SUSPECT IN CUSTODY FOR MURDER OF SHAWNDEL MITCHELL
Boston Police Commissioner Edward Davis and Suffolk County District Attorney Daniel F. Conley today announced the arrest of a suspect in the Oct. 7, 2007, murder of Shawndel Mitchell, 22, of Roslindale.
Today, Oct. 31, 2007, the Boston Police Fugitive and Apprehension Team, with assistance from Transit Police detectives, arrested Saraaj Abdulnur, 19, of Roxbury at Commonwealth and Harvard Avenues in Brighton, MA. Abdulnur has been identified as the person responsible for the homicide of Shawndel Mitchell.
As a result of an ongoing investigation by Suffolk prosecutors in the Special Grand Jury and Boston Police homicide detectives, investigators applied for and were granted an arrest warrant on October 10, 2007 charging Abdulnur with murder.
Abdulnur’s arrest follows the arrests of Antwan Carter and Daniel Pinckney on Oct. 22 for the homicide of Cedrick Steele earlier this year and the Oct. 26 arrest of Lamory Gray for the homicide of Herman Taylor III in 2006. As with those homicides, Boston Police detectives and Suffolk prosecutors investigated Mitchell’s shooting death in close cooperation.
On Sunday, October 7, 2007 at approximately 3:27am, officers from Area B-2 (Roxbury) responded to a radio call for shots fired in the area of 84 New Whitney Street. On arrival, officers located Mr. Mitchell suffering from an apparent gunshot wound to the chest. Mr. Mitchell was transported to Brigham and Women’s Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced.
Abdulnur is expected to be arraigned tomorrow in Roxbury District Court.
Happy Halloween!
Boston Police wishes you a safe and fun Halloween
The Boston Police Department wishes Boston residents happy and safe Halloween! The department encourages safety and supervision during the annual Trick-or-Treat season. Halloween is fun for people of all ages, but it is most important for parents to closely adhere to a few guidelines to ensure your night runs smoothly!
Halloween Safety Tips:
• Parents should establish a route for children, stay within familiar areas and surroundings
• Remind kids not to enter strangers’ homes or cars
• Remind children to avoid home without an outside light on
• Attach your phone number and address to your children’s costume
• Take a flashlight
• Be sure clothing/costumes are bright, reflective and flame retardant
• Set rules about not eating treats until kids get home. Be sure to inspect all treats before allowing kids to eat them.
• When in doubt, throw it out! Candy that has been opened should be thrown away. Any homemade treats or fruit should be inspected closely.
• Never cross the street from between parked cars.
• Watch open flames from jack-o-lanterns as they can catch costumes and long wigs on fire.
• Make sure that fake knives, swords, and guns are made from cardboard or other flexible materials to avoid accidental injury or worse, have them mistaken for the real thing!
It is also important to ensure that your home is safe and accessible to trick-or-treaters. As adults there are some very simple things we can do to make the evening safe everyone.
• Turn on your porch light.
• Move lit jack-o-lanterns off the porch where kids get bunched up if they are trick-or-treating in groups.
• Remove objects from your yard that might present a hazard.
• Drive slowly all evening-you never know what creature may suddenly cross your path.
• Report any suspicious or criminal activity to the police.
BOSTON 24: A LOOK AT THE LAST 24 HOURS IN THE CITY OF BOSTON
A look at the last 24 hours in Boston, from Monday, October 29, 2007 through 10am, Tuesday, October 30, 2007 (See recent Daily Incident summaries and earlier postings for more detailed descriptions of some of the incidents identified below).
Homicides: 0
Non-fatal Shootings: 0
Non-fatal Stabbings: 2
Street Robberies: 4
Commercial Robberies: 0
Bank: 0
Other: 1
Vehicle Thefts: 4
Vehicle Recoveries: 2
Vehicle Breaks: 14
Residential Break-ins: 7
Commercial Break-ins: 1
Note: the information above is preliminary information, and should not be considered official crime statistics. The information is based on an initial review of incident reports and may not be a comprehensive listing of events. It is not a statistical analysis, but rather an initial tally of significant events. Some of the incidents included may be covered in more detail in other blog postings.
