Arrest Made in South Boston Homicide
The Homicide Unit has been investigating the homicide of Alberto Duarte, 24, since shortly after midnight on July 27th when police responded to 242 East 9th Street in South Boston. When they arrived they located Duarte suffering from an apparent gunshot wound and he was taken to Boston Medical Center and pronounced dead at the hospital. Chanly Kan, 21, of Allston was arrested this afternoon at about 1:45pm in the area of 300 Western Avenue in Allston on unrelated charges and subsequent to that arrest, he has been charged with the murder of Duarte. Kan will be arraigned in the South Boston District Court tomorrow morning.
Daily Incidents For July 31, 2006
Two Juveniles Arrested For Unarmed Robbery
On Friday July 28, 2006 at 8:54pm, officers in District 11 responded to a radio call for a robbery in progress at 1370 Dorchester Avenue. On arrival officer spoke with the victim, who stated that three black males robbed him of cash and 2 cell phones. The victim also went on to state that the suspect punched him until he fell to the ground. A description of the suspect was broadcasted and officers located the suspects on Charles Street. Arrested were two juveniles ages 14 and 15 for Unarmed Robbery, Assault and Battery and Receiving Stolen Goods.
Two Arrested for Firearm
On Saturday July 29, 2006 at 1:55am, officers in District 11 observed a motor vehicle parked in the rear of a grass-covered lot. As the officers approached the suspect walked from the driver’s side of the motor vehicle, and refused to identify himself to the officers. Officers attempted to ascertain whom the owner of the vehicle was but suspect was unable to provide a name. Further investigation revealed a firearm under the seat of the motor vehicle. Arrested was Andre Buchanon, 21, of Dorchester charged with Unlawful Possession of Firearm, Unlawful Possession of Ammunition, Possession of Class D and outstanding warrant for Receiving Stolen Motor Vehicle. Also arrested was Okebui James, 19, of Roxbury for Unlawful Possession of Firearm and Unlawful Possession of Ammunition. Officers did recover a firearm and drugs from the suspects
Boston Police Honor Top Ten Neighborhood Crime Watch Groups of the Year
Boston’s Top Ten Neighborhood Crime Watch groups will be honored tonight, Monday, July 31st, from 6:30 to 8:00 PM at the John Hancock Conference Center, 40 Trinity Place by Mayor Thomas M. Menino, Acting Police Commissioner Albert E. Goslin, and the Neighborhood Crime Watch Unit of the Boston Police Department. Photo Op and Interviews suggested time: 6:45PM to 7:15PM.
Mayor Thomas M. Menino will kick off the celebration by reading his proclamation designating Tuesday, August 1, 2006 as National Night Out in Boston. At the ceremony, which will be attended by crime watch activists from every neighborhood in the city, as well as by residents, police and elected officials, the Mayor and Acting Police Commissioner Albert E. Goslin will present the winners with their awards.
“National Night Out gives us the opportunity to honor the ordinary people of Boston who have done extraordinary things to make their neighborhoods safer. Neighbors must continue to work together in the fight to make our streets safer and better places to live, work, and raise our children. As Margaret Mead said, ‘Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.’ Working together, block-by-block, we will continue to build that safer city,” stated Judith Wright, director of the Boston Police Neighborhood Crime Watch Unit. A list of the award winners is below
2006 Top Ten Neighborhood Watch Groups
Charlestown Substance Abuse Coalition
Mt. Pleasant/Forest/Vine Neighborhood Assoc
Colorado St. Crime Watch
Norton St. Neighborhood Group
South Boston Crime Watch Group
Faneuil Garden Tenants Association
West Canton/ Montgomery Sts Crime Watch
Dalrymple/Egleston/Boylston Group
East River St. Association Crime Watch
Lower South St. Crime Watch
Heat Emergency Declared for Boston
Mayor Menino Declares Heat Emergency with Temperatures Expected to Reach 100 Degrees
Reprinted from a City of Boston press release.
