A Massachusetts judge is facing renewed criticism after a convicted gunman accused of shooting at random drivers this week had previously received a lighter-than-requested prison sentence for trying to kill a police officer.
According to the New York Post, Tyler Brown, 46, allegedly opened fire on cars along Memorial Drive in Cambridge on Monday, firing as many as 60 rounds and critically injuring two men before being shot by authorities.
The chaos unfolded just months after Brown was released from prison for a 2020 attack on Boston police officers.
In that earlier case, Brown pleaded guilty to armed assault with intent to murder after firing 13 shots at officers, including one round aimed directly at an officer’s chest from close range.
Prosecutors had pushed for a 10- to 12-year prison sentence followed by five years of probation.
Instead, Judge Janet Sanders sentenced Brown in 2021 to five to six years behind bars and three years of probation.
The ruling drew outrage from then-Suffolk County District Attorney Rachael Rollins.
“I am disappointed in the sentence that was imposed,” Rollins said at the time.
“This sentence doesn’t do that, and I want to personally apologize to each of these officers and their families.”
One officer involved in the 2020 shooting had warned Brown remained dangerous.
“I am a firm believer that when Mr. Tyler Brown gets out, he will hurt, or worse, kill someone,” the officer said in a victim statement.
Witnesses described panic during Monday’s shooting spree as drivers abandoned vehicles and ran for safety.
“He’s shooting all over the place,” witness Todd Czubek told CBS.
Brown was eventually shot several times after a confrontation with a state trooper and an armed Marine.
He survived and remains hospitalized pending arraignment.
Marian Ryan said Brown is expected to face two counts of armed assault with intent to murder.
