Dorchester shooting in broad daylight injures 3 men
Police say victims apparently had ties to gangs
Three young men were shot in broad daylight yesterday in an apparent gang-related assault in Dorchester, police said.
One of the men was shot in the chest, and the others were shot in their legs, Superintendent Daniel P. Linskey said at the scene.
Linskey said that none of the victims -- ages 17, 19, and 22 -- had wounds that were considered life-threatening.
Police would not identify the victims, all of whom were taken to Boston Medical Center.
The shooting occurred about 4:30 p.m. at Morse and Washington streets.
No one had been arrested by last evening.
In an interview at the scene, Boston Police Commissioner Edward F. Davis said investigators are looking into whether the shootings were related to guns that police seized Wednesday night in nearby Fenelon Park. He did not elaborate.
Linskey described the victims as "known to be associated with members of gang activities."
He said he did not know of a motive for the shooting.
Witnesses described hearing as many as seven shots. Shell casings littered Morse Street, and police blocked traffic with yellow tape.
Across the street in a beauty salon, hairstylist Keisha Williams said she was angered by the violent environment and no longer allows her three boys out at night.
"What we need are security cameras in the area," she said. "We need tougher laws to make these kids scared straight, so they don't go pulling a trigger without fear of any consequences."
Councilor Charles C. Yancey, who had responded to the shooting, was also in the salon and tried to allay her concerns.
He said he has pushed for more street workers and youth programs and said he would consider proposing video cameras for the neighborhood.
But Williams said it wasn't enough.
"The only time I see you here is when you're running for reelection," she said. "We need action. Now."
By Sunday, there had been 148 nonfatal shootings in Boston this year, 77 fewer than last year, according to police statistics.
Globe correspondent Marc Robins contributed to this report. 