Daily Incidents for Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Two Arrested On Drug Charges
Last night around 7:06pm, members of the Mountain Bike Unit were on patrol in the Grove Hall area and observed two individuals sitting on the top stairs of 67 Elm Hill Avenue. The building is clearly posted “No Trespassing- Police Take Notice” and officers have made numerous drug arrests at this location. Upon noticing the officers, both individuals stood up and began walking down the stairs. Officers asked the two individuals if they lived there and they both stated they did not. While walking up the stairs, officers observed that one of the wooden stairs post caps was removed and there was a brown paper towel stuffed into the hollowed post. Officers removed the paper towel and observed blunt tobacco inside the post.
Dobey Veal, 19, of Dorchester was arrested and charged with Trespassing. Derek Garner, 19 of Dorchester was arrested and charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Class B with in 1000ft of a School Zone, Possession with Intent to Distribute Class B and Possession of Class B.
Officers also recovered several off-white pieces of a rock like substance believed to be crack cocaine on the suspect.
Concertgoer Arrested After Being Asked To Leave
Last night at 9:29pm, officers were performing a detail at the TD Banknorth Garden, when they were requested by the building security to escort a couple of individuals out of the building for fighting during a concert. One of the combatants was escorted out of the building without any incident. However the second suspect was very boisterous and using profane language towards the officers and building security. After the suspect was escorted from the building he was asked not to return by building security. Officers were later approached by a member of security personnel, who stated that the suspect was back inside the building trying to gain entry into the concert. Officers once again attempted to escort the suspect, but the suspect started fighting and kicked an officer in the leg.
John Finnegan, 19, of Dracut was arrested and charged with Disorderly, Resisting Arrest, Trespassing and Assault and Battery On a Police Officer.
BOSTON 24: A LOOK AT THE LAST 72 HOURS IN THE CITY OF BOSTON
A look at the last 72 hours in Boston, from Friday, October 26, 2007 through 10am, Monday, October 29, 2007 (See recent Daily Incident summaries and earlier postings for more detailed descriptions of some of the incidents identified below).
Homicides: 1
Non-fatal Shootings: 1
Non-fatal Stabbings: 2
Street Robberies: 12
Commercial Robberies: 0
Bank: 0
Other: 2 (carjacking)
Vehicle Thefts: 12
Vehicle Recoveries: 8
Vehicle Breaks: 78 (3 arrests)
Residential Break-ins: 25
Commercial Break-ins: 5
Note: the information above is preliminary information, and should not be considered official crime statistics. The information is based on an initial review of incident reports and may not be a comprehensive listing of events. It is not a statistical analysis, but rather an initial tally of significant events. Some of the incidents included may be covered in more detail in other blog postings.
UPDATED CRIME DATA – January 1st – October 28th, 2006 vs. 2007
Please click the links below to view updated crime data in the City of Boston for the time period of January 1st – October 28th, 2006 vs. 2007.
View Data on YTD Part One Crime (PDF – Download Adobe Reader)
View Data on YTD Shootings (PDF – Download Adobe Reader)
View Data on YTD Firearm Arrests (PDF – Download Adobe Reader)
View Data on YTD Recovered Firearms (PDF – Download Adobe Reader)
DAILY INCIDENTS FOR MONDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2007
VANDALS DAMAGE 16 CARS ALONG NEWBURY STREET
At about 12:15am, on Monday, October 29, 2007, officers assigned to the Fenway area for the Red Sox World Series game, received a radio call for a large group vandalizing cars along Newbury Street. On arrival, officers observed and counted 16 cars that had been vandalized. Most of the damage consisted of broken or ripped off side view mirrors, broken windows and damaged windshield wipers. No arrests were made.
