I would like to first take this opportunity to extend my sympathy to David Woodman’s family and friends, the officers involved, and all the emergency personnel who responded to this most unfortunate incident. As a father, I can’t imagine the grief his family is suffering and express my deepest sympathy to them.

The Boston Police Homicide Unit in conjunction with the Suffolk County District Attorney’s office will conduct a thorough and exhaustive investigation into David’s death. The Boston Police Internal Affairs Division is also conducting an investigation.

I am committed to an impartial and transparent review of this incident.
At this time, investigators are awaiting Mr. Woodman’s autopsy results to determine the cause and manner of his death.

As has been reported, on June 18, 2008 at about 12:47am, officers were assigned to Brookline Avenue and the Fenway area to monitor pedestrian and vehicle traffic after the Celtic’s victory.
Officers observed an individual, crossing the street with a group of four others, drinking from an open container of what was believed to be alcohol.

Officers attempted to conduct an inquiry when the suspect attempted to flee. He was quickly stopped by the officers. The suspect began struggling as they handcuffed him.

At some point, officers realized that he was in medical distress; they released him from handcuffs and they immediately began to administer CPR, while summonsing EMS to that location.

An officer also flagged down a passing private ambulance which took over emergency CPR. He was then rushed to Beth Israel Medical Center.

While our investigation is still preliminary, it appears, from the evidence we have reviewed thus far, that officers did not use excessive force. That is based upon interviews conducted with officers and witnesses. We know that no OC spray or batons were used.

As with every internal investigation, we will review the use of the system to determine whether actions taken that night were consistent with Department training, rules and procedures.

Our Department will continue to protect our City against the actions of individuals who are either unable, or unwilling, to celebrate in a lawful and manner. It is our duty to maintain public order as we work cooperatively with fellow agencies to maintain a peaceful post-celebration. We utilize our unified command center and closely monitor crowd control.

It is devastating to the department and our city when tragedy occurs on a night intended for celebration.

The officers involved in this incident are saddened by David’s death. Several of them went to the hospital to be treated for stress-related issues immediately following. They have all since returned to full active duty.

Again, on behalf of the Boston Police Department, I extend to the Woodman family our deepest and most sincere condolences.

Posted by Media Relations at 04:13 PM | Permalink

BOSTON POLICE INVESTIGATE POST-GAME INCIDENT

BOSTON POLICE HOMICIDE UNIT AND SUFFOLK COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICE TO CONDUCT INVESTIGATION INTO THE DEATH OF DAVID WOODMAN

WHO: Boston Police Commissioner Ed Davis
WHAT: Commissioner Davis will be available to discuss the investigation into the death of David Woodman.

WHERE: Boston Police Headquarters/Media Room

WHEN: Monday, June 30, 2008
3:00pm

Posted by Media Relations at 01:10 PM | Permalink

A look at the last 72 hours in Boston, from Friday, June 27, 2008 through 10am, Monday, June 30, 2008 (See recent Daily Incident summaries and earlier postings for more detailed descriptions of some of the incidents identified below).

Homicides: 1
Non-fatal Shootings: 4
Non-fatal Stabbings: 7

Residential Break-ins: 18
Commercial Break-ins: 4

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.

Posted by Media Relations at 11:26 AM | Permalink

Effective Patrol Removes Two Guns from the Streets

Yesterday afternoon around 2:15PM, officers from the Youth Violence Strike Force (Gang Unit) arrested two separate suspects due to firearm violations. The first suspect, Jean T. Valbrun, 20, of Mattapan was arrested and charged with Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, Unlawful Possession of Ammunition, Carrying a Loaded Firearm, Possession of a Large Capacity Feeding Device, and Possession of a Firearm with an Obliterated Serial Number. The second suspect, a 14 year-old male from West Roxbury was arrested and charged with Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, Unlawful Possession of Ammunition, and Unlawfully Carrying a Loaded Rifle on a Public Way.

Officers were initially placed on directed patrol in the area of Almont Park located on Almont Street in Mattapan due to recent incidents of violence and gunfire in the area. While officers were patrolling the area they observed large group of young males known to them in what appeared to be a heated argument. Officers approached the group to determine the cause of the argument and to prevent it from escalating any further. Officers approached the group and pat frisked them in an effort to determine the presence of any weapons. Officers having pat frisked the rest of the group noticed an individual that had separated from the group and pat frisked him. While pat frisking the suspect, officers observed a t-shirt directly next to the suspect, and pat frisked the shirt. Upon pat frisking the t-shirt, officers immediately detected the presence of a firearm. Officers then recovered a loaded firearm from the t-shirt. Suspect, Valbrun, was then placed under arrest.

While still investigating the above incident, officers observed two other individuals walking in the rear of that location. Officers followed them and made note that that the juvenile suspect had the butt end of a long firearm bulging from his shirt’s shoulder area. Officers made further observation that the suspect was walking stiffly, and kept his right arm tightly against his body. Officers based on training and experience, made the determination that the suspect was likely carrying a firearm. Based on these observations, officers performed a pat frisk of the suspect, and recovered a loaded rifle, which the suspect had sticking down his pants and shirt. The suspect, a 14-year old male was arrested and charged with the above noted offenses.

Suspicious Activity Leads to Firearm Recovery

Last night around 8:20PM, officers from the Youth Violence Strike Force were on patrol in the area of Ripley Rd. and Harvard St. when they observed two young males crouched beside a car.

Officers exited their cruiser to investigate the activity of these two young males. Officers approached the se two individuals to conduct a threshold inquiry when of the two suddenly took of running, all the while clutching his waist, an indication of someone who is possible armed.
Officers pursued the suspect, and he was being stopped a loaded firearm fell from his waist. Officers then engaged in a violent struggle with the suspect as he screamed, “I can’t be arrested! Please don’t arrest me!” Officers engaged in a brief but violent struggle with the suspect before he was handcuffed, and then recovered the firearm that had fallen from his waist.

The suspect, Jeffrid Boursiquot, 17, of Randolph was arrested and charged with Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, Unlawful Possession of Ammunition, and Carrying a loaded Firearm.

Loud Party Lands Six in Jail

This morning around 1:02AM, officer from District B-2 (Dorchester and Roxbury) responded to a loud party at 28 Belden St. in Dorchester.

Officers had already been dispatched to the same location twice earlier in the night and had spoken to the keeper of the house and had issued warnings about the loud, disturbing music. On the third time back to the location, officers approached the location and could hear the sound of music from more than a block away. Officers approached the location and requested the identification of the owner of the house. While getting the owner’s information to summons her to court for keeper of a disorderly, the owner became belligerent and aggressively grabbed her license from the officer, and refused to hand it back. Other officers responded to the scene and attempted to disperse the crowd, but they refused to disperse. After numerous attempts to disperse the crowd, they became belligerent and started turning on the officers screaming and demanding that they leave. While officers were still engaged in trying to disperse the crowd, the owner of the apartment assaulted officers and had to be placed under arrest. While placing the owner of the apartment under arrest, several other partygoers attacked officers and had to be placed under arrest.

During the course of breaking up the party, officers arrested the following people and charged them with the noted offenses.

1. Tammy L. Johnson, 28, of Holbrook was arrested and charged with Assault and Battery on a Police Officer, Disorderly Person and Resisting Arrest.
2. Paul Berry, 19, of Roxbury was arrested and charged with Assault and Battery on a Police Office, and Being a Disorderly Person.
3. Alfred N. Allen, 28, of Roxbury was arrested and charged with Assault and Battery on a Police Officer, and Being a Disorderly Person.
4. Tasha A. Johnson, 30, of Dorchester was arrested and charged with Being a Disorderly Person.
5. Tenicia A. Allen, 29, of Dorchester was arrested and charged with Being a Disorderly Person.
6. Samuel Berry, 18, of Roxbury was arrested and charged with Being a Disorderly Person, and Assault and Battery on a Police Officer.

Posted by Media Relations at 04:22 PM | Permalink

BOSTON POLICE HOMICIDE UNIT AND SUFFOLK COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICE TO CONDUCT DEATH INVESTIGATION

The Boston Police Homicide Unit in conjunction with the Suffolk County District Attorney’s office will conduct an investigation into the death of David Woodman, 22, of Southwick, MA. Mr. Woodman was pronounced today at Beth Israel Medical Center.
On June 18, 2008 at about 12:47am, officers were assigned to Brookline Avenue and the Fenway area to monitor pedestrian and vehicle traffic after the Celtic’s victory.
Officers observed an individual, crossing the street with a group of four others, drinking from an open container of what was believed to be alcohol. Officers attempted to conduct a threshold inquiry when the suspect attempted to flee. He was soon subdued by officers. The suspect began struggling with the officers as they attempted to handcuff him.
At that time, officers realized that he was in medical distress; they immediately began to administer CPR and summonsed EMS to that location. An ambulance arrived on scene and took over emergency CPR. He was rushed to Beth Israel Medical Center and listed in critical condition.
The facts and circumstances surrounding this incident are being investigated by the Boston Police Homicide Unit and the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office. The Boston Police Internal Affairs Division is also conducting an investigation of this incident.
Investigators are awaiting Mr. Woodman’s autopsy results to determine the cause and manner of his death.

Posted by Media Relations at 11:53 AM | Permalink

Armed Robbery Suspects Arrested with Stolen Goods

Yesterday evening around 6:10PM, officers from District B-3 responded to 113 Ames Street in Dorchester for a robbery in progress.

There, officers met and spoke to the victim who reported that he was assaulted and robbed of his PlayStation Portable, and his Sidekick cell phone by seven young black males. The victim then directed officers to a nearby building and told officers that two of the suspects had fled into an apartment in that building.

Officers went to the apartment pointed out by the victim, and were allowed entry by its occupant to search. Inside the apartment, officers located two young males who were breathing heavily, and matched suspects’ descriptions, along with a broken Sidekick cell phone. The two suspects were detained and brought outside for a possible identification by the victim. Once outside the victim, positively identified both suspects as having been involved in robbing him, and that both kicked and punched him, and that one of them went through his pockets while on the ground and removed his cell phone.

A 15 year-old suspect from Dorchester was arrested along with 18 year-old Clifford Morris, Jr. of Jamaica Plain, and both were charged with Unarmed Robbery. Officers canvassed the area for the remaining suspects but were unsuccessful in locating them.

Suspect Arrested After Attempted Armed Robbery

Around 6:56PM last night, officers from District B-2 (Dorchester and Roxbury) responded to The Blue Hill Avenue Superette located at 167 Blue Hill Ave. for a person with a gun, possible an armed robbery.

On arrival, officers immediately started a search of the area for the suspect who was described as a black male wearing a black shirt, blue jeans, and a black wave cap. The suspect was said to have fled up Blue Hill Avenue toward Quincy Street.

Officers on scene spoke to the victim who told officers that the suspect came to the store screaming, approached the counter, and leaned over the counter pointing what looked like a black gun. According to the victims, the suspect’s actions was such that they believed they were being robbed and thought that they may be hurt or killed by the suspect. According to the victim, the suspect was yelling, stating that he wanted something that they could not understand. The suspect then fled the store in the direction of Quincy St. up Blue Hill Avenue.

Shortly after officers started the search for the suspect, an individual matching the suspect description was behind a nearby restaurant. That individual was stopped and subsequently positively identified by the victims.

The suspect, Remus Gates, 35, of Jamaica Plain, was arrested and charged with Attempted Robbery, Armed Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, and Possession of Knife with a Blade over 2.5 inches.

8 Calder Street Shooting Incident

This morning around 1:06AM, officers from District B-3 (Dorchester and Mattapan) responded to 8 Calder Street in Dorchester for two people shot.

On arrival, officers located a young male outside suffering from a gunshot to the right hip. Officers were then directed inside 8 Calder St. where they located a young female suffering a gunshot wound to the right hip also. The male victim was transported to Boston Medical Center and the female victim was transported to Brigham and Women’s Hospital, both with non-life threatening injuries.

District B-3 detectives are investigating this incident.

Posted by Media Relations at 02:01 PM | Permalink

At approximately 2:20AM this morning, officers from District B-3 (Dorchester and Mattapan) responded to the Carney Hospital located at 2100 Dorchester Ave. in Dorchester for a person shot.

On arrival, officers located a 29 year-old male suffering from a gunshot wound who had been driven to the hospital by private vehicle. During further investigation, officers learned that the incident had taken place at 113 Ames Street in Dorchester.

The victim was pronounced shortly after his arrival at the hospital.

The Boston Police Homicide Unit is actively investigating the facts and circumstances surrounding this incident. We urge any community members who may have any information regarding this incident to please contact the Homicide Unit at (617) 343-4470. For those individuals who wish to remain anonymous, the CrimeStoppers Tip Line should be contacted by dialing 1-800-494-TIPS (8477) or texting ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463). The Boston Police Department will stringently protect the identity of those who wish to remain anonymous.

Posted by Media Relations at 11:29 AM | Permalink

A look at the last 24 hours in Boston, from Thursday, June 26, 2008 through 10am, Friday, June 27, 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: 2
Non-fatal Stabbings: 1

Residential Break-ins: 7
Commercial Break-ins: 0

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.

