Video: Gunman arrested after opening fire on busy street near Harvard University.

Shooting Incident on Memorial Drive

On Monday afternoon, a shooting incident occurred on Memorial Drive near River Street, resulting in two people sustaining life-threatening injuries. The suspect, Tyler Brown, opened fire on passing vehicles, discharging over 50 rounds before engaging in a gunfight with a Massachusetts State Police officer and an armed civilian.

Details of the Incident

The Shooter.

Tyler Brown, aged 46, was critically injured during the exchange of gunfire and was subsequently transported to a hospital. Middlesex District Attorney Marian T. Ryan announced that Brown is expected to face multiple charges, including two counts of armed assault with intent to murder and unlawful possession of a firearm. His arraignment date is yet to be scheduled.

The Victims

The two victims were struck while inside their vehicles and were transported to hospitals with life-threatening injuries. One of the victims was reportedly driving an MBTA van.

Initial Response.

Cambridge Police were alerted to the situation shortly after 1 p.m. following a 911 call from Boston police. They had observed Brown acting erratically and suspected he was armed. Despite police pursuit, by 1:20 p.m., Brown had already begun firing at vehicles near the intersection of Memorial Drive and River Street.

Scene Description.

Video footage depicted Brown walking down the middle of the road with a firearm as vehicles were stopped in traffic. Shots were fired, causing drivers to flee their vehicles and scatter in various directions. The firearm used by Brown had the potential to cause harm across the Charles River, though no injuries were reported there.

Involvement of Civilians and Authorities.

The exchange of gunfire involved a State Police officer and a civilian licensed to carry a firearm. Fortunately, the civilian was not injured. The incident occurred between the campuses of Harvard and MIT, though neither university reported direct impacts. The nearby Cambridge Amigos School was briefly placed under a secure-in-place order.

Investigation and Background.

Authorities have not yet identified a motive for the shooting and have found no connections between Brown and the victims. Brown was on probation at the time of the shooting following a 2020 incident where he fired at two Boston police officers. He pleaded guilty to multiple charges in that case and was sentenced to prison, followed by probation. He was in the process of relocating to Cambridge when this incident occurred.

This alarming event has raised concerns about public safety and the complexities surrounding individuals with prior criminal records. The investigation is ongoing, and updates on the situation are anticipated as more information becomes available.