13 ARRESTED FOR REFUSING TO DISPERSE
At about 1:00am, officers assigned to the Fenway area for Game 4 of the World Series, observed a large crowd gathering in the area of Kenmore Square. Officers observed several individuals igniting fireworks, climbing poles, climbing trees, throwing rocks and bottles. Several officers were struck with various thrown items or projectiles. After a while, officers asked the crowd to disperse. When the crowd refused to acknowledge the lawful command, officers moved into and towards the crowd in an effort to disperse it. As officers moved towards the crowd, several officers were struck by rocks and bottles. Moreover, a police horse was struck with unknown projectile which, then, forced the horse to be removed from formation. Officers arrested 13 individuals. Those arrested refused to vacate public ways. Officers arrested the following individuals and charged all with Disorderly Conduct: Thomas Brett, 20, of Cambridge, Douglas Patrick, 19, of South Portland, ME, Theodore Seabright, 19, of Allston, Fred Hayes, 20, of Allston, Alexander Bixby, 19, of Francis Towne, Adam Talsa, 19, of Boston, Nickolas Cambell, 18, of North Dartmouth, Charles Gale, 23, of Somerville, Daniel Shibley, 19, of Portland, ME, Austin Barrett, 24, of Boston, Colin McDermott, 19, of Allston, Daniel Collins, 20, of Topsfield and Dylan Baker, 19, of Roxbury.
BAD BEHAVIOR LANDS ONE IN CUSTODY
At about 1:00am, on Monday, October 29, 2007, officers, assigned in and around Fenway Park in the wake of the Red Sox World Series Championship victory, observed a large crowd gathering in the area of Boylston Street. On several occasions, officers asked the crowd to disperse. In the process of asking the crowd to disperse, officers observed one individual in particular banging on the hood of an occupied motor vehicle. Officers further observed the individual climb onto and jump on the hood of the motor vehicle. Officers arrested Emma Mayerson, 20, of Somerville and charged her with Disorderly Conduct.
VANDAL SHATTERS CAR WINDOW OF OCCUPIED MOTOR VEHICLE
At about 2:20am, on Monday, October 29, 2007, an individual walked into the Area D-4 police station (South End) to file a vandalism report. According to the victim, he was driving along Huntington Avenue when a large crowd gathered in front of his motor vehicle. Victim further states that when his car came to a stop, an unidentified white male ran jumped onto the hood of his car and, then, ran over the car from front to back. According to the victim, the suspect shattered his rear window. No arrests were made.
*** At the time of this posting, Boston Police reported 22 arrests related to last night’s celebration. Massachusetts State Police reported 15 arrests.
PLAY IT SAFE!!!
The Boston Police Department Encourages Revelers To Celebrate Responsibly
It is exciting news that the Boston Red Sox could clinch their 2nd World Series Championship in three years later this evening when the Red Sox and Colorado Rockies take to the field for Game 4 of this year’s Fall Classic. It is no doubt a time for celebration throughout the City.
And even though the game is being played in Colorado, the Boston Police Department would like to take this opportunity to remind sports fans to celebrate safely and responsibly here in Boston.
In years past, fans have flocked to Fenway to celebrate Red Sox victories. For safety reasons, access in and around Fenway Park will be limited and discouraged. Additionally, the Boston Police Department will significantly increase patrols in and around the Fenway area.
The Boston Police will restrict access to the Fenway area at the beginning of the 6th inning. If you are not already inside an establishment, be it a bar or restaurant, you will not be able to gain access to the area. If you are inside an establishment and choose to exit the establishment in the 6th inning, you will be directed to leave the area.
The City has had extensive communications with local Universities related to student behavior. Any student arrested will not only face criminal charges, but will also be subject to penalties imposed by their University. We would like to take this opportunity to reach out to parents and ask them to touch base with their sons or daughters who may be headed into the Fenway area this evening. We would ask that you remind them to celebrate responsibly.
The department asks that revelers obey police instructions and, if asked to leave an area, please do so peacefully.
Police will employ extensive use of video in areas surrounding the park. The BPD Unified Command Center will also be monitoring surveillance cameras throughout the evening at police headquarters.
The Boston Police Department will be strictly enforcing compliance to all alcohol laws. Officers will be conducting walk throughs of bars and city streets especially in areas highly populated with college students. Our intent is to encourage people to celebrate responsibly and to adhere strictly to all alcohol laws. In addition, officers are working cooperatively with liquor establishments to be sure alcohol laws are strictly enforced. Public drinking will not be tolerated.
