Chelsea Police are still searching for the man they believe was responsible for last week’s killing of a Chelsea man on Central Avenue and need the community’s help.
Chelsea and State Police Detectives assigned to the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office are asking for Chelsea residents for information that will lead to the arrest of Santos Portillo, 21, of Chelsea.
Police have secured a murder warrant out of Suffolk Superior Court for Portillo for the shooting death of Braulio Gomez, 38, of Chelsea, on July 16 in Chelsea.
Portillo is described as being 5’5”in height, approximately 140lbs, black hair, brown eyes and medium in complexion. Police warn residents that Portillo should be considered armed and dangerous and should not be confronted. If located you are asked to call the Chelsea Police or 911 immediately.
Last Tuesday, police responded to a early morning call of a gunshot victim in front of 104 Central Ave. Officers arrived with emergency medical personnel and administered aid to the male victim who was shot once in the head.
The victim, later identified as Gomez, was pronounced dead at Whidden Hospital in Everett a short time later. Investigators interviewed witnesses to determine the circumstances that led to the shooting and to help identify the perpetrator who was later identified as Portillo.
Police immediately began a manhunt of Portillo. They released a photograph of him and passed it around the neighborhood last week after he went missing.
Police even took Portillo’s companion into custody and, according to sources, that young man fearing for his life if he spoke to police, was placed in a downtown Boston hotel for his own protection.
Portillo’s companion apparently fled from the hotel and now he and Portillo are on the run and being hunted by authorities.
Chelsea residents are reminded they can provide information anonymously to the Police Department by calling the 24 hr Crime Stoppers TIP line at 617-466-4880 or texting the word Chelsea and then their message to tip411 (847411) from their cell phone. Anonymous web tips can also be submitted right from the Police Departments website at www.chelseapolice.com.