Posted by Media Relations at 07:14 PM | Permalink

ROAD RAGE LANDS ONE IN POLICE CUSTODY

At about 7:56pm, on Wednesday, June 25, 2008, officers from Area E-18 (Hyde Park) responded to a radio call for a fight in progress in the area of Harvard Ave and Hyde Park Ave. On arrival, officers spoke to an individual who stated that he had just been involved in a road rage incident with another motorist on Hyde Park Avenue. According to the victim, during the course of the incident, the suspect abruptly stopped his motor vehicle, in front of the victim’s car, and then quickly opened his door. The victim states he attempted to drive around the suspect’s car, but, in attempting to do so, his front bumper struck the suspect’s open car door. At this point, the victim tells police that the suspect punched his front window and, then, his passenger side rear window. The latter strike caused the window to shatter. When asked about punching the victim’s windows, the suspect stated, "I punched his front window and it didn't break. So, I punched the back window." Officers arrested Derek Farrell, 41, of Seminole, Florida and charged him with Destruction of Personal Property (Over $250.00).

UNINVITED GUEST ARRESTED IN DORCHESTER

At about 12:12am, on Wednesday, June 25, 2008, officers from Area B-3 (Mattapan) responded to a radio call for a person with a gun in front of 79 Spencer Street. On arrival, officers observed several individuals hanging out in front of the aforementioned address. When officers approached the group, a black male quickly turned and ran into the location. Officers noted that the individual was clutching at his waist area in such a way as to suggest that he was carrying a firearm. Officers pursued the suspect into the location. Once inside, officers located the suspect inside a 2nd floor apartment. When asked to explain his reasoning for taking flight, the suspect stated, “I got a blunt.” When officers spoke to the legal tenant of the apartment, the tenant stated that the individual was not invited into the apartment. Officers arrested Jamel Wiggins, 32, of Dorchester and charged him Breaking & Entering (Daytime) and Possession of a Class D Drug (marijuana).

OVER THE LIMIT – UNDER ARREST IN DORCHESTER

At about 1:03am, on Wednesday, June 26, 2008, officers from Area B-3 (Mattapan) responded to a radio call for a motor vehicle accident at the intersection of Blue Hill Ave and Fairway Street. On arrival, officers observed a black motor vehicle with extensive front-end damage and a Boston Herald truck with damage to the rear bumper. Officers spoke to witnesses who stated that the Boston Herald truck was stopped at a traffic light when the black motor vehicle hit the truck from behind. Witnesses further stated the operator of the black motor vehicle then fled the scene on foot. Officers were able to locate the operator a short distance away from the location of the accident. When talking to the operator, officers noted that the individual appeared to be intoxicated. Specifically, officers detected a smell of alcohol emanating from the individual. Further, officers noted the individual’s eyes to be bloodshot and speech slurred. When officers asked the individual if he had been involved in a motor vehicle accident, the individual stated, "I did it and my girlfriend is going to be pissed". When the individual was brought back to the scene of the accident, witnesses were able to positively identify the suspect as the person who was driving the black motor vehicle. A search of the suspect enabled officers to recover the keys to the black motor vehicle. When offered the Breath Test (a test administered to determine an individual’s level of sobriety), the suspect refused.

Officers arrested Harry Coburn, 28, of Dorchester and charged him with Operating Under the Influence (Alcohol), Leaving the Scene of an Accident (Personal Injury) and Operating after Suspension.

THE OLE’ “DON’T YOU KNOW WHO I AM DEFENSE” LANDS ONE IN POLICE CUSTODY

At about 5:15am, on Friday, June 27, 2008, officers from Area D-4 (South End) were on patrol in the area of the South Street Diner when they observed two white females quickly exiting the establishment. Officers further observed that a waitress was closely following the two females. According to the waitress, the two females were in the process of leaving the diner without paying for the bill. When officers questioned the two women, both stated, “We forgot to pay it.” Both women, then, entered the diner and paid the bill. As they were paying the bill, officers observed a set of car keys (keys belonging to a BMW) fall onto the counter. Since both women appeared to be intoxicated with slurred speech, glassy eyes and unevenness and instability in their movements, officers asked if they had driven to the diner. To which, the woman replied, “No.” Officers then observed a silver BMW parked in close proximity of the location. When asked if the car belonged to them, both women stated that it did not. Both woman exited the area on foot, but, returned a few minutes later. Officers observed the women walk towards the BMW. Upon seeing this, officers approached the women and, again, asked if they were in possession of the keys to the car. One of the woman told officers that she gave the keys to her brother and he was going to drive them home. At this point, officers suggested that the woman consider taking a cab. The women, instead, walked away. Approximately ten minutes later, the women returned and walked up to the officers and said it was useless for them to keep watching them because they were going to drive the car home and there was nothing they (the officers) could do about it. Again, officers implored the women to take a cab. Instead, one of the women walked into the street, pulled up her skirt and mooned the officers.

At about 5:40am, the same woman entered the BMW, after officers instructed her not to, and started the engine. Officers arrested Jacqueline Kent Cooke, 20, of Dallas, TX and charged her with Operating Under the Influence (Alcohol) and Operating without a License.

During the booking process, Ms. Cooke asked the officers if they knew who her father was. Ms. Cooke stated her father was the late Jack Kent Cooke (former owner of the Washington Redskins). The suspect then stated, because of whom her father was, officers would lose their badges because, "one billion dollars goes a long way."

Posted by Media Relations at 11:56 PM | Permalink

BIKE THIEF FOILED DOWNTOWN

At about 11:50am, on June 24, 2008, officers from Area D-4 (South End) observed two individuals running behind and chasing a Hispanic male riding a bicycle in the area of 1600 Washington Street. As officers approached the scene, one of the individuals pointed to the individual riding the bike and yelled, “He stole my bike!” Officers activated their emergency equipment (lights & sirens) in an effort to stop the suspect. As officers got closer to the suspect, the suspect jumped off the bike in an effort to avoid capture. After a short foot pursuit, officers apprehended the suspect. While the suspect was in custody, the owner of the bicycle arrived on scene and positively identified the suspect. According to the victim, he left his bike unlocked in front of a store and, while inside the store, he observed the suspect hop on his bike and take off. Officers arrested Vladimir Maya, 29, of Roslindale and charged him with Larceny (Bicycle).

TWO ARMED ROBBERS ARRESTED IN DORCHESTER

At about 11:07pm, on Tuesday, June 24, 2008, officers from Area C-11 (Dorchester) responded to a radio call for an armed robbery in the area of Hancock and High Streets in Dorchester. While en route to the call, officers received a description of the suspects via the police radio. According to the victim, the suspects (two black males, one wearing a red sweatshirt with pants; the other a white sweatshirt with shorts) approached him, showed a firearm and robbed him. While conducting a search of the area, officers located an individual matching the description of the suspect wearing the red sweatshirt. When speaking to the suspect, officers noted that individual was sweating profusely. In the rear of the address, officers located an individual matching the description of the 2nd suspect. As the 2nd suspect was walking out of the backyard, officers asked him to explain his reasoning for being there. To which, the 2nd suspect stated, “I don’t carry any weapons.”

Upon closer inspection of the backyard, officers located a white sweatshirt. While officers were questioning the suspects, the victim was brought to the scene. Once on scene, the victim was able to positively identify both suspects. When shown the white sweatshirt, the victim was able to identify it as the same one worn by the 2nd suspect. A second search of the area enabled officers to locate and recover a silver-colored firearm.

Officers arrested Charles Phillips, 20, of Dorchester and Frank Jenkins, 17, of Dorchester and charged both with Armed Robbery, Assault by Means of a Dangerous Weapon (Gun), Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, Unlawful Possession of Ammunition and Carrying a Loaded Firearm.

DROWNING VICTIM BEING TREATED AT BMC

At about 4:25pm, on Tuesday, June 24, 2008, officers from Area C-6 (South Boston) Massachusetts State Police, Boston Fire Department and members of the Boston Police Harbor Unit responded to Carson Beach (William Day Blvd) for the report of a body in the water. According to witnesses, a 13 year-old girl entered the water and failed to resurface. A search of the water enabled officers to locate the victim. Once found, the victim was immediately transported to the Boston Medical Center where she’s being treated for life-threatening injuries.

Posted by Media Relations at 07:13 PM | Permalink

Tonight’s Show To Discuss Water Safety

WHO: Host of ‘Call The Cops’, Boston Police Officer Jamie Kenneally; Special Guest: Boston Police Sergeant Philip Terenzi of the Harbor Patrol Unit.

WHAT: Tonight Officer Kenneally will interview Boston Police Sergeant Philip Terenzi of the Harbor Patrol Unit, to discuss the importance of water safety, be it beach or boating. Additionally, Sgt Terenzi will discuss the Boston Police Department’s new life preserver program.

WHEN: Wednesday June 25, 2008
8:00pm – 8:30pm

CHANNEL: Boston Neighborhood Network Television (BNN)
Comcast Ch. 9/RCN Ch. 15

Posted by Media Relations at 02:22 PM | Permalink

BOSTON POLICE SEEK THE PUBLIC’S ASSITANCE
TO IDENTIFY ARMED ROBBERY SUSPECTS

Incident Descriptions:

• About 2:22pm, Wednesday, June 18, 2008, Officers responded to a radio call for a Panic Alarm at the River Street Mini-Mart at 991 River Street, Hyde Park (District B-3). While officers were on their way, the call was changed to a robbery. Upon arrival, officers spoke to the victims who stated that about 2:20pm, four masked black males entered the store. They wore black shirts and black full face masks. Two of them brandished silver colored handguns. One suspect was thin about 5'7", two suspects are about 5'9" and both have a stocky build, and one was about 6'3" and also stocky. One of the suspects, described as stocky and 5'9", pointed a handgun at the victim and forced him to lie by the front door. The other three suspects entered the cash register area through a gate at the far end of the deli area and threatened a second victim with a handgun and forced her to open the cash register. The suspects then removed a large amount of cash. The suspects fled in an unknown direction by unknown means. One of the victims’ activated the panic alarm. It was determined that the suspects stole more than $3,000.00. The suspects also took one book of $20 lottery tickets and two books of $10 lottery tickets totaling to $3,460. The suspects also stole 6 packs of cigarettes (Newport) were also taken

• On Thursday, June 19, 2008 at about 9:00pm, officers responded to 162 South St. for a radio call for an Armed Robbery at the J.P. Variety Convenience Store. On arrival, officers spoke with the victim, who stated 3 unknown black males, came into the store one through the back door and two through the front door and robbed the store. Victim was asked to give a description of the suspects but he stated he only saw a black sweatshirt and a silver colored automatic handgun. Victim states he was then told to get on the ground. The victim also stated approximately $2,000 was taken from the cash register, lottery register and a small safe.

Detectives responded and reviewed the stores digital video system and got an accurate description of all three suspects. Suspect#1: Black Male, 6' about 165Lbs, Black Sweatshirt, Dark Jeans, Black Mask and Black Gloves and a silver colored automatic handgun. Suspect#2: Black Male, 5'-9" about 165Lbs, Gray Sweatshirt, Blue Jeans, White Sneakers, Black Mask and Black Gloves. Suspect#3: Black Male, 5'-9" about 180Lbs, Black Sweatshirt, 3/4 Length Blue Jean Shorts, Light Blue Mask, Black Gloves, Black and White Adidas Sneakers and Black Socks. Boston Police have identified these suspects as the same perpetrators responsible for the robbery the previous day on River Street.

The Boston Police Department is actively investigating the facts and circumstances surrounding both these incidents. If anyone has any information or recognizes the individuals in these photographs, you are strongly urged to contact the police. Community members who wish to remain anonymous should either call the CrimeStoppers tip line at 1-800-494-TIPS (8477) or text the word ‘TIP’ to ‘CRIME’ (27463). The Boston Police Department will stringently protect the identity of those who wish to remain anonymous.

Posted by Media Relations at 03:10 PM | Permalink

On Wednesday, June 18, 2008 around 10:25PM, officers from District B-2 responded to 46 St. James St. in Roxbury for a person shot.

On arrival, officers located a 16-year old black male suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. The victim was transported to Boston Medical center where he was later pronounced.

The victim of that shooting incident has been identified as Quamane Williams, 16, of Dorchester.

At approximately 11:18PM on Thursday, June 19, 2008, officers from District B-3 responded to 742 Cummins Highway in Mattapan for a report of person shot.

On scene, officers found a young man suffering from a gunshot wound. The victim was rushed to Boston Medical Center by ambulance with life threatening injuries where he succumbed to his injuries.

The victim has been identified as Victor Torres, 21, of Mattapan.

The Boston Police Department is actively investigating the facts and circumstances surrounding these two incidents. Anyone with information is strongly urged to contact the Homicide Unit at (617) 343-4470. Community members who wish to remain anonymous should call the CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 1-800-494-TIPS (8477) or text the word ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463). The Boston Police Department will stringently protect the identity of those who wish to remain anonymous.

Posted by Media Relations at 01:07 PM | Permalink

Please click the links below to view updated crime data in the City of Boston for the time period of January 1st - June 22nd, 2007 vs. 2008.

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 (Jan. 1 - June 19) (PDF - Download Adobe Reader)

Posted by BRIC at 11:54 AM | Permalink

“Routine” Traffic Stop Results in Recovery of Two Firearms

Last night around 9:59PM, officers from District B-3 (Dorchester and Mattapan) were on patrol in Mattapan Square when they performed a random query of a vehicle traveling on Cummins Highway. The query revealed that the owner/operator of the car had a revoked license due to several traffic citations.

Officers followed the vehicle and shortly after receiving notification of the above attempted to conduct a traffic stop in front of 1590 Blue Hill Avenue. The vehicle slowed a number of times but kept moving finally coming to a complete stop on Babson Street. Officers stopped a few yards behind the suspect vehicle, and as they approached the car observed the passenger open the front door of the car. Officers neared the car and there observed the operator hand something to the passenger who then bolted from the car and took off running. As the passenger took off running, officers observed a firearm in his hands. Officers pursued the suspect and as they did so saw him throw a firearm to the ground.