Taxis and public transportation offer inexpensive and smart alternatives to drinking and driving. Please take advantage of them. A designated driver is also an alternative. DUI enforcement will be a priority and we will have officers on duty focused specifically on this effort. Do not ruin your celebration by hurting yourself or others.
The BPD is also cheering for the Red Sox and hopes for victory! However, our prime focus is that all sports fans enjoy the game and that the City is peaceful and without incident. We will not allow a few excessive revelers to ruin the evening for other fans. We are prepared to take any means necessary to ensure this.
Have fun and be safe!
Daily Incidents For October 27, 2007
Search Warrant Executed At 55 St. James Street
Yesterday at 4:48pm, officers from District B-2 Drug Control Unit executed a search warrant at 55 St. James Street in Roxbury. Kareem Prosper, 21, of Roxbury was arrested and charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Class D and Possession of Class D. Also arrested was Samuel Allie, 19, of Roxbury and charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Class B. Officers recovered 17 Plastic bags of marijuana, plastic baggies and U. S. Currency.
Suspect Arrested For Unlawfully Entering Premise
Yesterday at 5:09pm, officers from District C-11 responded to a radio call to investigate the premises at 1615 Dorchester Avenue. On arrival, officers spoke with owner who stated that a few months ago he gave the suspect a key to the premise for the sole purpose of showing a prospective buyer the property. The buyer declined to purchase the property and the suspect took it upon himself and began staying at the premise without permission. Upon learning that the suspect was staying there the owner told the suspect that he did not have permission to be on the premises and was instructed to leave. The owner stated that he changed the locks to the property. Officers discovered that the suspect installed a device to keep the rear door of the property from locking which allowed him to continue to gain unlawful entry. Rolando Pam, 48, of Dorchester was arrested and charged with Breaking and Entering and Trespassing.
Two Arrested On Drug Charges
Yesterday at 6:18pm, officers from District C-11 while on patrol observed two individuals sitting on a park bench in the dark located at Adams and Church Streets. On approach officers could smell burnt marijuana and observed blunt tobacco and leaves on the ground at the feet of the individuals. Airton Chaves, 28, of Dorchester was arrested and charged with Possession of Class D, Possession with Intent to Distribute Class D with 100ft of a Play Ground, Possession of Class B and Possession with Intent to Distribute Class B with 100ft of a Play Ground. Also arrested was 23-year-old Celio Tavares, of Braintree charging him with Possession of Class D. Officers recovered a large plastic bag of marijuana from the suspects.
Two Arrested For Breaking and Entering
Last night at 8:42pm, officers from District B-2 responded to a radio call for a breaking and entering in progress at 17 Highland Street. Officers were informed that the property is abandoned which the homeless, drug users and prostitutes break into and congregate. On arrival officers gained entry through the rear door which was ajar. Officers could hear voices and found three suspects in a room near the rear of the house. Officers observed one of the suspect’s with a glass pipe in one hand and a lighter in the other hand. Dymond Clark, 42, of Roxbury was arrested and charged with Breaking and Entering, Trespassing and Possession of Class B. Brian Watson, 50, of Boston was arrested and charged with Breaking and Entering and Trespassing. The third suspect stated he accepted a ride from one of the suspects, which was verified. The third suspect was released.
Update: Death Investigation at 35 Westville Street
Victim Identified
This morning around 7:45am, officers from District C-11 responded to a radio call for a found body at 35 Westville Street. On arrival, officers located a black male in his 20’s in a motor vehicle suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. The victim was pronounced at the scene. The victim has been identified Nicholas R. Copeland, 20, Mattapan.
The Boston Police Department is actively investigating the facts and circumstances surrounding this incident. Anyone with information is strongly urged to contact Homicide detectives at (617) 343-4470.
For individuals who wish to remain anonymous, you are urged to call either the Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 1-800-494-TIPS (8477) or text ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463). Police will protect the identity of those who wish to remain anonymous.
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