Commendation Ceremony
MAYOR THOMAS MENINO AND COMMISSIONER ED DAVIS PROVIDE SPECIAL COMMENDATION TO OUTSTANDING OFFICERS AND CITIZENS
Today Boston Police Commissioner Ed Davis, joined by Mayor Thomas Menino, were pleased to celebrate the fourth commendation ceremony of his administration to recognize the exemplary work of members of the Boston Police Department (BPD). Today’s ceremony is particularly special as it recognizes not only sworn and civilian members of the BPD, but also outstanding community members and a local organization for their commitment to public safety.
Honorees receiving a Commissioner’s Commendation include members of the renowned advertising corporation, Hill, Holliday, Connors, Cosmopulous, Inc., for their instrumental work on the enormously effective CrimeStopper’s Text-a-Tip Program. Other recipients include five Boston Police sergeants, who were recognized for their commendable work with the BPD’s cornerstone community policing initiative, the Safe Street Teams. Several Shattuck Award recipients were included in today’s acknowledgments as well as outstanding community member, Matt Wolf, recognized for his dedication to local youth and the creation of the remarkably successful program known as the Red Auerbach Future Stars Sports and Leadership Camp.
In addition, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) presented Boston Police and Boston Housing Authority detectives with special recognition.
Commissioner Davis stated, “Today’s commendations highlight the excellent work of a remarkable group of individuals. Mayor Menino and I are so pleased to have the opportunity to properly recognize each of them for their commitment and dedication to public safety and the City of Boston.”
Today’s honorees include:
Hill, Holliday, Connors, Cosmopulos, Inc.
In June 2007, the Boston Police Department launched the Text-A-Tip Program – an anonymous text messaging tip initiative. In 2007, we received 523 text tips. Over the past 3 months, we have received an additional 138 text tips. These tips have led to drug, gang and violent crime arrests. This program was made possible by the generosity and creativity made available to us by the incredibly talented staff at Hill Holiday.
Mary Ryan, Director of BPD Payroll Unit
Mary Ryan, a civilian employee of the Boston Police Department, was recently recognized by the Boston Municipal Research Bureau as the recipient of the Shattuck Award for Public Service. We would like to recognize Mary within the Department as well. The Shattuck Award reads, Mary is intelligent, creative and conscientious and someone who sets a demanding benchmark for her work. Mary will not accept inaccuracy and abuse because it amounts to waste and a violation of the public trust. Her suggestions have identified reforms that generated tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, of dollar savings to the City.
Boston Police Detective Cecil Jones
Detective Cecil Jones was recently recognized by the Boston Municipal Research Bureau as the recipient of the Shattuck Award for Public Service. We would like to recognize Detective Jones within the Department as well. The Shattuck Award reads, Boston is better, safer and stronger as a result of the work of Officer Jones with the Boston Police Department. Throughout his 24 year career with BPD, Jones has brought people together in alliances that promotes and supports various charitable and community based organizations and that have helped produce a better quality of life for residents. His numerous charitable endeavors have raised significant donations for local youth.
Safe Street Team Sergeants
Safe Street Teams were created to reduce crime, reduce the fear of crime and to improve the overall quality of life in neighborhoods that have experienced the most violence.
Since their inception, they have been extremely successful in achieving their overall mission. We are here today, to acknowledge the outstanding efforts of 5 Sergeants who lead Safe Street Teams in the following neighborhoods: Orchard Gardens, Codman Square, Bowdoin & Geneva, and Eagle Hill. They include:
• Sgt. Joe Horton
• Sgt. Luke Taxter
• Sgt. John Early
• Sgt. Kenny MacMaster
• Sgt. Kenny O’Brien
Eileen Walsh, BPD Forensic Division
This is a letter written by Boston’s ATF Special Agent in Charge Andy Anderson to Police Commissioner Davis:
“Recently, it has been brought to my attention by a number of ATF Agents working in the Boston Field Office that a particular employee of the Boston Police Department, Senior Criminalist Eileen Walsh in the Crime Lab has played an instrumental role in supporting the federal prosecution of a number of the City of Boston’s most violent offenders. Ms. Walsh’s efforts in the area of firearm serial number restorations have been a valuable asset and a key component to the identification of individuals trafficking firearms into Boston.”
In one particular case, the investigation by ATF and the Boston Police Special Investigations Unit into firearms trafficking by Robert M. Evans, could not have been successful, or even initiated, absent the efforts of Ms. Walsh. The entire three-year investigation began with the successful serial number restoration of a firearm with an obliterated serial number recovered by the Boston Police and subsequently restored by Ms. Walsh. ATF then traced the firearm to Evans. As the investigation continued, ATF learned that Evans, a former Boston resident, was a Sergeant with the George Mason University Police Department.