As officers pursued the armed passenger, the operator of the car took off at a high rate of speed. Officers broadcast a description of the suspect motor vehicle, as it fled from the scene and its direction of flight. Officers continued their pursuit of the fleeing suspect and finally stopped the suspect with the assistance of assisting units. Officers recovered two firearms from the area where they had observed the suspect discard the firearm.

Based on the broadcast of the fleeing vehicle given by officers and witness observation, the fleeing operator of the car was eventually stopped at the intersection of Washington and River Streets. There, officers positively identified the operator as the same that fled from the scene of the original traffic stop.

Both suspects were arrested. Suspect, Harry Lamy, 21, of Mattapan, the operator of the car was charged with Failure to Stop for Police Officers, Operating a Motor Vehicle with a Revoked License, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, and Unlawful Possession of Ammunition. The fleeing passenger, Gerald Urby, 25, of Mattapan was charged with Trespassing, Unlawful Possession of Ammunition and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.

Three Arrested for Attempted Robbery

At approximately 12:00AM this morning, officers from District D-4 (South End) responded to a call for assault and battery in progress.

At the scene of the incident, officers spoke to the victim who reported that he was walking down Marlborough St. when three young males between 15 and 20 years of age assaulted him. The victim stated that one of the suspects grabbed him by the arm, and the other two started assaulting him and tried to wrestle his cell phone from his possession. The suspect reported that he started yelling for help when one of the suspects hit him, threw him to the ground and started kicking him.

The responding units immediately broadcast a description of the suspects, and a short while later another responding unit stopped three young men matching the suspects’ descriptions at the intersection of Marlborough and Berkeley Streets. The victim was brought to the scene where a positive identification was made of the suspects.

All three suspects, Lawrence Brown, 18, of Jamaica Plain, Eddie X. Cartagena, 18, of Dorchester, and Jonathan E. Calderon, 18, of Hyde Park were arrested and charged with Assault and Battery, Assault and Battery by Means of a Dangerous Weapon (shod foot) and Unarmed Robbery.

Armed Robbery Suspect Arrested Despite Ruse

This morning around 12:55AM, officers from District E-18 (Hyde park) and B-3 (Mattapan and Dorchester) responded to 627 Cummins Highway for an armed robbery in progress.

While en route, officers were advised by the dispatcher that the security company could clearly see what appeared to be two individuals inside the locked and closed gas station.
On arrival, officers surrounded the gas station and shortly thereafter were met by two men exiting the back door of the gas station. The two men, both claimed to be employees of the gas station but with no evidence of such were detained pending notification of the gas station owner.

The gas station owner was subsequently contacted and responded to the district station. There, he identified one of the two individuals who were being detained as a gas station employee. The gas station owner then, due to the limited English of his employee, translated for him and told officers the following story. The gas station employee stated that when he closed the gas station, the suspect emerged from the cooler. The suspect then proceeded to grab him and put a firearm to his head. The suspect, according to the victim, wanted the keys to the safe. The suspect then placed him in handcuffs and locked him in the bathroom. When officers arrived on scene, the suspect released from the handcuffs and demanded that he tell officers that they were both employees of the gas station.

The suspect, Simon Jean-Louis, 22, of Dorchester was arrested and charged with Assault and Battery by Means of a Dangerous Weapon (Gun), Armed Robbery of a Gas Station, larceny Over $250, and Possession of Burglarious Tools.

After the suspect was placed under arrest, officers located a bag with what a replica firearm, a hammer, rope, two bags, and a pair of handcuffs.

Posted by Media Relations at 11:52 AM | Permalink

A look at the last 72 hours in Boston, from Friday, June 20, 2008 through 10am, Monday, June 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: 4
Non-fatal Stabbings: 4

Residential Break-ins: 23
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.

Posted by Media Relations at 11:48 AM | Permalink

Purse Snatching Suspect Tackled by Good Samaritans

At approximately 8:32PM last night, officers from District A-1( Downtown Boston and Charlestown) arrested suspect, John P. DiFrancesco, 35, of Boston and charged him with Unarmed Robbery.

Officers initially responded to the area of North and Lewis Streets for an armed robbery in progress. On arrival, officers observed the suspect lying on the ground with the victim and several other witnesses standing by. Officers spoke to the victim who reported that she was walking down the street when she heard running behind her. The victim stated that she turned around and observed the suspect running towards her. The suspect then grabbed her purse, dragging her with the purse. The victim reported the suspect dragged her for approximately 4 seconds and in the process dragged her into the street.

The victim then reported to officers that after the suspect was able to get the bag from her he fled down the street stuffing the bag down his pants. Per witnesses and the victim, the victim started screaming after the suspect dislodged the bag from her when some unidentified males pursued the suspect, and tackled him. The victim’s purse was returned to her with all its contents. The unidentified males left the scene prior to police arrival.

OUI Suspect Arrested After Urinating on Himself

At approximately 12:09AM this morning, officers responded to 10 Williams St. in Roxbury for an intoxicated male passed out in a car.

On arrival, officers observed Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) on scene attending to the occupant of the car. The occupant was leaning on the door of the car with glassy eyes, an odor of alcohol on his person, and vomit on the front of his shirt. Officers spoke to the EMTs on scene and learned from them that they had arrived on scene and found the victim passed out at the wheel.

Officers spoke to the suspect/operator and requested of him his information. During further conversation with the suspect, he became belligerent and threatened officers with loss of their job. Officers then had the suspect perform sobriety tests, which he failed. While officers were still speaking to the suspect, he urinated on himself. Based on this information, officers determined that the suspect’s ability to operate his car was substantially diminished through his use of alcohol.

The suspect, Santos Mendez, 27, of Roxbury, was arrested and charged with Operating Under the Influence. After the suspect was placed under arrest, officers located two vehicles that damage consistent with having been struck by the suspect’s car.

Armed Robbery at Comedy Connection

This morning around 2:21AM, officers from District A-1 (Charlestown and Downtown Boston) responded a call for an armed robbery at The Comedy Room located at 2 South Market St. in Faneuil Hall.

On arrival, officers spoke with the victim of the armed robbery. The victim reported to officers that the was in his office putting money from the night away when the suspect, a black male wearing a black mask with purple around the face area of it walked into his office. The victim further reported that the suspect brandished a firearm and directed him to put all the money in the bag. According to the victim, the suspect then threatened him stating that he was going to catch a “hot one.” The suspect then struck the victim in the face with the firearm, ordered him to the ground, and fled the scene with the money.

Posted by Media Relations at 11:56 AM | Permalink

GUN ARREST MADE IN ROXBURY

At about 1:08am, on Saturday, June 21, 2008, officers from Area D-4 (South End) responded to a radio call for a fight in the area of 28 San Juan Street. While en route to the call, officers learned that one of the individuals involved in the altercation might be in possession of a firearm. On arrival, officers observed a black male running away from the scene of the incident. Officers noted as the suspect was running, the suspect was running and grabbing at his waist in such a way as to suggest he was carrying a firearm. When officers yelled at the suspect and instructed him to stop, the suspect ignored the officer’s instructions and continued running. While pursuing the suspect on foot, officers observed the suspect discard a black metal object believed to be a firearm. In short time, officers were able to apprehend the suspect. Upon apprehending the suspect, officers returned to the area where the suspect was seen discarding the black metal object. At this time, officers located and recovered a black firearm. When asked to produce a license to carry a firearm, the suspect stated, “I don’t have one.” Officers arrested Abran Hernandez, 18, of Jamaica Plain and charged him with the Unlawful Possession of a Firearm & Ammunition, Possession of a Loaded Firearm, Resisting Arrest and Disorderly Conduct

BROOKLINE CABBIE ARRESTED TRYING TO PILFER PASSENGERS IN BOSTON

At about 11:45pm, on Thursday, June 19, 2008, officers assigned to the Hackney Unit observed a Brookline Red Cab operating along Cambridge Street in Boston. While officers were observing the cab, the cab pulled to the side of the street and attempted to pick up four passengers. Since the cab is licensed out of Brookline, and not Boston, soliciting business within the city limits is prohibited. Officers activated their emergency equipment (lights & sirens) and stopped the motor vehicle. Once stopped, officers arrested the operator of the cab, John Valmas, 53, of Allston and charged him with violating the Boston Vehicle for Hire Ordinance.

Posted by Media Relations at 08:46 PM | Permalink

Yesterday, Thursday, June 19, 2008, during the course of the Celtics' Celebration Parade, police officers were assigned to numerous locations, in and around the parade route, to ensure and provide a safe and joyous atmosphere for fans to celebrate. During the course of the parade, officers encountered a number of individuals who were more concerned with acting unruly than celebrating responsibly. These individuals were arrested and charged with offenses ranging from Assault and Battery by Means of a Dangerous, Affray to Disorderly Person.

1) Julio C. Alcantara, 21, of Attleboro- Drinking in Public
2) Rey J. Torres, 17, of Malden-Possession of Class D
3) Tyler J. Hightower, 24, of Billerica-Trespassing
4) Verissimo Tavares, 18, of Randolph-Disorderly Person
5) Eric Slattery, 19, of Weymouth-Affray
6) Ryan M. Dillon, of Weymouth-Affray
7) Mark A. Phillips, 25, of West Roxbury-Possession of Class D, Assault and Battery by Means of a Dangerous, Assault and Battery
8) Peter J. Starkey, 18, of west Roxbury-Affray
9) Nathaniel B. Scannell, 17 of West Roxbury-Affray, Assault and Battery on a Police Officer
10) Paul W. Sullivan, 17, of Dedham-Affray, and Minor in Possession of Alcohol
11) A 15 year male old from Dedham-Affray
12) Wanyee Waithaka, 19, of Canton- Affray, Disorderly Conduct
13) Justin Bissoneette, 26, of Somerville- Threats, Disturbing the Peace and outstanding warrants for Larceny and Resisting Arrest
14) Peter A. McCloud, 20, of Winthrop- Disorderly Person
15) Kenneth A. Edwards, 22, of Hyde Park-Disturbing the Peace, and Resisting Arrest
16) Stavros Y. Tsitos, 17, of Natick-Disorderly Person, and Assault and Battery on a Police Officer
17) James Callahan, 18, of West Roxbury-Affray, Resisting Arrest, and Possession of Class D
18) A 15 year old male from Hyde Park-Affray, and Assault and Battery on a Police Officer
19) Patrick D. Doherty, 18, of Dedham-Assault and Battery
20) Daniel Doyle, 20, of South Boston-Disorderly Person
21) Steven P. Smith, 19, of Roslindale-Disorderly Person
22) William Davis, 50, of Dorchester-Larceny: Purse Snatching, Larceny-Pick Pocket

These individuals appeared at Boston Municipal Court today.

Posted by Media Relations at 05:55 PM | Permalink

A look at the last 24 hours in Boston, from Thursday, June 19, 2008 through 10am, Friday, June 20, 2008 (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: 0

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.

Posted by Media Relations at 02:42 PM | Permalink

Anonymous Tip Leads to Arrest of Three for Armed Robbery

Last night around 4:58PM, officers from District C-11 (Dorchester) responded to a call for an alarm at 365 Adams Street in Dorchester/Adams Market.

On arrival, offices were met a man who told them that the store had just been robbed and that a store clerk was pursuing the suspects. Officers quickly broadcast the store robbery, located the victim of the robbery and placed him into the cruiser in an effort to find the suspects. While searching for the suspects, the victim told officers that two black males came into the store; both with bandanas covering their faces, and one displayed a firearm and stated, “Give me all your money! Give me the money from the cash register and the lottery!” The victim went on to tell officers that one of the suspects demanded cigarettes, and then told victim to empty his pockets. Officers learned from the victim that the suspects took a sum of money and the cigarettes and fled the store.

As officers continued to search the area for the suspects, they learned that an anonymous caller had called 911 and reported that two individuals matching the suspects’ descriptions had been observed getting into a described with a given registration. Officers queried the plate and learned the identity and address of the owner. Having attained this information, officers once again broadcast the car description along with its plate number and suspects’ description.

Officers from District B-3, having heard the broadcast, stopped a matching motor vehicle at the intersection of Norwell St. and Washington Street in Dorchester. The occupants of the car were removed and the two individuals matching the suspect description were found in the car including a female operator. Officers recovered the bandanas used by the suspects used during the robbery, the firearm, the stolen money, and the cigarettes during a frisk search of the car.

Suspects, Rashee M. Beldo, 24, of Dorchester, Eric M. Anderson, 21, and Lorenzo A. Beechman, 21 all of Dorchester were arrested and charged with Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, Unlawful Possession of Ammunition, Armed Robbery, Armed Robbery while Masked, Assault by Means of a Dangerous Weapon, and Unlawful Possession of a Loaded Firearm. .

Shots Fired Call Leads to Arrest of Suspect with Firearm and Drugs

Around 7:00PM last night, officers from District B-2 (Dorchester and Roxbury arrested suspect, a 15 year old juvenile from Dorchester and charged him with Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, Unlawful Possession of Ammunition, Possession of a Loaded Firearm, and Trespassing.

Half an hour before the suspect was arrested, officers responded to the intersection of Dacia St. and Brookford St. for shots fired. On arrival, officers received descriptions of two suspects, one of which was consistent with the suspect who was on a bicycle wearing a striped shirt. Officers traveled in the direction that the suspects had been said to travel and about half an hour later observed a group with two males matching suspect descriptions at the intersection of Downey St. near Brook Avenue. Officers secreted themselves from view and requested additional units less the suspects flee before they could be stopped. While awaiting the arrival of additional units, officers observed the suspect ride to the front of 3 Downey Ct., get off his bicycle, lift up his shirt with his left hand, reach under his shirt with his right hand and then walk through the gate of the and exit the yard about thirty seconds later.

