Cambridge Gunman Back in Custody After Earlier Warnings From Police Were Ignored

Police warned years ago that Tyler Brown could one day kill someone. This week, those fears returned to the spotlight after prosecutors said the convicted gunman opened fire on a busy street in Cambridge, leaving two people critically injured.

Brown, 46, is accused of firing more than 60 rounds from an assault-style rifle near the Cambridge Street Bridge shortly after 1 p.m. on May 11.

The shooting happened near Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, sending drivers and pedestrians scrambling for cover as bullets flew across Memorial Drive in broad daylight.

Authorities said Brown had multiple prior encounters involving motorists and police. The rampage ended after an armed Marine veteran and a Massachusetts State Police trooper returned fire.

During the exchange, Brown was struck several times, knocked to the ground and taken into custody before being transported to a hospital.

“It was mayhem on Memorial Drive,” said Rachel Rollins. She also said Brown should still be behind bars rather than back on the streets.

The latest shooting has renewed scrutiny over Brown’s earlier case involving a 2020 gun battle with Boston Police Department officers. He was convicted in 2021 of attempting to kill officers after prosecutors said he fired 13 rounds from a Glock at close range during that encounter.

At the time, one of the officers involved said in a victim-impact statement that Brown would reoffend if released.

“I am a firm believer that when Mr. Tyler Brown gets out, he will hurt, or worse, kill someone,” the officer said.

Rachel Rollins was serving as Suffolk district attorney during the case. Prosecutors had reportedly sought a sentence of roughly 10 to 12 years, with some reports saying they pushed for closer to 13 years. However, Janet Sanders sentenced Brown to five to six years in prison.

Brown was released on parole in January. Four months later, he is now accused of carrying out the Memorial Drive shooting rampage.

Witnesses described scenes of panic as shots were made across the crowded roadway. Cars screeched to a halt while people tried to hide behind vehicles and buildings for safety.

Rachel Saveriano said she froze inside her car as a shooting began around her. She credited an arm former Marine with helping save lives.

“A man came, went around his car and pulled open my car door and made like a barricade,” Saveriano shared while speaking to NBC 10. “He had a gun and he told me to run, and I ran and then I just ran as fast as I could.”

Gov. Maura Healey praised Marine for “demonstrating extraordinary bravery in a moment of crisis.”

Middlesex County District Attorney Marian Ryan said Brown is expected to face charges including assault with intent to murder and multiple firearms offenses.