Matt Wolf, Founder of Red Aurebach Youth Foundation
In 2007 Matt Wolf contacted Police Commissioner Davis about starting a program (similar to one in Lowell) for Boston’s youth, funded by the Red Auerbach Youth Foundation, and aptly named, the Red Auerbach Future Stars Sports and Leadership Camp.
This free summer camp aimed to develop young leaders and provide a safe and healthy alternative to gang involvement for at risk youth in Boston. The curriculum incorporated guest speakers, group discussions and sports activities. 150 youth campers, age 8 to 14, participate in extensive sports, leadership training and gang prevention activities during a four week program. Its objectives are to increase involvement of at risk youth in sports, leadership and recreational activities, to increase team building skills and collaboration between youth from different cultures and to reduce violence and conflict between youth.
The program first started with youth from one specific area of Dorchester, experiencing a high level of gang activity and violence. The program continues to expand to this day.
Matt has done a tremendous job in launching both the Lowell and Boston programs. His efforts have helped steer hundreds of young people on a better path and away from the dangers of guns, drugs, gangs and violence. Because he took the time to step in, youth in both cities have been able to experience something very special and can look to a brighter future.
Robin Hunt and Staff, BPD Human Resources Division
Earlier this month a national group, Employer Support for the National Guard and Reserve visited the Police Commissioner and presented an award to the BPD, based on the assistance that the BPD provides to it’s members serving in the armed forces. Robin Hunt and her staff are point on processing all military related administrative tasks and for assisting returning veterans. The nomination for award for the BPD was submitted to ESGR by a Boston Police Officer on active duty.
Boston Police Detective Robert Fratalia and BHA Detective Joao Monteiro
A special acknowledgement was given to Detective Fratalia and Detective Monteiro by FBI Special Agent in Charge Warren Bamford. The award recognized their hard work and commitment that led to the capture of fugitive Nardo Lopes. Lopes was wanted for the homicide of Robert Mendes.
BOSTON 24: A LOOK AT THE LAST 24 HOURS IN THE CITY OF BOSTON
A look at the last 24 hours in Boston, from Tuesday, April 29, 2008 through 10am, Wednesday, April 30, 2008 (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: 5
Commercial Robberies: 0
Bank: 1
Other: 1
Vehicle Thefts: 5
Vehicle Recoveries: 4
Vehicle Breaks: 15
Residential Break-ins: 11
Commercial Break-ins: 2
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 WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30, 2008
Stolen Car Lands One in Jail
Yesterday, Tuesday, April 29, 2008, officers from District B-2 arrested suspect, Epheraim Rojas, 22, of Fitchburg and charged whim with Receiving Stolen Motor Vehicle, and several outstanding warrants for Using Motor Vehicle Without Authority, and Possession of Class B, and Possession of Class B with Intent to Distribute Class B.
Officers from District B-2 (Dorchester and Roxbury) were on patrol in the area of Stanwood and Devon Streets when they observed the suspect operating a motor vehicle. Officers conducted a random registry query of the motor vehicle which revealed that the car had been stolen in Athol. Officers followed the car and requested additional units to conduct a traffic stop. Additional officers responded and the car was successfully stopped at the intersection of Devon and Laredo Streets.
At the stop, officers asked the suspect asked whom the car belonged to, and he responded, “I don’t know! Whoever is on the registration!”
Armed Suspects Arrested for Home Invasion
Last night around 7:33PM, officers from District D-4 (South End) responded to 551 Massachusetts Ave. in the south End to investigate a person.
On arrival, officers were met by the victim who reported that his neighbor, accompanied by a black male, had just robbed him at gunpoint. The victim stated that he was opening his apartment door when his neighbor put a gun to his side and forced his way into his apartment along with a companion. Per victim, his neighbor and companion barged into his companion while yelling and waving a gun and stole a number of the victim’s personal property and fled the apartment. The victim provided officers with a description of the car that the suspects fled in, and a description of his neighbor’s companion.
About two hours later round 9:53PM, officers on patrol in the area of Shawmut Ave. observed a car matching the suspect car description given by the victim. Officers followed the car and conducted a traffic stop in front of 655 Mass. Avenue. Officers, at the traffic stop, immediately determined that both occupants matched the suspect description given by the victim from the earlier robbery and observed an item like one stolen from the victim’s house. The occupants were removed from the car, and shortly thereafter officers saw a number of electronic items in the car consistent with the description of the items stolen from the victim’s house. During further search of the suspects’ car, officers also recovered a loaded firearm.
Suspect, Troy Adams, 23, of Roxbury was arrested and charged with Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, Unlawful Possession of Ammunition, Armed Robbery, Home Invasion, and Receiving Stolen Property. His companion, a 15 year-old juvenile from Dorchester was also arrested and charged with Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, Unlawful Possession of Ammunition, Armed Robbery, Home Invasion, Receiving Stolen Property, and Possession of Class D.