A short while later, additional units responded to assist officers. On the arrival of additional officers, threshold inquiries were conducted on the group, and the suspect detained until officers could discover what he had discarded when he went into the yard. Officers went into that yard and discovered a loaded firearm, along with some drugs hidden.

B&E Suspect Caught in the Act

This morning around 12:24am, officers from District B-2 (Dorchester and Roxbury) were on patrol in the area of 20 Rockland St. when they observed an individual standing next to a car with the alarm going off.

As officers approached, they observed the individual start to walk away from the car and discard something on the ground. Officers approached the individual to conduct a threshold inquiry when he told them, “I just bumped into the car, and it went off.” Officers looked in the area that the suspect had been observed throwing something on the ground, and found a cell phone and an I-Pod on the ground. While further investigating this incident, the owner of the car came out of his car as a result of his car alarm sounding. The owner of the car positively identified the cell phone and the I-Pod as having been in his car, the same items the suspect had thrown down when he saw officers approaching.

The suspect, a 16 year-old male from Roxbury was arrested and charged with Breaking and Entering a Motor Vehicle.

Posted by Media Relations at 02:36 PM | Permalink

Tonight, Thursday, June 19, 2008, at around 8:05pm, officers from District B-3 (Mattapan and Dorchester) responded 742 Cummins Highway in Mattapan for a person shot.

On arrival, officers located a 21 year-old male suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. The victim was rushed to Boston Medical Center with life threatening injuries. The victim was, subsequently, pronounced after arriving at the hospital.

This incident is currently being investigated by Boston Police Homicide Detectives. Anyone with information relative to this incident is urged to contact the Homicide Unit at (617) 343-4470. Individuals, with information, wishing to remain anonymous may do so by calling the CrimeStoppers Hotline at 1-800-494-TIPS or texting ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463).

Posted by Media Relations at 10:22 PM | Permalink

A look at the last 24 hours in Boston, from Wednesday, June 18, 2008 through 10am, Thursday, June 19, 2008 (See recent Daily Incident summaries and earlier postings for more detailed descriptions of some of the incidents identified below).

Homicides: 1
Non-fatal Shootings: 2
Non-fatal Stabbings: 0

Residential Break-ins: 5
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.

Posted by Media Relations at 03:15 PM | Permalink

At about 10:25pm, on Wednesday, June 18, 2008, officers from Area B-2 (Roxbury) responded to a radio call for a person shot in the area of 46 St. James Street. On arrival, officers located a 16 year-old black male suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. The victim was transported to Boston Medical Center where he was subsequently pronounced. The victim’s identity is being withheld pending the victim’s family being notified and an autopsy report.

The Boston Police are actively investigating the facts and circumstances surrounding this incident. Anyone with information is strongly urged to contact the Boston Police Homicide Unit at 617-343-4470.

Community members who wish to remain anonymous should either call the CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 1-800-494-TIPS (8477) or text the word ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463). The Boston Police Department will stringently protect the identity of those who wish to remain anonymous.

Posted by Media Relations at 10:39 AM | Permalink

Statement from Police Commissioner Ed Davis Regarding Bourneside Conviction

Today’s conviction represents the culmination of a great collaborative effort among the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office and the Boston Police Homicide Unit. I commend the prosecutors and the detectives who worked so diligently on this complicated and high-profile case. I hope this development brings a sense of closure to the families and justice for the victims.

Posted by Media Relations at 05:42 PM | Permalink

On June 18, 2008 at about 12:47am, officers were assigned to Brookline Avenue and the Fenway area to monitor pedestrian and vehicle traffic after the Celtic’s victory.

Officers observed an individual, crossing the street with a group of four others, drinking from an open container of what was believed to be alcohol. Officers attempted to conduct a threshold inquiry when the suspect attempted to flee. He was soon subdued by officers. The suspect began struggling with the officers as they attempted to handcuff him.

At that time, officers realized that he was in medical distress; they immediately began to administer CPR and summonsed EMS to that location. An ambulance arrived on scene and took over emergency CPR. He was rushed to Beth Israel Medical Center where he is listed in critical, but stable condition.

The suspect is identified as David Woodman, 22, of Southwick, MA. Officers are seeking complaints against him for Drinking in Public and Resisting Arrest.

The facts and circumstances surrounding this incident are being investigated by the Boston Police Homicide Unit and Internal Affairs Division.

Posted by Media Relations at 01:42 PM | Permalink

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CELTICS!

Last night, the Boston Celtics accomplished something that has not happened in over 20 years! In order to maintain a safe environment for the fans, police officers were assigned to various sections of the city. We congratulate those Celtics fans who went to the game or were out celebrating and cheered on their team responsibly.

Between the hours of 8:00pm and 2:30am, the following individuals were arrested and charged with the offenses which ranged from Disorderly to Assault and Battery by Means of a Dangerous Weapon on a Police Officer. In addition to the below listed individuals, several people will be summonsed into court also, mostly for charges of Disorderly Conduct.

1.) Nicholas Herman, 23, Newton- Disorderly Conduct
2.) Robert Kelly, 19, Saugus- Disorderly Conduct
3.) Nicholas Lawler, 28, Georgetown- Disorderly Person
4.) Rasmus Wallendahl, 20, Cambridge- Disorderly Person
5.) James Peacock, 19, Boston- Disorderly Conduct, Other
6.) Hagos Mesgoun, 30, Boston- Disorderly Conduct, Other
7.) Gary Zerola, 36, Boston- Indecent Exposure, A&B on a Police Officer (no injuries)
8.) Thomas Bridwell, 23, Dorchester- Disorderly Conduct, Other
9.) Andre Walter Reed, 23, Mattapan- Disorderly Person
10.) Lawrence Patterson, 36, Roslindale- Disorderly Person
11.) Kerlenz Benjamin, 21, Randolph- Disorderly Person
12.) Vincent Salvatoriello, 21, Boston- Disorderly Person
13.) Richard Russo, 18, Malden- Disorderly Person
14.) Brian Johnson, 38, Rome, NY- Larceny over $250, Uttering or Publishing False Writings, Other, Other
15.) Michael Tarrant, 54, Melrose- Drinking Alcoholic Beverages in Public
16.) Kevin Costa, 22, Lowell- Disorderly Person
17.) Shawn Ivey, 24, Andover- Disorderly Person, A&B by Means of a Dangerous Weapon on a Police Officer
18.) Joseph Stella, 20, Saugus- Disorderly Person
19.) Christopher O’Neil, 24, Allston- Destruction or Injury of Personal Property
20.) Matthew Burke, 23, Leomenster- Disorderly Conduct, Other
21.) Norbert Guery, 18, Andover- Disorderly Conduct, A&B on a Police Officer (Injuries)
22.) Keith Patterson, 26, Boston- Operating Under the Influence of Alcohol
23.) Justin Eid, 22, Dedham- Malicious Destruction of Property

The arrested individuals will appear at Boston Municipal Court today, June 18, 2008.

Posted by Media Relations at 12:31 PM | Permalink

A look at the last 48 hours in Boston, from Monday, June 16, 2008 through 10am, Wednesday, June 18, 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: 3
Non-fatal Stabbings: 5

Residential Break-ins: 12
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.

Posted by Media Relations at 12:18 PM | Permalink

Boston Police are reporting approximately 14 arrests for various issues, mostly disorderly. In addition, officers observed property damage to several store front windows in the area of Canal Street. This will be the last update on arrests until tomorrow morning. In the morning, we will distribute a press release with suspect names etc. The release will not be complete until after 9:00am.

Posted by Media Relations at 02:04 AM | Permalink

B&E Suspects Leave Prints Behind

Around 8:47PM, last night, officers from District C-11 (Dorchester) responded to 3 Whitten St. in Dorchester for a breaking and entering in progress. En route, officers were updated with a description of the suspects and told that the suspects were trying to break down the rear door of 1692 Dorchester Ave./Beauty Line Incorporated.

There, officers observed three males standing in the rear alley directly behind 1692 Dorchester Avenue, the described location for the breaking and entering. The three males matched the suspect descriptions given by the caller and were stopped pending further investigation. The stopped individuals were questioned and gave inconsistent answers to officers. During further investigation, officers observed the rear door had been forced open about 6” and that there were shoe marks consistent with the suspects' footprints.

Officers located a witness who reported to them that he heard loud banging coming from the alley, and looked and observed the three suspects gathered around the door taking turns trying to kick in the door. Consequently, the three suspects, Jaquarie J. Jackson, 18, of Mattapan, Osiris V. Baskerville, 17, of Brockton and Dashawn Lucas, 18, of Dorchester were arrested and charged with Attempted Breaking and Entering in the Nighttime.
After the suspects were placed under arrest, officers recovered a hammer in one of the suspects’ bags in addition to a knife found at the scene,

Armed Robbery Suspect Arrested After Assault on Victim

Last night officers from District B-3 (Dorchester and Mattapan) arrested a 16 year-old male from Dorchester and charged him Unarmed Robbery.

Officers initially responded to the location for an armed robbery in progress. On arrival, officers spoke to the victim who reported that he was robbed while walking through the courtyards of the Franklin Field Development. The victim reported that he was passing through the courtyards of the development when he ran into someone he knew who asked him for $5.00 for food. The victim reported that he told the friend that he had no small bills and only had $100 dollar bills, which he showed to him. The victim reported that he walked away from his “friend” and soon thereafter noticed that there was a large group of people from the nearby basketball court following him. The victim reported that he attempted to walk into a nearby building when he was surrounded, and questioned about who he was, and what he was doing there. The victim then reported that the suspects demanded his wallet, knocked him to the ground and started assaulted him by kicking him, and one suspect even hit him on the head with a hammer. The victim then told officers that the suspect took his money out of his wallet and fled the scene.

The victim reported to officers that he recognized many of the suspects who had assaulted him from the “Field” and specifically one male who he described as a male 16-18 years old, between 5’8”-5’10” with corn roll braids. Armed with that description, officers canvassing the area observed two males running from Stratton St. into the courtyards behind Stratton St. and stopped them. Those two males were stopped and one of them subsequently positively identified by the victim.

The victim was transported to the Carney Hospital for evaluation due to dizziness and a contusion to his head.

By Land, Sea or MBTA, We Will Get You!

This morning around 12:28am, officers from District D-4 (South End) responded to a radio call for an armed robbery in progress at 261 Dartmouth St. in Boston.

On arrival, officers received descriptions of the suspects and their direction of flight. The suspects’ description was broadcast along with their direction of flight into the MBTA Back Bay station. Officers further conversed with the victim and learned that suspects had walked into the store, and at some point displayed a firearm to an employee and stated “I can rob this place if I want to, I have a gun!” The suspects then fled out of the store and down to the MBTA station heading outbound. Officers that had heard the broadcast directed their efforts to the MBTA station, and there were told by a witness that individuals matching suspect descriptions had just boarded a train heading to the Hynes Convention Center.

MBTA personnel radioed to the train and had it stopped at the Hynes Convention Center. Officers responded to the Hynes Convention Center where they were met by MBTA officers and entered the train to seek out the suspects. On the train, officers located four individuals matching the suspects’ descriptions, and detained them pending further investigation. One of the victims was brought to the scene and positively identified the detained individuals as the suspects.

The four suspects, Harry J. Anderson, 25, of Brockton, Jeremiah A. Brown, 25, of Dorchester, Edward E. Anderson, 21, of Hyde Park and Dante D. Adams, 23, of Erie, PA were arrested and charged with Armed Robbery. During a search incident to arrest, officers recovered a black and silver replica firearm that had apparently been used during the incident.

Posted by Media Relations at 02:45 PM | Permalink

BOSTON POLICE INVESTIGATE DOUBLE SHOOTING IN MATTAPAN
POLICE SEEK INFORMATION ON GRAY JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE

On June 16, 2008, at approximately at 8:36pm, officers responded to a radio call from an Assault and Battery in progress at 70 Fairlawn Avenue in Mattapan. While en route officers were notified that the caller indicated witnessing a gray truck fleeing the scene. The suspect vehicle is believed to be a gray Jeep Grand Cherokee with tinted windows.

Upon arrival, officers observed a 48 year-old male victim bleeding from the hand. Officers immediately requested medical assistance. Officers observed blood in the apartment as well as a shattered glass sliding door. Officers then observed an infant child on the living room floor suffering from serious injury. Officers determined that the 6 month old female was suffering from a gunshot wound and appeared to have life threatening injuries. At that time, officers transported the infant via a Boston Police vehicle to the nearest emergency room at Carney Hospital. Carney Hospital stabilized the infant and then transported her to Boston Medical Children’s Pediatrics Center.

The male victim, who is the father of the infant, was treated for a non-life threatening injury. The infant is currently in critical, but stable condition and is suffering from extensive internal injury.

A preliminary investigation has revealed that the father was holding his child when the suspect climbed up onto a balcony and fired several shots through a glass window. Detectives have determined that this incident is not random, but related to an on-going gang dispute.

Boston Police Commissioner Ed Davis stated, “As a father and a member of law enforcement, it is reprehensible to me that an infant child is an innocent victim of reckless gun violence and on-going gang activity. The coward responsible for this act deserves the most severe sentence. Officers are making every effort to locate and apprehend the perpetrator responsible for this heinous act.”

The Boston Police Department is actively investigating the facts and circumstances surrounding this shooting incident. Anyone with information is strongly urged to contact the Boston Police Homicide unit at (617) 343-4470.

