Family of South End standoff suspect says he struggles with homelessness, mental health issues

BOSTON — Boston Police are identifying the man who was taken away in an ambulance after a standoff in the South End that lasted for more than seven hours. Now, 37-year-old Ernest Fields is being treated for non-life-threatening injuries after police struck him with multiple less-than-lethal rounds.

Police said officers initially caught up with Fields Tuesday morning because he was wanted for armed robbery. According to BPD, Fields brandished a firearm during the encounter with officers and ran onto Rotch Field. Investigators later revealed that the gun Fields was carrying was loaded.

“A dialogue was initiated that lasted several hours. This dialogue ultimately proved to be unsuccessful,” said Boston Police Superintendent-in-Chief Gregory Long.

The standoff prompted evacuations and a lockdown of area apartment buildings and led to road closures in the busy area. The SWAT team finally apprehended Fields before 6 p.m. after the sound of several flashbangs echoed through the neighborhood.

“The suspect was also struck by multiple less-lethal rounds fired by our SWAT personnel,” Superintendent-in-Chief Long explained. “When somebody has a firearm in their hand and nobody gets seriously injured, it’s a win.”

The suspect’s father told Boston 25 News that Fields has struggled with homelessness and mental health issues for years.

“My son is a good guy. He’s just going through problems,” said father Ernest Jones. “He don’t take medications or anything like that. Maybe if he did take some, he might work a little bit better.”

The suspect’s family said that police played a recording from his 4-year-old son to try to get him to surrender. Police were also seen bringing Fields food and coffee during the negotiations in an effort to deescalate the situation.

“His mother died. His brother died. It probably took a toll on him,” Jones said.

Neighbors said they recognized Fields as a familiar face in the area and credit police for showing so much restraint.

“This poor gentleman. We used to see him all the time in front of our building. He needs help,” said neighbor Ken Smith. “It puts a spotlight on the need for more behavioral health services.”

Fields is set to be arraigned in the coming days on two outstanding warrants and charges connected to Tuesday’s standoff.

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