Suspect in fatal shooting is sought

Police were looking last night for a suspect who allegedly trailed a 17-year-old Randolph youth 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. It 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 onlookers, but authorities said that the attack appeared to be isolated and that police presence should put people at ease.

Authorities said the shooting occurred after an argument broke out near a Dunkin' Donuts shop on Route 28, about a half-mile from the shooting scene. The suspect then followed Cuthbert on foot to the gas station, witnesses said.

The suspect fired a single shot, and the bullet went through Cuthbert's arm and torso before lodging in his other arm, authorities said.

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," said the employee, who did not want to give his name. "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."

Other witnesses said they heard one or two gunshots before seeing a group of people chase the suspect, who ran 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 at Cuthbert's home last night refused to comment. School officials in Randolph could not be reached.

Officials would not comment on a motive for the shooting.

As police officers searched yards with dogs near the shooting 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 along busy Route 28 halted rush-hour traffic and brought curious residents and nearby business employees out to watch the activity.

"I heard the helicopter," said a neighbor who did not want to give her name. "I thought it was a medflight, then I looked up and there was a cop with a dog going around my car."

Bill Powers, a 13-year resident, 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,' " he said.

Globe correspondents Khristopher Flack, Dan Peleschuk, and John Guilfoil contributed to this report.