The Boston Globe writes:

While Soto returned fire and Bruzzese protected Bethell, the unarmed Franklin fled the scene, according to testimony and police reports. Franklin's service weapon was inside Soto's truck, unsecured, a felony under state law.

So, he hasn't been charged because...why exactly? And why hasn't he been charged with interfering with a police officer (he ordered the first responder to drive him home), or making false statements to a police officer? (he lied to the officer who gave him a ride home, and the State Police investigators both about how he got home, and not having been at the scene.)

Apparently it's not the first time Franklin has high-tailed it from a crime scene.

Our census correspondent, Mats Tolander, reports the latest government estimates show Suffolk County gained about 3,000 new residents in 2007 over 2006.

Fertility drugs at work in the South End?