Community members who wish to remain anonymous should either call the CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 1(800) 494-TIPS (8477) or text the word ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463). We will stringently protect the identity of those who wish to remain anonymous.

Posted by Media Relations at 12:02 PM | Permalink

REGARDING TONIGHT’S CELTICS GAME

The Boston Celtics in the play-offs is a very exciting time for the city and its many Celtics fans. The Boston Police Department will take the necessary security measures to ensure a safe and fun event for fans.

We hope to continue that momentum and level of coordination from the several recent large sporting events. We greatly appreciate the cooperation of fans and media in our efforts to create a safe and trouble-free environment.

The department again asks that revelers obey police instructions and if asked to leave an area, please do so peacefully.

The BPD Unified Command Center will be up and operational throughout the game and employing the use of surveillance footage at key spots around the city.

The Boston Police Department will strictly enforce compliance to all alcohol laws. Public drinking will not be tolerated.

Taxis and public transportation offer a smart alternative to drinking and driving. Please take advantage of them.

The Boston Transportation Department is advising drivers that parking restrictions will be imposed in the vicinity of the TDBanknorth Garden tonight.

"Tow Zone, No Stopping" restrictions will be in place on Causeway Street, from North Washington Street to Merrimac Street throughout the day. "Tow Zone, No Stopping, Limos and Taxis Only" restrictions will be in place on Merrimac Street, both sides, from Staniford Street to New Chardon Street.

In addition, club and bar owners are asked to either turn televisions away from windows or cover windows so that their televisions are not visible from the street. All outdoor patios will be closed at that start of the third quarter. Clubs and bars are also asked to refrain from allowing TV outlets to broadcast live from inside their establishments.

Fans are strongly encouraged to leave their cars at home and take the MBTA into Boston for the games. It is the City’s primary focus to deliver a peaceful and safe event. We are prepared to take any means necessary to ensure this. Go Celtics! Beat LA!

Posted by Media Relations at 11:02 AM | Permalink

A look at the last 72 hours in Boston, from Friday, June 13, 2008 through 10am, Monday, June 16, 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: 6
Non-fatal Stabbings: 5

Residential Break-ins: 20
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.

Posted by Media Relations at 01:33 PM | Permalink

Speeding Car Passenger Arrested with Gun

On Saturday night, around 10:54PM, officers from District E-18 (Hyde Park and Roslindale) were on patrol in the area of Garfield Ave. in Hyde Park when they observed a speeding car.

Officers activated their emergency equipment and stopped the speeding car. Before the car pulled over, officers observed the rear seat occupants moving about before the car came to a stop. Once stopped, officers requested of the operator his license and registration. The operator handed officers his license and the registration to the car that was not in the operator’s name. Officers questioned the operator as to ownership of the car and he gave officers a name not matching the one on the registration.

While still conducting their investigation, a rear seat passenger suddenly exited the car and took off running. Officers observed the fleeing suspect holding his waist as he fled, usually a sign of an armed suspect. Two officers pursued the fleeing suspect while another stayed with the remaining occupants of the car. The pursuing officers chased the suspect through several streets, and after a lengthy pursuit caught the fleeing suspect as he attempted to enter 240 Garfield Avenue. After the suspect was placed under arrest, officers requested a canine which helped them track down the firearm which the suspect had discarded while he was getting pursued.

The gun carrying suspect, Malik Taylor, 17, of Hyde Park was arrested and charged with Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, Unlawful Possession of Ammunition, and Resisting Arrest. Three other occupants of the car, Patrick S. Rosenfeld, 20, of Hyde Park and Jaime Arroyo, 23, of Hyde Park were arrested with Unlawful Possession of Ammunition, Possession with Intent to Distribute Class D Drugs, and Possession of Class D, and Paul Michel Comeau, 23, of Hyde Park was arrested and charged with Possession of Class D. The additional passengers were charged with the above noted offenses after marijuana and additional ammunition was found in the car.

ShotSpotter and Good Police Work Result in Gun Arrest

Yesterday morning around 12:11AM, officers from District B-2 (Dorchester and Roxbury) were near the station when they heard what sounded like gunshots coming from the area of Harrison Ave. and Dudley Street. While en route to the location, officers were advised that ShotSpotter had detected the sound of gunshots in the area of 1157 Harrison Ave. and 68 Zeigler Street.

On scene in the area, officers observed a male walking from the area that the shots had been detected. Officers stopped this individual to conduct a threshold inquiry, and asked him where he was coming from and whether or not he had heard the sound of gunshots. The individual was very nervous and gave officers several inconsistent answers. As officers continued to engage the officer in conversation he became increasingly nervous and his demeanor changed. Based on this individual’s location, demeanor, inconsistent answers, and nervous appearance, officers decided to conduct a pat frisk for the presence of a weapon that could be used by the suspect against them.

A pat frisk was conducted and during the pat frisk, officers felt something consistent with the feel and shape of a firearm in suspect’s waist. A firearm was recovered from the suspect, after he exclaimed to officers “It’s not my gun, I just found it!”

The suspect, Marc Wells, 18, of Dorchester was arrested and charged with Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, Unlawful Possession of a Loaded Firearm, and Unlawful Possession of a Loaded Firearm.

Posted by Media Relations at 01:25 PM | Permalink

RETIRED BOSTON POLICE OFFICERS HONOR CAPTAIN FRANK ARMSTRONG AND SONS

WHO: Retired Boston Police Officers, Captain Frank Armstrong and sons Frank age 16 and John age 15.

WHAT: Retired Boston Police Officers Association to honor Captain Frank Armstrong and sons Frank and John with the Father Lane Award for outstanding accomplishments. Captain Armstrong and his sons climbed Mount Kilimanjaro and collected donations for Cops For Kids With Cancer. The award is the Father Lane award whom was a Boston Police Chaplain who passed away in July 2007.

WHERE: Boston Police Headquarters
Media Room

WHEN: June 16, 2008 at 7:00 pm

Posted by Media Relations at 10:33 AM | Permalink

At about 9:45am, on Sunday, June 15, 2008, officers from Area E-5 (West Roxbury) were on routine patrol in the area of Bexley Road and Washington Street when they were flagged down by a female. When officers stopped, the woman pointed towards a car (a white Chevy Geo) that was traveling down Washington Street and stated, ”The man in that car (just) exposed himself to my daughter.” Officers quickly pulled behind the motor vehicle, activated their emergency equipment (lights & sirens) and stopped the car. With the suspect’s motor vehicle stopped, officers returned to the original scene in order to gather more information from the victim.

According to the victim, she was selling newspapers in the area of the Dunkin Donuts at 5305 Washington Street. The victim says the suspect, who was sitting in his car, motioned for her to approach his car. Thinking that the suspect wanted to buy a newspaper, the victim walked over to the suspect’s motor vehicle. Upon the reaching the car, the victim says she observed the suspect exposing and touching his private area. At this point, the victim says she ran inside the Dunkin Donuts and called her mother.

When asked to explain his reason for being in the area, the suspect told officers, “I was in the area to meet a girl I met on the internet .. but .. she didn’t show up.” Officers arrested Miguel Tiru, 40, of Boston and charged him with Open & Gross Lewdness.

Posted by Media Relations at 04:34 PM | Permalink

WANNA-BE CABBIE ARRESTED DOWNTOWN: TAKE I

At about 2:15am, on Saturday, June 14, 2008, officers assigned to the Hackney Unit observed a motor vehicle marked up in such as to resemble a taxi. Given the lack of appropriate markings, officers were able to observe and determine that the motor vehicle was, in fact, not a properly licensed taxi. When officers observed the motor vehicle stop to pick up passengers, officers activated their emergency equipment (lights & sirens) and stopped the car. Officers arrested Eric Richard, 37, of Cambridge and charged him with violating the Boston Vehicle for Hire Ordinance.

WANNA-BE CABBIE ARRESTED DOWNTOWN: TAKE II

At about 10:32pm, on Saturday, June 14, 2008, officers assigned to the Hackney Unit observed a motor vehicle, bearing livery license plates, stop and pick up four passengers in the area of State and Devonshire Streets. Knowing motor vehicles bearing livery plates are prohibited from soliciting fares, officers activated their emergency equipment (lights & sirens) and stopped the motor vehicle. Upon speaking to the operator, the operator stated, “Those are my friends. I know them.” Officers arrested Abdolmajid Nostafavi, 51, of West Roxbury and charged him with violating the Boston Vehicle for Hire Ordinance.

SOUTHIE URINATOR ALMOST DRENCHES TWO

At about 6:52pm, on Saturday, June 14, 2008, officers from Area C-6 (South Boston) responded to a radio call for underage individuals attempting to buy alcohol in the area of East Broadway and K Streets. On arrival, officers, instead, observed a white male sitting on the stoop in front of 674 East Broadway urinating onto the public sidewalk below. As the suspect was urinating, several citizens were walking in the immediate area. As officers approached the area, they noticed two individuals walking, unknowingly, towards the suspects arching stream of urine. Officers quickly yelled to the citizens thus alerting and enabling them to avoid being struck by the golden sprinkling. Officers arrested Donald Kalil, 50, of Boston and charged him with Open & Gross Lewdness and Indecent Exposure. When asked to explain his actions, the suspect told officers, “I had to go real bad.”

LATE NITE PARTY LANDS FIVE IN POLICE CUSTODY

At about 4:09am, Saturday, June 14, 2008, officers from Area A-1 (Downtown) responded to a radio call for a loud party near Tremont and Winter Streets in Boston. Upon exiting their cruisers, officers could instantly hear loud music emanating from a building located at 131 Tremont Street. Specifically, officers were able to determine that the music was coming from the 2nd floor of the location. Upon reaching the 2nd floor and entering the location, officers observed a large group (approximately 60 – 80 people) drinking and dancing. Upon locating the person responsible for the party, officers informed the individual that, due to several calls to 911 complaining about the noise, the party needed to come to an end. However, as partygoers were exiting the location, several began to get verbally combative and abusive towards the officers on scene. Said one partygoer, ”We don’t have to move .. we aint going anywhere.” In short time, a fight broke out between several individuals attending the party.

Officers arrested Jemell Cole, 31, of Jersey City, NJ; Vincent Lanier, 26, of New York; William Eddins, 25, of Somerville; Jamel Mims, 22, of Washington, DC; Owen Lumadede, 22, of Boston and charged all five with Disturbing the Peace, Disorderly Conduct and Resisting Arrest.

Posted by Media Relations at 02:07 PM | Permalink

At about 1:37am, on Sunday, June 15, 2008, officers from Area D-4 (South End) responded to a radio call for a person stabbed in the area of Brookline Avenue and Lansdowne Street. On arrival, officers located an individual suffering from an apparent stab wound in front of the Cask-n-Flagon bar. According to witnesses, they observed a male suspect (5'07", light skinned black male wearing a light green shirt, jeans and sneakers) run out of the bar holding a small knife. Witnesses further stated that the suspect appeared to have blood on his hands. Officers learned that the incident took place inside a bathroom inside the establishment. The victim was transported to the Brigham & Women's Hospital where he was treated for non-life threatening injuries.

The Boston Police Department is actively investigating the facts and circumstances surrounding this incident. Anyone with information is strongly urged to contact Area D detectives at (617) 343-5619.

Community members who wish to remain anonymous should either call the CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 1-800-494-TIPS (8477) or text the word ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463). The Boston Police Department will stringently protect the identity of those who wish to remain anonymous.

Posted by Media Relations at 10:37 AM | Permalink

K-9 HELPS OFFICERS RECOVER A FIREARM IN DORCHESTER

At about 1:23am, on Saturday, June 14, 2008, officers from Area B-3 (Mattapan/Dorchester) were on routine patrol when they heard shots fired in the area of Darlington Street and Southern Avenue. Upon hearing the shots, officers then observed a black male running away from the scene. When the suspect saw the officers approaching in their cruiser, the suspect quickly stopped and changed direction. Officers quickly exited their cruiser and began pursuing the suspect on foot. During the foot pursuit, officers observed that the suspect was running and reaching at his waist area in such a way as to suggest the suspect was carrying a firearm. The foot pursuit lead officers in and out of several yards. Upon apprehending the suspect, officers discovered that the suspect was no longer in possession of a firearm. As a result, a K-9 unit was called to the scene. Once there, the officer and his K-9 partner retraced the steps of the foot pursuit in hopes of locating the firearm. In short time, the K-9 hit on a scent in the back of 10 Darlington Street. Upon hitting on the scent, the K-9 began scratching at a stack of tires. Upon further inspection, the K-9 officer observed and secured a firearm sitting on top of the stack of the tires. When officers asked the suspect to produce a license to carry a firearm, the suspect stated, “I don’t have a license.”

According to witnesses, the suspect showed up at a party in the area of 22 Darlington Street. However, when the suspect was denied access or entry into the party, witnesses say they heard shots being fired outside the location moments later.

Officers arrested Christopher Fauntleroy, 17, of Boston and charged him with Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, Discharging a Firearm within 500 Feet of a Dwelling and Resisting Arrest.

Posted by Media Relations at 02:57 PM | Permalink

BOSTON POLICE PREPARE FOR CELTICS CLINCHING SCENARIO

WHO: Superintendent-in-Chief Robert Dunford, Superintendent Dan Linskey, Boston Police Command Staff and Boston Police officers

WHAT: Boston Police gather to have additional discussions regarding public safety and crowd control preparation. Commanders meet to discuss logistics and “game plan” for providing a safe and trouble-free environment.

WHERE: Boston Police Headquarters
Meet in the Lobby

WHEN: Friday, June 13, 2008
2:45pm (photo opportunity)
3:00pm (sound opportunity with BPD Commander)

INFO: ** Photographers will be invited into the planning meeting to obtain b-roll or still photographs. We will not be providing sound inside the meeting. After the meeting, we will make a BPD Commander available to discuss game preparation and expectations on fan behavior.