MAYOR MENINO AND COMMISSIONER DAVIS TO HONOR OUTSTANDING INDIVIDUALS AT COMMENDATION CEREMONY
WHO: Mayor Thomas Menino, Boston Police Commissioner Edward F. Davis, Superintendent-In-Chief Robert P. Dunford, FBI Agent Warren Bamford, BPD Command Staff, award recipients and their families.
WHAT: Commendation ceremony to recognize exemplary work of eight members of the Boston Police Department as well as outstanding members of our community. Officers and civilians will be presented a Commissioner’s Commendation and special recognition for their hard work and dedication.
WHERE: Boston Police Headquarters
Media Room
1199 Tremont Street
WHEN: Wednesday, April 30, 2008
3:00pm
DAILY INCIDENTS FOR MONDAY, APRIL 28, 2008
Parishioners Lead Officer to Thief
Just past 8:00am Sunday morning, officers in E-18 (Hyde Park) responded to Most Precious Blood Church for reports of a breaking and entering in progress. Once at the church, officers observed repeated acts of vandalism throughout the property, including a broken stained glass window, missing oriental rugs, an open safe, and chalices thrown about the upper church.
Witnesses lead the officers to the suspect, who had apparently decided to take a nap after his rampage, downstairs in the lower church. As officers attempted to place the individual under arrest, he began to violently resist by refusing to place his hands behind his back and kicking, resulting in injuries to a responding officer.
A search of the suspect produced a gold spoon with religious symbols, two knifes, a sword, and prescription pills. Charles Martin, 47, of West Roxbury was charged with Breaking and Entering a Building with Intent to Commit a Felony, Destruction or Injury of Personal Property, Dangerous Weapons Unlawfully Carried, Resisting Arrest, Assault and Battery on A Police Officer (with injuries), and Possession of Class E Drugs.
Party’s Over
At approximately 3:45am on Sunday April 27, 2008, officers from district C-11 (Dorchester) responded to 108 Westville Street after a radio call for a large fight in progress at that address. On arrival, officers observed a large group of people in the street and front yard of the residence, many of which engaging in physical confrontations. As a result of the dangerous situation and the large number of combatants, additional units were summonsed to assist on-scene officers and disperse the crowd.
Officers soon witnessed approximately four females punching, kicking, and pushing each other. All parties involved ignored police officers’ lawful commands to disperse and were placed into custody for their reckless behavior.
The following individuals were charged with Affray: Yveline Charles, 21, of Mattapan and Judith Charles, 20, Josiane Romain, 22, and Stephanie Fleurime, 26, all of Dorchester. The individual who hosted the party that resulted in these disturbances was located by officers and will be summonsed for being the keeper of a disorderly house.
Vigilant Officers Remove Firearm from City Streets
At around 3:22am Monday morning, officers on patrol in C-11 (Dorchester) received a radio call for shots fired in the area of Bowdoin and Mount Ida Streets. Being in the immediate area of the reported gunshots, officers observed a vehicle traveling erratically and having decorations that obstructed the operator’s field of vision. The officers subsequently attempted to conduct a motor vehicle stop by activating their lights and sirens; however, the operator did not stop for another two blocks.
While speaking to the driver of the motor vehicle, it was discovered that his license was suspended. During a pat frisk search of the individual, a BB gun was located in his waistband. The passenger of the vehicle was also removed from the vehicle, at which time a second firearm was observed under the seat. Neither suspect could produce a license to carry upon request. Upon hearing officers on-scene discussing the recent shots fired in the vicinity, the driver spontaneously stated, “You can check both those guns. Neither of them were used in no shooting.”
Victor DeJesus, 21, and Russell Jones, 26, both of Dorchester, were charged with Unlawful Possession of a Firearm and Unlawful Possession of Ammunition. DeJesus was additionally charged with Operating After Revocation or Suspension of a License. The owner of the motor vehicle will be summonsed to Dorchester District Court for allowing an unlicensed/improper person to operate the vehicle.
TRAFFIC ADVISORY
Due to flooding caused by the water main break, the Boston Police Department will be required to divert most traffic around the Financial District area. Many streets will be closed to traffic this morning including:
-Congress Street
-State Street
-Milk Street
-Broad Street
-Oliver Street
-Pearl Street
Police will allow MBTA buses to pass through.
If you are headed to a business in that area today, you may want to call ahead to see if that business is open.
Traffic is expected to be congested in and around that vicinity. You may want to seek alternative routes.
We apologize for the inconvenience.