With temperatures expected to reach 100 degrees this week, Mayor Thomas M. Menino today declared a heat emergency in the city and will expand services during this dangerous stretch of hot weather.
“The heat that we are expecting in our city this week presents a dangerous situation to many of our residents,” Mayor Menino said. “We are preparing by adding additional resources to help assist residents keep cool and healthy. I am appealing to everyone in our city to check on your neighbors, especially those who are elderly or infirmed.”
Starting today and going through Thursday, the city will extend pool hours until 9:00 p.m. and will open cooling centers. A list of locations can be found below. The city will also be making automated phone calls to all households asking residents to check on neighbors and alerting residents to city services.
Elderly residents are particularly vulnerable to heat-related illnesses and injuries, but everyone should remember to limit their activities during very hot weather, drink plenty of fluids, and avoid beverages that contain caffeine or alcohol. Additional measures to beat the heat include avoiding cooking, taking cool showers or baths, and wearing loose, light-colored clothing.
The city’s Commission on the Affairs of the Elderly has put out alerts and will distribute information to the elderly about the upcoming heat wave. Elderly residents are advised to call the Elderly Commission at 617-635-4366 or the Mayor’s 24 – Hour hotline at 617-635-4500 if they experience problems and to drink plenty of water and avoid outside activity. The city is also reaching out to all elderly homebound clients and congregate housing sites to make sure they have what they need. The Mayor’s Senior Shuttle will be on call all to accommodate any requests for rides to cooling centers.
Residents are reminded that fire hydrants should not be tampered with or opened; doing so may hinder fire prevention capabilities. Residents who see open hydrants should immediately report the situation to the Mayor’s 24 Hour Hotline at (617) 635-4500. Open hydrants reduce water pressure and put both neighborhoods and firefighters at risk in the event of a fire.
The City has been in touch with NStar on any possible power outages due to expected record-breaking demand for electricity and is asking all residents to conserve energy over the next few days.
All residents should limit their exertion outdoors and should be mindful of warning signs for heat illness, which include: dizziness, weakness, fainting and vomiting, stomach cramps or cramping of the legs or arms, and confusion and agitation. If anyone experiences any of the symptoms listed above, they should first stop what they are doing and, if possible, move themselves to a cooler area. If symptoms persist, call 9-1-1 immediately. Family, friends and neighbors are also urged to check in frequently with elderly residents who may need assistance during the hot weather.
For questions about heat-related city services, residents should call the Mayor’s 24-Hour Hotline at 617 635-4500.
View the press release for a list of COOLING CENTERS & POOLS
National Night Out 2006 List of Events
This year marks the 23rd annual National Night Out, a nationwide celebration involving over 34 million people in more than 10,000 cities and towns across the United States. With the enthusiastic participation of communities citywide, the City of Boston in conjunction with the Boston Police Department anticipates this year will be the most successful National Night Out in Boston’s history.
The following is a list Boston Police National Night Out events:
Saturday July 29th:
· Wendover Street Neighborhood Crime Watch Block Party 12:00PM – 6:00PM
Wendover Street, Dorchester (Intersection of Dudley and Wendover)
Photo Op and Interviews suggested time: 1:00PM to 2:00PM
Mayor Thomas M. Menino and Acting Police Commissioner Albert Goslin will visit the site to enjoy the celebration with residents. Food, ice cream, and kids activities are provided.
· Peace is coming, For us By us, Meet and Greet 6:30PM – 9:30PM
The Jorge Hernandez Cultural Center, 87 West Newtown St. South End. Free.
Photo Op and Interviews suggested time: 8:00PM to 8:30PM
Please call Joseph Porcelli at 857-222-4420 prior to arrival
A communal holistic gathering to sustain, inspire, and propel peace work for community organizers, youth workers, clergy, and concerned residents. Free. Dinner served.
· Soul Revival “Unsung Heroes” 10:00PM – 2:00AM
The Jorge Hernandez Cultural Center, 87 West Newtown St. South End. ($15.00 entrance fee):
A multicultural dance party celebration. For more information visit www.ReviveYourSoul.com.
