Multiple Injured in Memorial Drive Shooting; Suspect Charged
Two men were transported to Boston hospitals with life-threatening injuries following a shooting on Memorial Drive Monday afternoon.
Incident Overview
On Monday afternoon, a man identified by authorities as 46-year-old Tyler Brown fired a long gun at passing vehicles and pedestrians on Memorial Drive, near the River Street Bridge. The shooting occurred around 1:30 p.m., leading to the closure of Memorial Drive in both directions. Police confirmed there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Casualties and Victims
- Two men were transported to Boston hospitals with life-threatening injuries.
- One victim has been identified by a family member as an MBTA driver, and the other as a DoorDash driver.
- One driver reported a bullet passing through her front windshield.
- A third individual was treated for a gunshot wound at the scene.
Suspect Apprehension
Witnesses reported that the suspect exchanged gunfire with law enforcement. A Massachusetts State Police trooper and a civilian—identified as a former Marine who was in legal possession of a firearm—intervened. The suspect was shot and subsequently detained. He is in custody at a hospital with gunshot wounds to his extremities. No troopers were injured.
Charges
Middlesex County District Attorney Marian Ryan stated that Brown is expected to be charged with multiple counts, including:
- Two counts of armed assault with intent to murder
- Carrying a firearm without a license
- Possession of a large-capacity firearm
Timeline of Events
Time Event Morning Police attempted a wellness check at Brown's home in Dorchester after his parole officer reported he had made a suicidal statement. ~12:30 PM Boston police alerted Cambridge police that a man acting erratically and possibly carrying a rifle was in Cambridge. ~1:00 PM Cambridge Police received 911 calls reporting gunshots near the intersection of River Street and Memorial Drive. ~1:30 PM The first shots were reported at 808 Memorial Drive. A State Police trooper and a civilian intervened within minutes.Suspect's Background
According to a state police report, Brown had been released from McLean psychiatric hospital three days prior to the shooting, where he received diagnoses including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression.
His parole officer flagged him as at risk of violence less than two hours before the shooting, reporting that Brown had relapsed on crack cocaine and was suicidal. During a FaceTime call, Brown allegedly told his parole officer, "these people are gonna (expletive) pay," and claimed he had committed past murders.
Brown pleaded guilty in 2021 to charges related to a 2020 incident in which he fired 13 rounds at Boston police officers.
Prosecutors recommended a 12-year prison sentence with 5 years probation; the judge sentenced him to 5-6 years with 3 years probation. He was released from prison to parole supervision in March 2025.
At the time of the 2020 incident, Brown was on probation for a 2014 assault conviction. Parole board documents indicate awareness of Brown's mental health disorder; release conditions included electronic monitoring for 90 days, drug testing, and mental health counseling.
Legal Proceedings
Brown remains hospitalized as of Tuesday. No arraignment date has been set. A public defender has been assigned to represent him.