Tyler Brown Criminal History: 2020 Shootout Led To Controversial Sentencing

CAMBRIDGE, MA — Officials say Tyler Brown was on probation at the time of the shooting on Memorial Drive Monday afternoon that critically injured two people; however, the former Suffolk County District Attorney believed the Boston resident should have spent much longer behind bars.

According to the Suffolk County District Attorney's Office, Brown pleaded guilty to eight charges, including armed assault with intent to murder and attempted assault and battery by means of discharging a firearm after a shootout with Boston police officers on Northampton Street in May of 2020.

Suffolk Superior Court Judge Janet Sanders imposed a term of five to six years in state prison, despite the office of former Suffolk DA Rachael Rollins suggesting one twice as long.

“When an individual commits serious, violent offenses that threaten the lives of our community members – which include members of law enforcement – I will advocate for their removal and detention​. My office recommended a significant sentence for Mr. Brown given the nature of his offenses and the ​trauma and harm he inflicted. I am disappointed in the sentence that was imposed,” Rollins said in August of 2021.

Brown was also on probation at the time of his 2020 transgressions for a 2014 conviction for assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and witness intimidation. Saunders had him serve the sentence for violating probation concurrently with his other charges. Brown’s criminal history with firearms dates back to 2009.

Mr. Brown shot nearly three times as many bullets as two BPD officers did in response to his violence,” Rollins said in 2021. “Mr. Brown’s actions have inflicted significant trauma on these officers and their loved ones, as well as bystanders and our community.”

Memorial Drive has reopened as of Tuesday morning, while the shooting remains under investigation by Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan, Massachusetts State Police, and the Cambridge Police Department. Brown remains in custody at an intensive care unit of a Boston hospital.

Dozens of witnesses recounted running for their lives and hiding under vehicles upon hearing the 50 to 60 shots that were fired, according to a report from WCVB NewsCenter 5. Patch has contacted the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office to find out when Brown will be arraigned. Thus far, he has been charged with two counts of armed assault with intent to murder and illegal firearm possession.

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