Posted by Media Relations at 12:57 PM | Permalink

A look at the last 24 hours in Boston, from Wednesday, June 11, 2008 through 10am, Thursday, June 12, 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

Residential Break-ins: 2
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.

Posted by Media Relations at 04:18 PM | Permalink

DRINKING IN PUBLIC NEVER A SMART THING TO DO

At about 2:18pm, on Wednesday, June 11, 2008, officers from Area D-4 (South End) responded to radio call for a person drinking in public in the area of Ramsey Park at 2007 Washington Street. On arrival, officers located a black male drinking what appeared to be an alcoholic beverage. Upon closer inspection, officers were able to confirm that the suspect was, in fact, drinking a 24 oz. can of beer. As a result, officers arrested Albert Lorenzo, 41, of Boston and charged him with Drinking in Public.

GRAFFITI ARREST MADE IN THE BACK BAY

At about 3:45pm, on Wednesday, June 11, 2008, officers from Area D-4 (Back Bay) received information about an individual generating and creating graffiti in the area of Clarendon and Dartmouth Streets. According to witnesses, the suspect was “tagging” a monument inside the Commonwealth Mall. On arrival, officers located an individual matching the description provided by the witnesses. After viewing the graffiti on the monument, officers approached the suspect. When officers asked the suspect if he was responsible for the graffiti, he stated, ”Yah, I drew the picture.” Officers arrested a 15 year-old male from South Boston and charged him with Damage to Property (Graffiti).

TWO ARRESTED FOR ATTEMPTED ROBBERY IN DORCHESTER

At about 4:36am, on Thursday, June 12, 2008, officers from Area C-11 (Dorchester) responded to a radio call for a robbery in progress. On arrival, officers spoke to the victim who stated that two Hispanic males, on bicycles, approached him, stated that they had a gun and demanded money. Officers promptly broadcast a description of the suspects over the police radio. In short time, officers located two individuals riding bicycles in the area of the incident. When officers asked the suspects to explain what they were doing in the area, the suspects stated they were coming from a girl’s house. While officers were talking to the suspects, the victim was brought to the scene. Once on scene, the victim was able to positively identify both of the suspects. A search of one of the suspects enabled officers to locate and seize a knife. Officers arrested Randy Galvao, 18, of Dorchester and Joao Filipe Vicente, 18, of Dorchester and charged him with Attempted Robbery.

Posted by Media Relations at 04:03 PM | Permalink

BOSTON POLICE INVESTIGATE REPORT OF SEXUAL ASSAULT

WHO: Deputy Superintendent Paul Fitzgerald

WHAT: Deputy Fitzgerald will be available to discuss the report of Sexual Assault that occurred in the North End. Boston Police have released a composite sketch of the suspect and are asking for the public’s assistance in locating this individual.

WHERE: Boston Police Headquarters
Outside in front of the Police Memorial

WHEN: June 12, 2008 at 11:15am

Posted by Media Relations at 10:28 AM | Permalink

BOSTON POLICE INVESTIGATE REPORT OF SEXUAL ASSAULT

At about 3:15am, on Wednesday, June 11, 2008, officers from Area A-1 (Downtown) responded to a radio call for a sexual assault. On arrival, officers spoke to the victim who stated that she was walking along Richmond Street near Fulton Street in the North End when an individual approached her. According to the victim, the suspect grabbed her from behind and sexually assaulted her. The victim further stated that there was a brief struggle at which time the suspect fled.

The suspect is described as a Caucasian male, approximately 5’8’’-5’10’’ in height, dirty blonde hair, thin medium build, late 20’s, wearing a navy blue or black baseball hat with an unknown logo, a white ribbed tank top, dark colored shorts that came down to his knees and dark colored footwear.

The Boston Police Department is actively investigating the facts and circumstances surrounding this incident. Anyone with information is strongly urged to contact CrimeStoppers at 1-800-494-TIPS or text the word ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463). Boston Police will protect the identity of those who wish to remain anonymous.

Individuals with information may also contact the Sexual Assault Unit detectives at (617) 343-4400.

TIPS FOR ENSURING YOUR PERSONAL SAFETY:

• Always be aware of your surroundings, especially at night. When parking, walking or returning to your car, remain in well-lit and populated areas.
• Wear sneakers or shoes that allow for added mobility.
• Be watchful and aware. Keep your head up. Make quick eye contact with those around you and be observant of passing vehicles. Don’t become distracted by talking on a cell phone or listening to an iPod/similar device.
• Avoid walking alone late at night. Walk with friends and people you know.
• Keep a whistle within reach. If you feel threatened, use the whistle to signal residents that you need assistance. Yelling “Fire!” “Help!” and/or “Rape!” are ways of drawing attention and alerting people that you need help.
• Hold your car keys in your hand to use as a weapon against an attacker.
• Carry a cell phone.
• Call ahead to your destination to alert them that you’re on your way. Make sure they expect you at a certain time, so that in the event you fail to show up, they'll know enough to begin looking for you.
• Walk with confidence. Be assertive. Don’t let anyone violate your space. Trust your instincts. Know this: anyone at anytime can be a victim of crime. Don’t assume, "IT WILL NEVER HAPPEN TO ME."
• If an unarmed attacker confronts you, believe in your ability to scare, distract, or even incapacitate the attacker enough to escape.
• If you think that someone is following you, switch direction or cross the street. Walk toward an open store, restaurant or residence.

For a sketch of the suspect, please contact Media Relations at 617-343-3420.

Posted by Media Relations at 06:02 PM | Permalink

Death Investigation at 73 Nonantum Street in Brighton

About 2:31pm on June 10, 2008, officers from District D-14 (Allston and Brighton) responded to 73 Nonantum St. to investigate a report of a deceased individual inside that location.

On arrival, officers were directed to a specific apartment. Inside that apartment, officers located the body of a 56 year-old white female, suffering from apparent stab wounds. The victim has been identified as Terri Werner, 56, of Middleborough, MA.
The suspect of that homicide, who was still on scene, was placed under arrest and charged with Murder. The suspect has been identified as Louis A. Marquez, 26, of Brighton.

###

Posted by Media Relations at 05:12 PM | Permalink

A look at the last 24 hours in Boston, from Monday, June 9, 2008 through 10am, Tuesday, June 10, 2008 (See recent Daily Incident summaries and earlier postings for more detailed descriptions of some of the incidents identified below).

Homicides: 1
Non-fatal Shootings: 0
Non-fatal Stabbings: 1

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.

Posted by Media Relations at 11:30 AM | Permalink

Not a Wonderful Day in the Neighborhood

At approximately 6:335PM last night, officers from District A-1 (Downtown and Charlestown) responded to a radio call for an assault in progress at 84 Bunker Hill Street in Charlestown.

On arrival, officers were met by the victim who was crying and suffering from a laceration to her shoulder. The victim told officers that she had been assaulted by her neighbor after an argument over trash. The victim and her sister who share an apartment reported to officers that they were sitting inside their home when they heard their glass sliding door open and their neighbor dump a plastic bag of trash inside their house. The victim reported that she in turn took the bag of trash outside and placed in front of her neighbor’s door. The victim and her neighbor share a common deck and apparently have been arguing about leaving trash on the deck.

The victim reported that after she placed the trash bag in front of the suspect’s door, he came out, confronted her and threatened to throw her off the 2nd floor deck. The victim informed officers that her neighbor then attacked her, knocking her to the ground causing to suffer the laceration to her shoulder. The victim reported that she grabbed a nearby 2X4 to defend herself when the suspect grabbed it from her and threw it at her as she retreated back to her house to call the police.

Suspect, Brian P. Guarnieri, 34, of Charlestown was arrested and charged him with Assault and Battery, and Breaking and Entering in the Daytime after he admitted to the facts as told by the victim and witness.

Just Trying to keep Cool

Last night around 6:47PM, officers from District E-18 (Hyde Park and Roslindale) responded to 1377 Hyde park Ave. in Hyde Park/Shaw’s Supermarket and arrested suspect, Daniel Majors, 30, of Worcester charging him with Shoplifting, and Possession of Class D.

Officers prior to arresting the suspect learned that he came to the store and went to the seafood department. The suspect then ordered an amount of scallops and chicken lobster. The suspect after receiving the seafood then went to an aisle in the store, concealed the items in his short pockets, and attempted to walk out of the store without paying for the items. The suspect was detained by store loss prevention personnel until officers arrived on scene and placed him under arrest.

The suspect at the booking station was observed to have something in his mouth that he was trying to swallow. The item was retrieved and subsequently determined to be marijuana, a class D substance.

Posted by Media Relations at 11:24 AM | Permalink

WHO: Boston Police Captain Paul J. Russell, officers from District B-2 (Roxbury) and 50 local teens from Youth NOISE (“Neighborhood Outreach for Inner Street Empowerment”).

WHAT: With Celtics fever upon us, offices from B-2 and a group of local youth will play some hoop today at the Tobin Center. The event is part of an ongoing partnership between the Boston Police and the Mission Hill youth group. Youth NOISE is a joint program of Latino youth organization Sociedad Latina and Mission Main’s MissonSAFE youth development program. It was formed in January 2007 to provide a forum where kids can discuss crime prevention on their streets as well as provide a means to strengthen youth relationships with police.

WHERE: Tobin Community Center
1481 Tremont Street
Roxbury Crossing

WHEN: Today, Wednesday, June 11, 2008
3:30pm

Posted by Media Relations at 11:07 AM | Permalink

About 2:31Pm today, officers from District D-14 (Allston and Brighton) responded to 73 Nonantum St. to investigate a report of a deceased individual inside that location.

On arrival, officers were directed to a specific apartment. Inside that apartment, officers located the body of a 56 year-old white female, believed to be the victim of an apparent homicide suffering from multiple stab wounds. The suspect of that homicide, who was still on scene, was placed under arrest and transported to the district station for booking.
The suspect has been identified as Louis A. Marquez, 26, of Brighton. He has been booked and charged with Murder and will be arraigned at Brighton District Court tomorrow, Wednesday, June 11, 2008.

Preliminary investigation indicates that the victim and suspect were acquainted with each other. This incident remains under investigation and the suspect’s apartment has been frozen pending the issuance of a search warrant.

Posted by Media Relations at 08:30 PM | Permalink

A look at the last 24 hours in Boston, from Monday, June 9, 2008 through 10am, Tuesday, June 10, 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: 2
Non-fatal Stabbings: 0

Residential Break-ins: 8
Commercial Break-ins: 4

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.

Posted by Media Relations at 11:48 AM | Permalink

Would You Kill for a McDonald’s Cheeseburger?

Yesterday evening around 7:23PM, officers from District B-2 (Dorchester and Roxbury) responded to 301 Warren St./McDonald’s for person with a knife.

On arrival, officers spoke with the victims who reported that they were assaulted at knifepoint. The victim elaborated by telling officers that they were pulling into the drive-thru window of McDonald’s when they were confronted by another car who also trying to get in the drive through window. The victims reported that an argument ensued and they ended up letting the other car go first. The victim, however, reported to officers that the operator of the other car was not satisfied with being allowed to get in front of them and continued by getting out of her car, brandishing a knife, and threatening victims by saying “We’ll kill you, I’ll slash your tires.”

The suspect then exited the drive-thru line and fled the scene. A description of the suspect motor vehicle was broadcast and officers stopped the car at the intersection of Elm Hill Ave. and Crawford Street. The victims were brought to the suspect’s location where they positively identified the suspect. Suspect, Gina C. Jordan, 26, of Dorchester was arrested and charged with Assault by Means of a Dangerous Weapon.

Carjacking Suspect Arrested with Help of Bystanders

Last night around 9:10PM, officers from District A-7 (East Boston) responded to a radio call for a motor vehicle accident at Border and Maverick Streets.

Units who were nearby, arriving on scene first, broadcast a description of a suspect who had fled from the car after the accident, as well as the suspect’s direction of flight and the fact that he was believed to had fled inside a restaurant located at 36 Central Square. Other responding units went to 36 Central Square, and on arrival there were flagged down by an individual that they learned was the victim of an armed carjacking. The victim, the owner of the car that had just been involved in the car accident, reported to officers that he was just carjacked at knifepoint by an ex-employee. The victim provided officers with the name of the suspect as well as his description and reported that the suspect placed along knife to his throat, pushed him away from his car and fled in his car from this location.

While officers were interviewing the victim, officers received information that a possible suspect was being detained by a couple of citizens who had observed him fleeing the scene. The victim was brought to the scene where he positively identified the suspect.

The suspect, Carlos Garcia, 26, of East Boston was arrested and charged with Armed Carjacking, Leaving the Scene of an Accident Resulting In Personal Injury and Property Damage. The victims of the accident were transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Additionally, officers recovered the knife used to carjack the victim inside the victim’s car.

Reverse Sting Removes Prostitutes from Blue hill Avenue

As a result of ongoing complaints by residents, and businesses in the lower Blue Hill Ave. area, officers from District B-2 conducted an operation designed to remove the prostitutes who regularly frequent the area to peddle their wares. As part of this operation, plain-clothes officers were dispatched to the area in unmarked cars, and there arrested prostitutes who offered sexual services in exchange for a monetary fee.

During the course of this operation, the prostitutes bargained with officers and at one point, two of the suspects almost fought each other to get in an officer’s unmarked car with both finally agreeing to go with the officer. Alas, they did not realize that they were fighting to go to jail. The below listed individuals were arrested and charged with Prostitution-Sex for a Fee.

