A Boston cop whose actions the night of the Watertown shootout with the Tsarnaev brothers purportedly helped save the life of a then-critically wounded Transit police officer was shot in the face Friday night when a would-be routine traffic stop in Roxbury turned into a deadly standoff.
Officer John Moynihan was shot under the right eye during the altercation. He was in critical condition at Boston Medical Center Friday night, “fighting for his life,” BPD Commissioner Bill Evans said.
Saturday police tweeted:
Said #BPD Commish Evans “All of my officers are praying for his safe recovery. We are all very lucky that he is still with us today.”
— Boston Police Dept. (@bostonpolice) March 28, 2015
To all who are sending thoughts and prayers to #BPD and Ofc Moynihan we say thank you. Your prayers are much appreciated.
— Boston Police Dept. (@bostonpolice) March 28, 2015
Moynihan, 34, was among those who rushed to the aid of TPD officer Dic Donohue, who was shot and bleeding out during the Watertown gun battle with Boston Marathon bombers Dzhokhar and Tamerlan Tsarnaev days after the April 15, 2013 attacks, Lieutenant Mike McCarthy said.
Hoping for the best for our BPD brother tonight
— Dic Donohue (@DicDonohue) March 28, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers are with our brother @bostonpolice Officer Moynihan.
— MBTA Transit Police (@MBTATransitPD) March 28, 2015
At about 6:40 p.m. Friday night, police said, members of the Youth Violence Strike Force pulled over a car near Humboldt Avenue and Ruthven Street. As officers approached the vehicle, one suspect stepped out and opened fire on police.
Officers returned fire, fatally wounding the male suspect, identified Saturday afternoon as 41-year-old Angelo West of Hyde Park, who was pronounced dead at the scene. David Procopio, a spokesman for the State Police, said the suspect was attempting to flee the scene when he started shooting at police.
Mayor Marty Walsh said in a statement Friday night:
My thoughts and prayers are with the Officer injured tonight, his family and friends and the entire Boston Police Department during this difficult time. These acts of violence have no place in our neighborhoods. Our community is stronger than ever, and tonight we are thankful for all of those who put their lives on the on the line everyday to protect our City.
Prayers to @bostonpolice Ofc John Moynihan after being shot last night. Thoughts to his family & BPD bros & sis's. pic.twitter.com/rNOZPuBXQn
— Dustin Fitch (@DustinGFitch) March 28, 2015
Boston Fire extended their thoughts and prayers to Moynihan and his family, and also credited emergency medical services for their efforts.
Thinking of Officer John Moynihan right now. Reports of his career tell us he is a special person who serves Boston well.
— Boston Fire Dept. (@BostonFire) March 28, 2015
Our thoughts also to the men and women of @bostonpolice. Right now we join you with prayers and support for Officer Moynihan
— Boston Fire Dept. (@BostonFire) March 28, 2015
Not to be overlooked is the care and treatment by @BOSTON_EMS at the scene last night. Solid work to save a life.
— Boston Fire Dept. (@BostonFire) March 28, 2015
Boston EMS wrote uniform messages on Facebook and Twitter Friday night.
Our thoughts are with all those involved in the incident on Humbolt ave tonight. We will not comment any further… http://t.co/Xz0UnDcn21
— Boston EMS Incidents (@BEMSincidents) March 28, 2015
Two other suspects in the vehicle, both men, were taken into custody on unrelated charges.
A third female victim suffered a non-life-threatening gunshot wound and was transported to Boston Medical.