Monday July 31:
· Top Ten Reception 6:30PM – 8:00PM
John Hancock Conference Center, 40 Trinity Place
Photo Op and Interviews suggested time: 6:45PM to 7:15PM
A reception in honor of the Top Ten Crime Watches of 2006.
Tuesday August 1st:
· Coffee With The Chiefs 10:30AM -11:30AM
The Pavilion At Fenway Park:
Photo Op and Interviews suggested time: 10:30AM – 11:30AM
Naming of Crime Fighter of the Year.
· “Hands Across The River” Mass Ave Bridge 11:30AM
Boston & Cambridge Co-Host Over 30 Cities & Towns to kick of National Night Out:
Photo Op and Interviews suggested time: 11:30AM – 12:00AM
A symbolic gesture designed to show that cities and towns and their residents working together can reduce crime and the fear of crime.
Tuesday August 1St Cavalcade Sites visited by Mayor Menino and Acting Commissioner Goslin:
· Chinatown, Tai Tung Village District Celebration 4:00PM – 6:00PM
Oak Street & Harrison Avenue:
Photo Op and Interviews suggested time: 4:00PM– 4:45PM
A cavalcade led by Mayor Thomas M. Menino and Acting Police Commissioner Albert Goslin will visit the site and present the Top Ten Neighborhood Watch Awards and Community Service Awards to resident recipients. Attendees will enjoy a lion dance, sausages, hotdogs, chips, ice cream, soft drinks and opportunities to get to know their neighbors.
· South End, Ramsey Park District Celebration 4:00PM – 7:00PM
Between Shawmut & Washington Streets:
Photo Op and Interviews suggested time: 4:55PM – 5:40PM
A cavalcade led by Mayor Thomas M. Menino and Acting Police Commissioner Albert Goslin will visit the site and present the Top Ten Neighborhood Watch Awards and Community Service Awards to resident recipients. Attendees will enjoy, entertainment, fresh corn on the cob served up by Haley House Café, snack, ice cream, refreshments, a basketball and baseball game, and opportunities to get to know their neighbors.
· Jamaica Plain, Mozart Park District Celebration 4:00PM – 8:00PM
Corner of Mozart & Centre Streets:
Photo Op and Interviews suggested time: 5:55PM– 6:25PM
A cavalcade led by Mayor Thomas M. Menino and Acting Police Commissioner Albert Goslin will visit the site and present the Top Ten Neighborhood Watch Awards and Community Service Awards to resident recipients. Hamburgers, hot dogs, beverages, ice cream and refreshments will be served. Attendees will enjoy live performances, kids activities, horse rides, K-9 demonstrations, and opportunities to get to know their neighbors.
● Dorchester, Ronan Park District Celebration 4:00PM – 8:00PM
Between Percival Street & Mt. Ida Road:
Photo Op and Interviews suggested time: 6:45PM– 7:30 PM
A cavalcade led by Mayor Thomas M. Menino and Acting Police Commissioner Albert Goslin will visit the site and present the Top Ten Neighborhood Watch Awards and Community Service Awards to resident recipients. Attendees will enjoy performances by a local rap group, a local Vietnamese play group, a double-dutch jump rope exhibition, and a singing group. Hamburgers, hotdogs, chips, ice cream, and soft drinks will be served.
· Roxbury District Celebration 3:00PM – 8:30PM
Mt. Pleasant Avenue & Vine Street:
Photo Op and Interviews suggested time: 7:45PM– 8:30PM
A cavalcade led by Mayor Thomas M. Menino and Acting Police Commissioner Albert Goslin will visit the site and present the Top Ten Neighborhood Watch Awards and Community Service Awards to resident recipients. Attendees will enjoy ice cream, refreshment, a talent show, a singing group and opportunities to get to know their neighbors.
Tuesday August 1St Other District Celebrations:
· East Boston, LoPresti Park District Celebration 4:00PM – 7:00PM
Summer & New Streets: Including free food, entertainment, and activities.
