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Suspects accused of dragging 18-year-old from car over smartphone

BOSTON — Two suspects accused of dragging an 18-year-old from a vehicle for several blocks Friday night, leaving him in critical condition, were arraigned in Dorchester District Court Monday.

Dejon W. Barnes, 18, of Dorchester and Kenneth R. Ford, 23, of Roxbury, were arrested early Sunday morning at a house party on Phillips Street in Boston, Boston Police said. Both Barnes and Ford have been charged with unarmed robbery, and additional charges could be filed by the Suffolk District Attorney's Office.

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According to an investigation by Boston and State Police, Barnes and Ford were in a vehicle on Gallivan Boulevard in Dorchester late Friday night when they met with the victim, who has not been named, to buy a smartphone.

During the transaction, the victim was standing outside and reached to give one of the men the cellphone. When the victim put his arm through the window, the suspects closed it on his arm and then drove away at a high speed, dragging the victim for several blocks, according to police.

Evidence suggests the car ran a red light at the intersection with Washington Street and continued to drive away from the scene.

The victim was later found on the ground on Gallivan Boulevard, just before Nevada Street, unresponsive with severe injuries.

Police and emergency crews continued to investigate the incident into Saturday night, at which point they identified the two suspects inside the car. Barnes and Ford were arrested early Sunday morning and are being held at the State Police Barracks in Boston pending their arraignment.

Police have not identified the victim at this point, but say he is on life support with a serious brain injury.

Both men are being held on $100,000 and will be back in court next month.

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