Boston Police Blotter: Gun Recovered, Fake Fine Scam Warning

Arrests made for gun and drug charges, plus a new scam targeting residents with fake court notices

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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Boston police arrested two individuals, Dawan Johnson and Melissa Lincks-Morpeau, on gun and drug charges after Johnson allegedly showed up at a victim's door with a firearm. Police also warned residents about a new scam involving fake court notices demanding payment.

Why it matters

Gun violence and property crimes remain ongoing concerns in Boston, with police working to address both issues through arrests and public awareness campaigns. The fake court notice scam also highlights the need for residents to be vigilant about verifying the legitimacy of any official-looking documents they receive.

The details

According to police, officers responded to a home on Huntington Ave. on Friday night after a victim reported that Johnson, 47, had come to his door with a gun. After speaking with the victim, officers searched Johnson's apartment and found a firearm in an open bathroom cabinet. Both Johnson and a woman in the apartment, Melissa Lincks-Morpeau, 44, were arrested and charged with unlawful firearm possession. During booking, police also found suspected cocaine on Johnson, leading to additional charges. Separately, Boston police warned residents about a new scam involving fake court notices demanding payment, urging people not to submit any money or scan QR codes without verifying the legitimacy of the documents.

  • On Friday night around 11:30 p.m., police responded to the Huntington Ave. home.
  • During the booking process, police found a suspected controlled substance on Johnson.

The players

Dawan Johnson

A 47-year-old Boston resident arrested on gun and drug charges after allegedly showing up at a victim's door with a firearm.

Melissa Lincks-Morpeau

A 44-year-old Boston resident arrested along with Johnson for unlawful firearm possession.

Boston Police Department

The law enforcement agency that responded to the incident, made the arrests, and issued a warning to residents about a new scam.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

Both Johnson and Lincks-Morpeau are expected to be arraigned in Boston Municipal Court.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges Boston police face in addressing gun violence and property crimes, while also working to educate the public about emerging scams targeting residents. Vigilance and cooperation between law enforcement and the community remain crucial to maintaining public safety.