CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — A gunman wielding an assault-style weapon opened fire on vehicles traveling along a busy Cambridge highway Monday afternoon, injuring two people before being shot by a Massachusetts state trooper and a civilian who intervened to stop the rampage.
Tyler Brown, 46, of Boston, discharged more than 60 rounds while walking along the roadway near the Charles River, striking at least a dozen vehicles including a police cruiser. Terrified drivers fled their cars or took cover underneath them as bullets flew, according to law enforcement officials.
The violence unfolded on a major thoroughfare in Cambridge, the city that houses Harvard University and MIT. The area typically sees heavy foot traffic from walkers, runners and bicyclists using nearby paths and sidewalks.
Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan praised the actions of both the trooper and the former Marine during a Monday evening press briefing, saying they moved toward danger rather than away from it.
“While people were jumping from their cars, scattering in various directions … both that trooper and that civilian, rather than going in one direction, went toward the suspect with their weapons to try to end that situation,” Ryan stated.
Brown sustained multiple gunshot wounds to his arms and legs and is anticipated to face charges that include two counts of armed assault with intent to murder along with additional firearms violations.
“What happened today cannot stand,” the district attorney declared.
Investigators have found no link between Brown and his victims, Ryan noted. She also reiterated her position calling for stronger penalties against individuals who discharge weapons with disregard for public safety.
Brown remained hospitalized Tuesday and was unable to appear in Cambridge District Court for his arraignment. The Committee for Public Counsel Services will represent him, though the agency has not yet responded to requests for comment.
Attempts to reach Brown and potential family members were unsuccessful Tuesday.
