Man arrested for firearm offenses as a result of latent print match

BOSTON, June 7, 2023 – A Boston man was arraigned Tuesday in the Central Division of BMC on multiple firearm charges after police matched a latent print recovered from a firearm found on a sidewalk to him, Suffolk District Attorney Kevin Hayden announced.

TABARI MUHAMMAD, 31, is charged with carrying a firearm without a license, carrying a loaded firearm without a license, carrying a large capacity firearm and possession of ammunition without an FID card. Judge Richard Sinnott ordered Muhammad held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing on June 9.

At about 8:21 p.m. on March 27, police responded to the area of 89 Union Park in the South End for a report of a found firearm. Officers spoke to a witness who said he observed a firearm on the sidewalk next to St. Helena’s Park while working to work. The witness used a hat to pick up the firearm while waiting for police. The firearm, a Glock .40-cal Model 27 with one round in the chamber and 14 in the magazine, was discovered in the same area of an incident the previous day involving a male who fled after a brief interaction with police.

Police processed the firearm for prints. A latent print came back as a match to Muhammad. With this information, investigators reviewed body worn camera footage from March 26.  The footage showed that Muhammad identified himself twice to police during a field interrogation and observation (FIO) before fleeing. Police secured an arrest warrant on May 26 and arrested Muhammad on June 6.

Muhammad has open cases in Worcester for aggravated assault and battery.

“This is a great example of diligent police work that led to getting another illegal firearm off the street. I am thankful to the witness for acting responsibly in this situation and to the investigators for identifying this individual so quickly. A firearm on a public sidewalk is not only alarming but could have tragic consequences,” Hayden said.

All charged individuals are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden’s office serves the communities of Boston, Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop, Mass. The office handles over 20,000 cases a year. More than 160 attorneys in the office practice in nine district and municipal courts, Suffolk Superior Court, the Massachusetts Appeals Court, the Supreme Judicial Court, and the Boston Juvenile Courts. The office employs some 300 people and offers a wide range of services and programs to serve anyone who comes in contact with the criminal justice system. This office is committed to educating the public about the services we provide, our commitment to crime prevention, and our dedication to keeping the residents of Suffolk County safe.

James Borghesani, Chief of Communications