1. Elizabeth Tucker, 49, of Roxbury
2. Natalie N. Culbreath, 26, of Roxbury
3. Felicia Young, 34, of Roxbury
4. Tiare R. Jones, 35, of Dorchester
5. Jameela Bowman, 35, of Roxbury

The above suspect will be arraigned at Roxbury District Court today.

Posted by Media Relations at 11:42 AM | Permalink

A look at the last 72 hours in Boston, from Friday, June 6, 2008 through 10am, Monday, June 9, 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: 3
Non-fatal Stabbings: 4

Residential Break-ins: 14
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.

Posted by Media Relations at 11:21 AM | Permalink

“WHY AM I BEING ARRESTED? I GAVE THE RADIO BACK.”

At about 5:00pm, on Saturday, June 7, 2008, officers from Area B-2 (Roxbury) responded to a radio call for a person breaking into a car in the area of 11 North Avenue. On arrival, officers were met by both the victim and the suspect. In fact, both were standing next to the motor vehicle involved in the incident. Officers spoke to the victim who stated that he observed the suspect breaking into his car. The victim says the suspect was hanging out of the window of his car with his legs sticking out. Upon seeing this, the victim says he quickly ran out to his car. When he got to the car, victim says the suspect had ripped the car stereo from the dashboard. When officers spoke to the suspect, the suspect stated, "Why am I being arrested? I gave the radio back." After being arrested, Henry Soto, 27, of Roxbury, was charged with Breaking & Entering a Motor Vehicle and Larceny (Over $250.00).

OVER THE LIMIT .. UNDER ARREST ON MASS AVE

At about 2:20am, on Saturday, June 7, 2008, officers from Area D-4 (South End) observed a motor vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed along Mass Ave. As a result, officers activated their emergency equipment (lights & sirens) and stopped the motor vehicle. While speaking to the operator, officers observed that the operator appeared to be intoxicated with glassy eyes and slurred speech. Officers further detected an odor of alcohol emanating from the operator. When asked to consent to a field sobriety test, the suspect replied, “Sure.” When asked if he was familiar with the English alphabet, the suspect stated, “Yes. I know the Greek alphabet, too.” In short time, the suspect revealed an inability to comprehend and execute the field sobriety test. As such, officers arrested Michael Scarlett, 26, of Boston and charged him with Operating Under the Influence.

RENT IT ONCE – SHAME ON ME .. RENT IT TWICE – YOU’RE UNDER ARREST

At about 1:00pm, on Monday, March 3, 2008, detectives from Area B-2 (Roxbury) spoke to a victim who stated that she attempted to rent an apartment (at 587 Beacon Street) that she learned about on Craig’s List. According to the victim, after answering the ad, she met the suspect in person and gave him $450.00 as a down payment for the apartment. However, approximately three weeks later, victim says that the suspect e-mailed her with bad news. According to the victim, the suspect wrote that the landlord had passed away and, as a result, he could no longer rent the apartment to her. Moreover, the suspect stated that he would re-fund her money. However, after numerous failed attempts to recoup her money, the victim contacted police. Additionally, although the suspect told the victim that the apartment could not be rented, it still remained on Craig’s List. As a result, detectives (in an undercover capacity) contacted the suspect to rent the apartment. When the suspect stated that the apartment was still available, detectives set up an appointment to meet the suspect and view the apartment.

Upon meeting the suspect, detectives arrested John Harden, 22, Boston and charged him with Larceny by Scheme.

Posted by Media Relations at 01:07 PM | Permalink

Sting Operation Nets Suspect for Bike Theft

Last night around 10:00PM, officers from District B-2 (Dorchester and Roxbury) arrested suspect, Moses Diaz, 36, of Dorchester and charged him with Larceny over $250 for stealing a bicycle.

Officers were conducting a sting operation in the area of Dudley and North Streets due to numerous larceny incidents and thefts from cars in the area. This sting operation operated by officers placing a “bait vehicle” containing valuable merchandise in the area and watching to see if any suspect would then try to either break into the car or take the bicycle set up on a bike rack outside the car.

Officers set up surveillance in nearby locations and monitored to see if any suspects would take the “bait.” While monitoring the car, officers observed the suspect walk up to the car, remove the bicycle from the bike rack and attempt to ride the bike away. The suspect tried to elude officers once approached but was caught after a brief foot pursuit during which the suspect ran into an alley and attempted to hide the bike behind a parked motor vehicle. The suspect was apprehended, placed under arrest and the bike recovered.

Shooting Incident at Batterymarch Street

At approximately 2:21AM, officers from District A-1 (Downtown Boston) responded to the Batterymarch St. outside the Ultra 360 Club for a person shot.

On scene, officers located a victim suffering a gunshot wound to the inner right knee. The victim was transported to Massachusetts General Hospital by ambulance with non life-threatening injuries. At the scene, officers recovered ballistic evidence.

Interview of witnesses revealed that three gunshots were heard and a small red car was observed fleeing the scene. It is unclear at this time whether the suspect(s) and/or victim were patrons of the club.

A-1 District detectives are investigating this incident. As usual, we urge anyone with information to contact District A-1 detectives by calling (617) 343-4248. Those individuals wishing to remain anonymous may do so by calling the CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 1-800-494-TIPS or by texting ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463).

Carjacking Incident at Dudley and Woodward Streets

This morning around 12:03AM, officers from District B-2 (Dorchester and Roxbury) responded to 25 Woodward St. for a person screaming for help.

On arrival, officers canvassed the area and located the victim on Magazine St suffering a bruise and lump on his forehead. Health and Hospitals EMTs were called to the scene and responded to treat the victim. Officers then spoke to the victim who reported that he was asked by friends to give two stranded individuals a ride from Brockton to Boston for which he received $10 for gas. The victim reported that when he got in Boston near the intersection of Dudley and Magazine Streets, the two individuals he had given a ride “jumped”/assaulted him, took his car and fled.

A broadcast with the pertinent information was given and several hours later, the victim’s car was located abandoned on Route 24 by the Massachusetts State Police.

Posted by Media Relations at 01:37 PM | Permalink

PLAYING DEAD IS NO LAUGHING MATTER

At about 3:42pm, on Thursday, June 5, 2008, officers from Area D-4 (South End) responded to a radio call for protesters throwing what appeared to be dummy bodies into the street in front of the bio-lab at 609 Albany Street. On arrival, officers observed several females milling about on the sidewalk in front of the bio-lab. Officers further observed that one of the females had white makeup on her face, with red makeup mixed in to look as if she had blood on her face. The female with the makeup on her face then lay down on the sidewalk. While she was on the ground, a second female drew a chalk outline of her body on the sidewalk. As this was transpiring, both pedestrians and cars began slowing down to witness the activity. In short time, traffic began to back up. At this point, officers asked the females if they were in possession of a permit allowing them to occupy the sidewalk. To which, the suspects stated, “No.” Officers arrested Mary Collela, 21, of Cambridge and Leeanne McHugh, 22, of Dorchester and charged both with Disturbing the Peace and Damage to Property (Graffiti).

BUYING BOOZE FOR A MINOR IS AGAINST THE LAW

At about 9:20pm, on Thursday, June 5, 2008, officers from Area A-7 (East Boston) were on patrol when they observed two males walking on Brandywine Drive towards intersection of Saratoga and Trident Streets. Officers knew one of the individuals to be under 21 years of age. Officers further observed that the individual was carrying what appeared to be a bottle of an alcoholic beverage, believed to be Jose Cuervo. As such, officers approached the individual and asked him about the bottle. When asked how he was able to procure the alcohol, the suspect’s friend stated, “I take the blame. I bought it for him.” As a result, officers arrested James Warner, 21, of East Boston for Procuring Alcohol for a Minor.

Posted by Media Relations at 03:47 PM | Permalink

Officers Make Several Arrests for Fraudulent Tickets

Boston Police would like to take this opportunity to remind fans to be wary of purchasing counterfeit tickets. Fans who purchase tickets from a secondary source are taking a chance.

We would like to encourage fans to only buy tickets from authorized ticket agencies. Purchasing from other sources is done at the buyer’s risk. Last evening, several people were turned away at the Celtic vs. Lakers game after purchasing tickets from individuals on Congress St. Officers are working hard to curb such activity and encourage buyers to only purchase from official vendors.

Incident Descriptions:

· At about 6:30pm officers were notified that approximately five black males were in the area of One Congress Street selling counterfeit tickets to the Celtics vs. Lakers game. Officers searched the area to no avail. Shortly thereafter, officers were again notified that the five males were back in the area selling counterfeit tickets. Officers patrolled the area on foot and observed the suspect asking several passers-by if they wanted to buy tickets. Officers approached the suspect on foot and when he saw them, he began to quickly walk away placing something in his rear pocket. Officers identified themselves as Boston Police while displaying their badges. Officers found the suspect to be in possession of 8 counterfeit 2008 NBA Game 1 play-off tickets between the Boston Celtics vs. LA Lakers. Six tickets were priced at $111.50 and 2 tickets were priced at $376.50. The suspect was placed under arrest. The suspect is Rama Bruno, 37, of Bronx, New York and he is charged with Larceny by scheme and Forgery of Records, Certificates and Other Writings.

· Last evening, Boston Police detectives were assigned to monitor the area around the Celtics game for intelligence purposes. While monitoring that area, detectives spoke with an individual who represents the trademark interests of the NBA. Officers received information from the NBA confirming that counterfeit tickets were being presented at the TD BankNorth Garden. Officers responded to the Garden and were shown the counterfeit tickets. The tickets had been sold for prices that range from $200.00 to $600.00.

As a result of intelligence gathered by officers and NBA officials, the following suspects were arrested and charged with gaming, larceny by scheme and counterfeit notes: Erick Ogundo, 22, of Fall River, Kirk Malone, 57 of Boston, and Timothy Lim, 24, of Fall River. A witness observed these individuals involved with numerous cash transactions that took place involving the exchange of large amounts of cash for tickets.

Posted by Media Relations at 03:07 PM | Permalink

A look at the last 24 hours in Boston, from Wednesday, June 4, 2008 through 10am, Thurssday, June 5, 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: 1
Non-fatal Stabbings: 0

Residential Break-ins: 6
Commercial Break-ins: 3

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.

Posted by Media Relations at 12:36 PM | Permalink

Arson Suspect Arrested

Around 5:57PM last night, officers from District B-3 (Dorchester and Mattapan) responded to 15 Abbott St. for a house fire.

On arrival, Fire Department personnel directed officers to a suspect who had admitted to setting the fire. Officers located this individual and spoke to him. The suspect before being addresses by officers stated, “I was wrong!” Officers noticing suspect’s appearance and speech asked him if he had been drinking which he admitted by telling officers that he and some friends had been drinking. The suspect when on to tell officers that he and some friends had been drinking when he realized that his gold chain was missing. The suspect told officers that he believed that his friend with whom he had been drinking stole his chain and he demanded that it be given back to him. The suspect reported that he left when his friend denied taking his chain.

During further investigation, officers learned that the suspect left the house at 15 Abbott St., went to a gas station and purchased some gasoline. After purchasing the gas, officers learned that the suspect came back with the gas can, poured gas on the front porch of the building and ignited a fire. Several witnesses reported to officers that they observed the suspect igniting fire, and even after the fire was put out, stated that the suspect kept trying to re-ignite the fire. Prior to the suspect lighting the fire, witnesses reported hearing him state that he would burn down the building if he did not get his chain back.

The suspect, Horace O. White, 55, of Roxbury was arrested and charged with Arson of a Dwelling. After the suspect was arrested, officers recovered the gas can he used as well as the lighter.

Reading is Fundamental to B&E Suspect

Yesterday evening around 8:45pm, officers from District D-14 assisted by the District D-14 Drug Control Unit arrested suspect, Martin Blaine, 41, of Boston and charged him with Attempted Breaking and Entering and Trespassing.

Around 8:34am, officers from District D-14 (Allston and Brighton) responded to 300 North Harvard St. for a breaking and entering in progress: a described suspect trying to kick in the window to the Boston Public Library located at the above. On arrival, officers conducted a search of the exterior of the library for the suspect and damage to the library door. As officers were performing the search of the outside of the library, and traveled to the rear of the building, they observed the suspect getting on a bicycle trying to ride away from the building. The suspect was stopped to conduct a threshold inquiry and until further investigation could be made of the incident.

During further investigation, officers spoke to witnesses who reported that they observed the suspect drinking beer in the rear of the building before he incident and later saw him attempting to kick in the ear plate glass window of the library. In addition to witness testimony, officers observed footprints matching suspect’s shoes on the window.

Suspect Arrested for Assault on Homeless Man

About 9:52pm last night, officers from District A-1 (Downtown Boston and Charlestown) were on patrol in the area of New Sudbury and Cambridge Streets when they approached by a passerby witness who reported that he had just observed two males assaulting a homeless man near the Verizon building.

Officers immediately responded to the front of the Verizon building, and there found the victim who was bleeding from the back of his head, and from his forehead. In addition, the victim had bruising around his eyes, and had a sneaker footprint on his forehead. An ambulance was immediately requested to the scene to attend to his injuries. While waiting for the ambulance to arrive, officers spoke to the victim who provided officers the name of his assailant. The witness who had informed officers of the assault also provided officers with a description of the suspect and his companion.

The victim was transported to Massachusetts General Hospital by ambulance with non-life threatening injuries. Officers searched the area for the suspect after the victim was transported to the hospital and located him on Cambridge St. going into a liquor store. The suspect, Richard Knox, 40, of Lynn was arrested and charged with Assault and Battery, and Assault and Battery by Means of a Dangerous Weapon.

