Man Arrested for Firearm and Drug Offenses After Crashing Vehicle into Dorchester Nursery

At approximately 8:36 PM on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, Officers assigned to District B-3 (Mattapan) arrested 53-year-old Ronnie Qualls, a Dorchester resident, on multiple vehicle violations, firearm charges, and drug-related offenses after witnessing a motor vehicle accident at 764 Washington Street, Dorchester.

Officers were patrolling Washington Street when they observed a vehicle that had crashed into the Ashmont Nursery business, located next to 764 Washington Street. They immediately turned their cruiser around and returned to the scene to assist.

Upon arrival, Officers observed significant damage to both the building and the vehicle. A dislodged water pipe was spraying water throughout the interior of the building. As they approached the vehicle, they saw the driver, later identified as Ronnie Qualls, still inside and immediately requested EMS via radio.

Officers also located witnesses and victims who had been inside the building at the time of the crash. Fortunately, none of them sustained injuries.

Officers gained access to the vehicle through the passenger door and attempted to communicate with Qualls, but he was incoherent. As they tried to assist him, Qualls began exhibiting unusual behavior, attempting to divert the Officers' attention while exiting the vehicle. Once outside, he appeared to be suffering from injuries related to the crash but continued to create distance between himself and the vehicle. Due to his behavior, Officers suspected he might be armed and initiated an investigation.

During their search, Officers discovered a firearm inside the vehicle's center console. The weapon was later identified as a Republic Arms Patriot .45-caliber semi-automatic pistol, loaded with six rounds in the magazine and one round in the chamber.

Qualls was taken into custody but was transported to a local hospital for evaluation of non-life-threatening injuries before the booking process began. Prior to his arrival at the hospital, Officers recovered four plastic bags from Qualls' jacket, believed to contain crack cocaine and cocaine. A subsequent records check revealed that Qualls did not have a valid driver's license.

Qualls was placed under arrest and is expected to be arraigned in Dorchester District Court on the following charges:

• Unlawful Possession of a Firearm
• Unlawful Possession of a Loaded Firearm
• Unlawful Possession of Ammunition
• Possession of Class A Drugs (Crack Cocaine)
• Possession of Class B Drugs (Cocaine)