Bystanders run for cover when shots ring out in Boston’s Back Bay

BOSTON — It was a chaotic scene in Boston’s Back Bay Wednesday night after gunfire erupted sending hundreds of bystanders running for cover.

The shooting was reported around 7:45 p.m. in the area of Newbury and Fairfield streets.

Chaos in Boston's Back Bay after shots ring out

“We were sitting at the restaurant and I heard two gunshots,” one witness told Boston 25 News reporter Drew Karedes. “I assumed it was a car backfire. And then people came running from the street with fear on their faces yelling, ‘run!’ And then multiple gunshots followed right after and everyone ran.”

People in the area ducked under tables, ran into stores and restaurants and others fled down the street in an attempt to escape the chaos.

“Honestly it was like life flashed before your eyes. We just ran. I don’t think I’ve ever run so fast in my life,” witness Katie Carlson said.

One woman told Boston 25 News reporter Wale Aliyu that she believes she would have been shot if she parked her car just five minutes later than she did.

“It could have been much worse,” she said. “Usually I’m always running late, but this time we weren’t running late. We could have just been parking trying to get to the restaurant.”

No serious injuries were reported and so far, no arrests have been made.

Police told us Thursday morning that ballistics were recovered and that at least two vehicles and a couple business windows sustained damage.

No other information was released from police. The investigation is ongoing.

©2021 Cox Media Group