Man fatally shot in Mattapan, police say

A man was fatally shot in Mattapan Square Thursday night, police said.

Police responded to 1651 Blue Hill Ave., the heart of the neighborhood, shortly before 8:50 p.m., said Boston police Sergeant John Boyle.

The victim was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead, said Boyle.

The slaying is the 39th of the year in the city, one less than a year ago, according to police.

Police cordoned off a section of the avenue that included a pizza shop, a liquor store, a clothing store, two law offices, and an ATM.

Forming a line, least 15 officers with flashlights swept the sidewalk and the half of Blue Hill Avenue that was closed to vehicles Thursday night.

“If you see something, shout it out,” said one of the investigators.

One Mattapan resident who declined to give his name said he was across the street when he heard a single gunshot pierce the square . He said he then saw two men run up Blue Hill Avenue.

He said he frequents a store that was cordoned off with police tape for scratch tickets and called Thursday night’s violence concerning.

“It’s kind of crazy,” he said.