BOSTON 24: A LOOK AT THE LAST 24 HOURS IN THE CITY OF BOSTON
A look at the last 24 hours in Boston, from Tuesday, April 22, 2008 through 10am, Wednesday, April 23, 2008 (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: 1
Street Robberies: 6
Commercial Robberies: 0
Bank: 0
Other: 0
Vehicle Thefts: 3
Vehicle Recoveries: 4
Vehicle Breaks: 13
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 THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 2008
Immediate Action by Officers Saves Lives
Yesterday evening around 7:29pm, due to the courageous action of officers from the Youth Violence Strike Force, District B-2, E-13 and the Tactical Bike Unit two suspects were arrested: Hasaan A. Seales, 19, of Roxbury was arrested and charged with Unlawful Possession of Ammunition, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, Assault by Means of a Dangerous Weapon (Gun), and Discharging a Weapon within 500’ of a Dwelling and Charles Bomman, 18, of Jamaica Plain was arrested and charged with Unlawful Possession of Ammunition, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, Assault by Means of a Dangerous Weapon (Gun), Discharging a Weapon within 500’ of a Dwelling, and Carrying a Loaded Firearm on a Public Way.
The above arrests were initiated by officers from the Youth Violence Strike Force who were patrolling in the Academy Homes Housing Complex when they heard numerous shots coming from the direction of Weaver Way and Ritchie Street. Officers immediately made their way to the area where they had heard the shots fired while broadcasting the incident to other responding units. As officers reached Ritchie St. they observed the two suspects armed with handguns running down Ritchie St. toward Columbus Avenue.
Officers pulled up alongside the two armed, running suspects to try to apprehend them when one changed direction and ran inside Marcella Park where children and parents were already fleeing seeking cover after hearing the shots fired. Both suspects were pursued into the park where they continued to try to elude officers by jumping fences, running into the children’s playground area, and under bleachers in the park.
Numerous units responded from several districts including B-2, E-13, and the Tactical Bike Unit and after a lengthy foot chase both suspects were caught and placed under arrest with one of them violently resisting arrests by fighting with officers. After both suspects were arrested, officers were able to recover two firearms, both loaded with ammunition, and a car that was possibly the intended victim of the shooting.
Shots Fired Leads to Firearm Recovery
Last night around 9:08, officers from the Youth Violence Strike Force responded to the area of Speedwell and Hamilton Streets for a report for shots fired. En route, several concerned citizens informed officers that they also had heard several shots in the area.
Officers made their way toward the location of the shots fired on Speedwell St., and while traveling up the street observed two individuals walking on Hamilton St. toward Speedwell Street. Based on the proximity of these two individuals to the reported location of the shots fired, officers exited their cruiser to ask them if they had heard or seen anything relative to the shots fired. Officers approached the two individuals, and asked them if they had heard the shots fired. On officers’ approach and inquiry, one of the two individuals appeared to be startled and failed to respond to officers’ questions. In addition, the suspect had a nervous demeanor, and appeared to be discombobulated by the officers’ presence.
Based on the totality of the circumstances, the proximity of the individuals to the location of the shots fired, the nervous appearance of one of the two suspects, and the failure to respond to officers’ questions, officers performed a pat frisk of the two for their safety. During a pat frisk of one these two individuals, officers felt something consistent with the shape of a firearm. Further investigation revealed one of the two to have a loaded firearm on his person.
Suspect, Darren S. Winston, 19, of Dorchester was arrested and charged with Unlawful Possession of Firearm, Unlawful Possession of Ammunition, and Possession of a Loaded Firearm.
Suspect Arrested Before Court Appearance (In Front of the Court)
This morning around 10:46am, officers from District B-2 arrested suspect, Antonio Bland, 31, of Dorchester and charged him with Witness Intimidation and Disorderly Conduct in front of the Roxbury District Court.
Officers were in court for a case involving the suspect when they observed him outside the court motioning with his fingers as if armed with a gun, and squeezing the trigger firing at in the direction of officers. The suspect was looking directly in the direction of the officers while being observed by a group of young males looked on. Officers exited the courthouse to conduct a threshold inquiry and determine if indeed the suspect was armed when he became loud and argumentative. The suspect created a disturbance in front of the courthouse causing individuals entering the court to stop and watch, and caused those inside the courthouse to exit and watch as he became increasingly loud and disruptive to the activities that were taking place in the court. Consequently, the suspect was arrested and charged with the above offenses.
BOSTON 24: A LOOK AT THE LAST 24 HOURS IN THE CITY OF BOSTON
A look at the last 24 hours in Boston, from Tuesday, April 22, 2008 through 10am, Wednesday, April 23, 2008 (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: 1
Street Robberies: 7
Commercial Robberies: 1
Bank: 0
Other: 0
Vehicle Thefts: 3
Vehicle Recoveries: 2
Vehicle Breaks: 13
Residential Break-ins: 8
Commercial Break-ins: 2
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.