Posted by Media Relations at 12:30 PM | Permalink

A look at the last 24 hours in Boston, from Tuesday, June 3, 2008 through 10am, Wednesday, June 4, 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: 1
Non-fatal Stabbings: 0

Residential Break-ins: 5
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.

Posted by Media Relations at 01:26 PM | Permalink

Firearm Results From Effective Patrol

Last night around 6:58PM last night, officers from District E-13 (Jamaica Plain) arrested suspect, Marcus J. Johnson, 24, of Cambridge and charged him with Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, Unlawful Possession of Ammunition, Dangerous Weapon Unlawfully Carried, Possession of Class D, and Resisting Arrest.

Plain clothes officers, shortly before the arrest, were on patrol in the area of Amory St. and Bragdon St. when they observed the suspect engaged in what they believed to be a hand to hand drug exchange. It should be noted that the suspect engaged in this exchange while he was standing outside with his child. Officers approached the suspect to investigate their observations, and as they did so announced their office, and instructed the suspect to stop. The suspect ignored officers’ approach and instructions, and instead started pushing his child who was driving a battery operated toy car. As officers neared the suspect, he suddenly pushed his child to the side in the toy car and took off running.

Offices pursued the suspect during his flight and noted that he clutched his right side, much like someone armed would do. During the pursuit, the suspect ran under a deck in the rear of 91-93 Bragdon St, and then fled down an alley between 93 and 95 Bragdon Street. Officers knowing that the suspect would exit the alley in the rear of 97 Bragdon St. alerted other officers of his direction of flight. The suspect exited the alley and attempted to flee onto Amory St. where was placed under arrest in front of 114 Amory Street while he was trying to enter the building after a brief struggle.

Officers retraced the path that the suspect had taken believing that he may have been armed and possibly had discarded a weapon during his flight. Officers while retracing the suspect’s path recovered a loaded firearm underneath the deck that the suspect initially fled underneath. The firearm recovered had no debris on it and appeared to have just been placed there. The suspect, once placed under arrest, was also found to have a bag of marijuana in his pockets.

B&E Suspect Caught in the Car

This morning around 12:13am, officers from District C-6 (South Boston) responded to 304 East 3rd St. for a crime in progress. En route, officers were updated with a description of the suspect as being a white male about 6’1”, with glasses wearing a green army jacket, and blue jeans peering into motor vehicles.

On arrival, officers an individual matching the suspect description sitting in the driver’s seat of a parked motor vehicle. Investigation revealed that the car did not belong to the suspect. Officers located the owner of the vehicle who told officers that he did not know the suspect nor had he given him permission to enter his car. Officers then spoke to the caller/witness who reported that he observed the suspect looking into several parked cars and then saw him getting into the motor vehicle. It should be noted that the area in which the suspect was arrested has been plagued with B&Es to motor vehicle of late.

The suspect, David Hurley, 51, of Boston was arrested and charged with Breaking and Entering.

Speeding Will Get You Nowhere Fast

This morning around 1:35AM, officers from District B-2 (Roxbury) and D-4 (South End) responded to the area of Dudley St. and Harrison Ave. for a small red vehicle traveling a at a high rate speed on Harrison Ave. and toward Melnea Cass Blvd. that had failed to stop for several red lights.

Officers were patrolling the area looking for the suspect when they observed the described motor vehicle with its lights off traveling in the rear of 1111 Harrison Avenue. The car was stopped to conduct a threshold inquiry and determine if indeed this was the described speeding car. As soon as officers approached the car, the operator yelled at them, “What are you stopping me for!” During the stop, officers learned that the suspect’s license was suspended and he was ordered to step out of the vehicle. Officers observed the suspect reach in between the center console, and his seat as if to reach for something. Officers, believing the suspect to be armed and reaching for a weapon, removed him from the car. During a subsequent search of the area that the suspect was reaching in, officers recovered a plastic bag of crack cocaine. Once officers recovered the crack cocaine, the suspect started yelling, “That’s not mine! That’s not mine!”

The suspect was placed under arrest with some level of resistance and after being placed under arrest, officers recovered a bag of heroin from his person, and some cocaine wrapped in a dollar bill.

The suspect, Scott K. Tavares, 38, of Roxbury was arrested and charged with Possession of Class B, Possession of Class A, Assault and Battery on a Police Officer, Resisting Arrest, Operating a Motor Vehicle with a Suspended License, and Using a Motor Vehicle without Authority.

Posted by Media Relations at 01:19 PM | Permalink

A look at the last 24 hours in Boston, from Monday, June 2, 2008 through 10am, Tuesday, June 3, 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: 3

Residential Break-ins: 3
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.

Posted by Media Relations at 05:34 PM | Permalink

THREE ARRESTED FOR ATTEMPTED ROBBERY DOWNTOWN

At about 2:30am, on Sunday, June 1, 2008, officers from Area A-1 responded to a radio call for an armed robbery in progress at the intersection Washington and Lagrange Streets. On arrival, officers spoke to the victim who stated that three individuals (one white male and two black males) had just tried to rob him. According to the victim, the suspects showed a knife, punched him and demanded his chain. In short time, officers located three individuals who matched the description provided by the victim. The suspects were sitting inside a motor vehicle located on Stuart Street. While officers were speaking to the suspects, the victim was brought to the scene.

After the victim positively identified the suspects, officers arrested James Sena, 29, of Brighton; Maurice Coates, 30, of Quincy; Jock Pickney, 37, of Brighton and charged all three with Attempted Robbery. A search of the suspects enabled officers to recover a knife and an undisclosed amount of a Class B drug. As a result, the suspects were also charged with Possession of a Class B Drug.

EARLY MORNING B&E SUSPECT ARRESTED IN BRIGHTON

At about 7:10am, on Sunday, June 1, 2008, officers from Area D-14 (Brighton) responded to a radio call for a breaking and entering in progress in the area of 42 Ashford Street. While en route to the call, a description of the suspect (a 6’0” black male, wearing a black hat, brown pants, gray scully cap, carrying a garbage bag) was broadcast over Channel 5 of the police radio. In short time, officers located an individual matching the description of the suspect. When officers approached the suspect, the suspect appeared to be swearing and nervous. When asked to provide a reason for being in the area, the suspect stated he was collecting cans in the area. Suspect further stated that, in his efforts to locate cans, he had been walking through the back yards of some of the houses in the area of Ashford Street. When asked by officers if he had a weapon, the suspect stated yes, and, then lifted his shirt to reveal a knife tucked into his waistband. Officers secured and seized the knife. A search of the suspect enabled officers to recover a white iPod. When officers spoke to the victim, the victim was able to positively identify the object as one belonging to her.

Officers arrested Jeffery Matthews, 51, of Allston and charged him with Breaking & Entering (Daytime) and Larceny (Over $250.00).

Posted by Media Relations at 04:12 PM | Permalink

At about 11:05pm, on Saturday, May 31, 2008, officers from Area C-6 (South Boston) responded to a radio call for a man stabbed at 289 E. Eighth Street in South Boston. On arrival, officers located a black male in his early 20’s suffering from multiple stab wounds. The victim was transported to the Boston Medical Center where he was later pronounced. The victim has since been identified as Curtis Ashford, 24, of Roxbury.

Boston Police Department is actively investigating the facts and circumstances surrounding this incident. Anyone with information is strongly urged to contact the Boston Police Homicide unit at (617) 343-4470.

Community members who wish to remain anonymous should either call the CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 1(800) 494-TIPS (8477) or text the word ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463). The Boston Police Department will stringently protect the identity of those who wish to remain anonymous.

Posted by Media Relations at 11:12 PM | Permalink

At about 11:30am, on Monday, June 2, 2008, officers responded to the West Roxbury District Court House at 445 Arborway for a report of a fight in front of that location. On arrival, officers observed a large group (approximately 20 – 30 people) fighting in front of the courthouse. According to witnesses, a verbal altercation ensued inside the courthouse after the arraignment of Kenneth Mauras, 17, of Roslindale. Mauras was being arraigned in connection to a hit and run incident which took place on Friday, May 30, 2008, in which a 45 year-old female was struck while crossing Hyde Park Avenue. Mauras was charged with Driving to Endanger, Leaving the Scene after Causing Personal Injury, Drag Racing and Operating Without a License.

While leaving the courthouse, representatives from Mauras’ family and the victim’s family began exchanging words. Once outside the courthouse, the verbal altercation escalated into a physical one.

During the altercation, officers arrested Miguel Soto, 23, of Jamaica Plain, Kenneth Ortiz, 29, of Boston, Luis Pena, 18, of Jamaica Plain and charged all three with Assault & Battery and Being a Disorderly Person. Officers also arrested Ilya Vodozov, 20, of West Roxbury and charged him with Being a Disorderly Person, Disturbing the Peace and Refusing to Submit to a Lawful Request.

CORRECTION: The victim's age, originally reported as 65, is, in fact, 45.

Posted by Media Relations at 09:34 PM | Permalink

Please click the links below to view updated crime data in the City of Boston for the time period of January 1st - June 9th, 2007 vs. 2008.

View Data on YTD Part One Crime (Jan. 1 - June 7) (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 (Jan 1 - June 8) (PDF - Download Adobe Reader)

Posted by BRIC at 05:31 PM | Permalink

At about 8:44pm, on Saturday, May 17, 2008, officers from Area B-2 (Roxbury) responded to a radio call for a person shot at 12 Weaver Court in Roxbury. On arrival, officers located a male suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. The victim, Sheikh Kakay, 22, of Roxbury, was transported to the Boston Medical Center where he later succumbed to injuries and was pronounced.

After an exhaustive investigation into the facts and circumstances surrounding this incident, Boston Police homicide detectives, yesterday, applied for and were granted an arrest warrant charging Darius Washington, 18, of Roxbury with Murder and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm. Earlier today (Sunday, June 1, 2008) members of the Boston Police Youth Violence Strike Force located and arrested the suspect in Roxbury.

Darius Washington will be arraigned tomorrow, Monday, June 2, 2008, at Roxbury District Court.

Posted by Media Relations at 09:45 PM | Permalink

At about 11:05pm, on Saturday, May 31, 2008, officers from Area C-6 (South Boston) responded to a radio call for a man stabbed at 289 E. Eighth Street in South Boston. On arrival, officers located a black male in his early 20’s suffering from multiple stab wounds. The victim was transported to the Boston Medical Center where he was later pronounced. Per department protocol, the identity of the victim is being withheld pending family notifications and an autopsy report.

The Boston Police Department is actively investigating the facts and circumstances surrounding this incident. Anyone with information is strongly urged to contact the Boston Police Homicide unit at (617) 343-4470.

Community members who wish to remain anonymous should either call the CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 1(800) 494-TIPS (8477) or text the word ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463). The Boston Police Department will stringently protect the identity of those who wish to remain anonymous

Posted by Media Relations at 03:10 PM | Permalink

PEDESTRIAN STRUCK ON CENTRE STREET IN WEST ROXBURY

At about 8:59pm, on Saturday, May 31, 2008, officers from Area E-5 (West Roxbury) responded to a call for a pedestrian struck in the area of 1736 Centre Street. On arrival, officers observed a white female in her 50’s lying unconscious in the middle of Centre Street. The victim was transported to the Brigham & Women’s Hospital where she’s being treated for life-threatening injuries. According to witnesses, the victim, who was on her cell phone, was crossing the street in the crosswalk when she was struck by a motor vehicle. When officers located the operator of the vehicle, initially, the operator denied knowing anything about the incident. However, upon further questioning, the operator of the car admitted to officers that she was driving the motor vehicle that struck the pedestrian. While speaking to the operator, officers noted the individual appeared to be intoxicated. Specifically, officers noted the operator’s speech to be slurred and her eyes glassy. Additionally, officers noted that the operator appeared to be unsteady on her feet. When officers attempted to administer a breath test to determine the operator’s level of sobriety, the operator refused. At this point, officers arrested Patricia Dolan, 44, of Roslindale and charged her with Operating Under the Influence and Leaving the Scene of an Accident after Causing Personal Injury.

ASSAULT AND BATTERY ON A POLICE OFFICER LEADS TO FIVE ARRESTS

At about 2:25am, on Sunday, June 1, 2008, officers performing a paid detail in the area of 75 State Street observed a black male push a white male in front of the above-mentioned address. The force of the blow pushed the victim into a wall. When officers approached the black male to question him about his actions, the individual immediately became combative and belligerent. At one point, the suspect began making aggressive moves towards the officers. As a result of the suspect’s aggressive movements, officers instructed the suspect to discontinue his aggressive behavior. Furthermore, officers warned the suspect that any failure to comply with their instructions could result in the use of pepper spray. When the suspect refused to oblige, officers discharged their pepper spray. At this point, the suspect and four other males fled inside the parking garage. When officers located the suspect, a verbal altercation, again, ensued. During the altercation, the suspect’s friends began to gather round the incident. The suspect, again, began making aggressive movements towards the officers. At one point, the suspect struck the officer with either a clenched fist or an unknown object. The blow rendered the officer temporarily unconscious. After a brief foot pursuit, officers located the suspect and four other males in the lower level of the parking garage.

Officers arrested Edward Franklin Douglas, 28, of Dorchester and charged him with Assault & Battery on a Police Officer. Also arrested and charged with Disorderly Conduct: Theo Stockton, 21, of Roxbury, Hendrick Davis, 25, of Dorchester, Ishmael Davis, 20, of Dorchester and Eugene Reid, 27, of Providence, RI. One officer was transported to the Mass General Hospital where he was treated for minor injuries.

Posted by Media Relations at 03:03 PM | Permalink