· South Boston, Marine Park District Celebration 4:00PM – 8:00PM
Farragut Way: Including free food, entertainment, and activities.
· Mattapan, Foley Building District Celebrations 4:00PM – 8:00PM
249 River Street: Including free food, entertainment, and activities.
· Allston, Ringer Park & Playground District Celebrations 6:30PM – 8:00PM
Allston Street & Griggs Place: Including free food, entertainment, and activities.
· Roslindale, Adams Park District Celebrations 6:00PM – 8:00 PM
Roslindale Square: Including free food, entertainment, and activities.
· Hyde Park, Fairlawn Cameo Estates District Celebrations 6:00PM – 8:00PM
15 Bismarck Street. Including free food, entertainment, and activities.
Note: The above list does not include block parties hosted by Neighborhood Crime Watch Groups, neighborhood residents, or community based organizations.
Murder Suspect Arrested in New Jersey
On Monday April 17, 2006 at 10:05pm, officers responded to 25 Hosmer Street, Mattapan for a person stabbed. Officers located a male victim suffering from a stab wound. The victim, 39-year-old Eric Johnson of Mattapan, was taken to Boston Medical Center and later died. His death was ruled a homicide by the Medical Examiner. As a result of the investigation that followed, Homicide Detectives obtained an arrest warrant on 5/17/06 for Michael K. Penn, 32, of Dorchester, charging him with the murder of Eric Johnson.
Yesterday, Penn was arrested in Atlantic City, New Jersey on the Boston warrant for the stabbing death of Johnson. The arrest came as a result of recent information that Penn was in New Jersey. The Boston Police Homicide Unit coordinated with authorities in New Jersey and Penn was taken into custody. He will be returned to Boston sometime next week to face the murder charge after a court appearance in New Jersey on other local charges.
MEDIA ADVISORY/PHOTO OPPORTUNITY
Poster Contest Winners Recognized
National Night Out Contest winners honored at Luncheon Today
WHO: Mayor Thomas M. Menino, Acting Police Commissioner Albert E. Goslin, Boston Police Department Community Service Officers; Judith Wright, Director, Joseph Porcelli, Eric Hill, Wallace Tilford, Neighborhood Crime Watch Unit, and twenty two Boston students.
WHAT: National Night Out poster contest is held annually engaging city youth to participate in keeping neighborhoods safe. The contest theme was, “Together We Can Make a Safer Neighborhood.” The Boston Police utilize the contest as one way to involve Boston’s youth in a positive way. The student’s posters will be on display for all to view at the award ceremony.
WHERE: Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel
WHEN: Friday, July 28, 2006
12 noon
INFO: 2006 National Night Out Poster Contest Winners
GRAND PRIZE $200 U.S. Savings Bond & Art Kit
KRISTEN TURNER, Boston Arts Academy Grade 9, Ms. Balliro
FIRST PRIZE $100 U.S. Savings Bond & Art Kit
AARON EPPS, Cathedral Grammar Grade 7, Ms. Conn
KELSIE BUTLER, St. Theresa’s 5 Ms. Christiné-Marie Foye
SECOND PRIZE $75 U.S. Savings Bond & Art Kit
MEADHAH RYAN, St. Theresa’s Grade 5, Ms. Christiné-Marie Foye
BIANCA ROSADO, Umana Barnes Grade 7, Ms Murphy/Ms. Guarino
THIRD PRIZE $50 U.S. Savings Bond & Art Kit
NICOLE DOHERTY, St. Theresa’s Grade 5, Ms. Christiné-Marie Foye
DAJEH JONES, Boston Prep, Grade 7, Ms Huang
MERIT PRIZE Art Kit
AARON SHARIFF, St Patrick Grade 1, Ms. Reverack
BELLA ROSA BALLIN, Cathedral Grammar, Grade 2, Brother Greg
BRIANNA WILLIAMS, Cathedral Grammar Grade 2, Ms. Conn
KEYARA NOLAN, St Theresa’s Grade 5, Ms. Christiné-Marie Foye
LIZ MARIE MARILOZ, Cathedral Grammar Grade 2, Ms. Conn
ANDREI BONANO, Cathedral Grammar Grade 5, Ms. Conn
JOSEPH LYONS, St Theresa’s Grade 5, Ms. Christiné-Marie Foye
LAUREN DEMOY, Cathedral Grammar Grade 5, Ms. Conn
SHAYNE FINN, St. Theresa’s Grade 5, Ms. Christiné-Marie Foye
