost sight of Jones on Newbury Street, so a Brockton K-9 unit was used to track him.

Along the route, police said they found a loaded semi-automatic pistol with the hammer cocked, and a bag containing 4 grams of cocaine in a trash barrel nearby. Officers narrowed the search to this area and said they found Jones hiding in an alley behind a snow blower and under a tarp at the corner of Highland and Newbury streets.

A second suspect, a man who was standing with Jones outside the apartment pushed a state trooper, while he was being detained for the investigation, according to police. He will be summonsed to court on an assault and battery on a police officer charge.