Occupants of fleeing car used BB, pellet gun, officers believe

Arlington police are searching for multiple suspects connected to an apparent incident early Wednesday, Sept. 9, in which a driver allegedly shot what is believed to be a BB or pellet at an Uber driver's rear windshield.

About midnight, an officer responded to Mass. Ave. and Adams Street to investigate an incident of shots fired at a vehicle.

Upon arrival, a news release says, the officer spoke to the owner of a 2007 Saturn Vue SUV, who is an Uber driver, and the man's three passengers. Police said the car's rear windshield was partly shattered with one small entry hole -- consistent with a BB or pellet -- that did not appear to go completely through.

The Uber driver told police that while he was stopped at a red light at Mass. Ave. and Route 16, his passengers began to act unruly and swear at a vehicle behind him, described as Jeep-like and blue in color.

When the light turned green, the vehicle began traveling alongside the Uber. The Uber driver reported that he saw four people in the vehicle, with the front passengers possibly two males, and at least one female in the back.

Eventually, the vehicle got behind the Uber driver, which is when the rear window shattered. The Uber driver then pulled over onto Adams Street, and the other vehicle continued westbound. As the Uber driver was calling 911, he told police that the vehicle turned around and shot BBs or pellets toward his vehicle again as it traveled eastbound on Mass. Ave.

The Uber driver and his passengers were not injured, police said.

"This reckless behavior could have resulted in serious injuries to the driver and his passengers, along with other operators on the road," Chief Fred Ryan said in the release. "We are thankful no one was hurt."

Police also spoke with the Uber driver's three passengers, who stated they heard several "pop" sounds, which they believed came from a BB gun or air gun. None of them recognized the people in the Jeep, and no one said he or he saw a gun.

Following the incident, police established a perimeter and searched the area, but the suspect vehicle was not located. The investigation remains open and ongoing.
Anyone with information, or who may have been in the area this morning and saw something, is encouraged to call the Arlington Police Department at 781-643-1212.

This report was published at 11:45 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2015.