CATHYANA JEAN-BAPTISTE, Cathedral Grammar Grade 6, Dave Kiersh
CHRISTINA CEBALLOS, Cathedral Grammar Grade 6, Ms. Conn
CURTIS HOWE, Cathedral Grammar Grade 6, Ms. Conn
DAVID SAVAGE, Umana Barnes Grade 6, Ms Murphy/Ms. Guarino
SAMEJ GAUTHIER, Boston Prep. Charter Grade 6, Ms. Huang
DENIA R. SILVA, Cathedral Grammar 7, Ms. Conn
E 9th Street Shooting Investigation
At about 12:37am this morning, officers responded to 242 E 9th street in South Boston on a shots fired call. When they arrived they located a 24-year-old male victim suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. The victim was taken to Boston Medical Center and was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Boston Police Homicide detectives are actively investigating this death and ask anyone with information to contact the Homicide Unit at 617-343-4470 or to remain anonymous call the Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 1-800-494-TIPS.
Update: Intervale Street Homicide Investigation
At about 11:39pm on Tuesday July 25th, officers responded to 128 Intervale Street, Roxbury for a person shot. On arrival they located a male suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. The victim was taken to an area hospital and was pronounced dead. The victim has been identified as Vernon Cobb, 21, of Dorchester. The cause of death has been determined to be a gunshot wound and the manner of death is considered a homicide.
Boston Police Homicide detectives are actively investigating this death and ask anyone with information to contact the Homicide Unit at 617-343-4470 or to remain anonymous call the Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 1-800-494-TIPS.
Robbery Bulletin: West Fens & Mission Hill
West Fens & Mission Hill Robbery Patterns (affecting Districts D-4 & B-2)
Overview: Between June 1st and July 25th, 2006, two robbery patterns have been identified in the West Fens area of District D-4 and the Mission Hill area of District B-2. Due to similarities in incidents and suspect descriptions, the possibility exists that there may be some overlap in criminal activity.
The West Fens area has experienced a total of thirteen robberies during this date range. Eleven were street robberies, and two were commercial robberies. All incidents took place between 10:30 PM and 5:00 AM, with the majority occurring between 11:00 PM and 1:00 AM. Within this area, two distinct patterns were present:
- One involving a Hispanic male suspect that acted in two street robberies and two commercial robberies.
- The second pattern appears to involve groups of black males (possibly Hispanic, range of 2-7 suspects) robbing people of cash, purses, and cell phones in five separate incidents. Three other incidents occurred within this area involving suspects acting on their own; one of which resulted in an arrest (on 6/1/06).
The Mission Hill area has experienced a total of nineteen robberies during this date range. Seventeen were street robberies, and two were “other” robberies (one residential, one home invasion). This area appears to have two areas of concentration:
- One concentration is in the area of the Mission Main / Parker St Development and the Alice Taylor / Annunciation Development.
- The other area of concentration is in the Huntington Ave /Mission Park development.
All incidents took place between 10:00 AM and 4:00 AM, with the majority occurring between 9:30 PM and 3:00 AM.
In thirteen of the seventeen incidents, the robberies were committed in groups of 2-5 suspects (most often black males). Six of the incidents were purse snatchings. The majority of the incidents have been unarmed (10), however a knife has been used several times (5). In seven of the incidents the victim was assaulted.
Please review the attached map. (PDF file)
We also recommend you view the attached list of Personal Safety Tips.
(PDF file)