Thursday, 4:30 PM
Teen fatally shot in Randolph
Police officers investigate a shooting on North Main Street in Randolph. (Globe Photo/Zara Tzanev)
By Michael Naughton, Globe Correspondent
Police were looking late Wednesday for a suspect who allegedly trailed a 17-year-old Randolph man after an argument and fatally shot him at close range near a gas station.
The victim, Ezekiel Cuthbert was shot near the intersection of North Main and Jane streets just after 5 p.m., officials said. His was the first homicide this year in Randolph, where police said there have been five confirmed shootings.
The shooting stopped traffic and brought out nervous on-lookers, but authorities said the incident appeared to be isolated and the police presence should put people at ease.
Authorities said the shooting occurred after an argument broke out near a Dunkin’ Donuts on Route 28, about half a mile from the shooting scene. The suspect then followed Cuthbert on foot to the gas station, where he fired a single shot, which went through Cuthbert’s arm and torso, before lodging in his other arm, authorities and witnesses said.
Authorities would not comment on the type of gun used.
A worker at the gas station said he was yards from where the shooting occurred. "I heard a shot, and then I saw someone running away. I heard the bang, and I thought it was a tire exploding. I’m absolutely shaken up. It’s very sad ... a teenager just lost his life," said the employee, who did not want to give his name.
Other witnesses said they heard one or two gun shots before seeing a group of people chase the suspect, who fled on foot, until the pursuers lost sight of him.
Cuthbert was pronounced dead just after 6 p.m. at Good Samaritan Medical Center in Brockton.
Relatives and friends gathered at Cuthbert’s home Wednesday night refused to comment. School officials in Randolph could not be reached.
Authorities would not comment on a possible motive for the shooting or if there was a relationship between Cuthbert and the suspect. As police officers searched yards with dogs near the murder scene, state and local police photographed evidence.
Officials said residents should be vigilant but not concerned about the suspect.
"Residents should be comforted by the fact that the police presence is enormous," said Norfolk District Attorney William R. Keating, who held a press conference at the scene. "Scores of law enforcement officers are fanning out around the area following leads."
The daylight shooting off of busy Route 28 stopped rush-hour traffic and brought curious residents and nearby business employees out to watch the activity.
"I heard the helicopter. I thought it was a medflight, then I looked up and there was a cop with a dog going around my car," said a neighbor who did not want to give her name.
Bill Powers, a 13-year resident of the town south of Boston, said he brought his 13-year-old son to the crime scene to show him the aftermath of violence.
"I tell my son 'You can’t get into arguments because these kids now get guns just as easy as they get cigarettes. It's a shame," he said.
Globe Correspondents Khristopher Flack, Dan Peleschuk, and John Guilfoil contributed to this report.
