A Chelsea man injured in a police-involved shooting two weeks ago was held on high bail during his arraignment last Friday, Feb. 13, at Massachusetts General Hospital.
Igor Peulic, 32, of Chelsea, was arraigned from his hospital bed on charges of unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, carrying a loaded firearm, discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a building, and assault with a dangerous weapon. At the request of Assistant District Attorney Philip Cheng, Chelsea District Court Judge Matthew Nestor set bail at $25,000.
According to prosecutors, Chelsea Police officers on patrol in Bellingham Square at approximately 12:30 a.m. Feb. 1 saw and heard gunshots in the area of the Chelsea Walk. Preliminary evidence from witness statements, surveillance images, and other sources indicates that the gunman, later identified as Peulic, fired several shots at an unoccupied vehicle outside the establishment. No one was struck by the gunfire.
Peulic led police on a foot pursuit from Broadway to 5th Street and then onto Chestnut Street as additional officers responded to the scene from various locations. Peulic allegedly ignored officers’ commands to drop his weapon. The preliminary evidence suggests that an officer discharged his service weapon on Chestnut Street, striking Peulic once in the abdomen. Peulic’s firearm – a loaded Dan Wesson .357 long barrel revolver – was recovered from the scene, prosecutors said.
Officers immediately called for medical assistance and administered first aid. Peulic was transported to Massachusetts General Hospital, where he continues to undergo treatment.
Suffolk prosecutors and State Police detectives assigned to the Suffolk DA’s office are investigating the incident, and a separate examination is also being conducted by the Chelsea Police Department’s Professional Standards Division – Critical Incident Review Team. This review will focus on existing policy, tactics, and training as they relate to the use of force in this situation.
Peulic is represented by David Yannetti. He returns to court March 11.