A STATEMENT FROM POLICE COMMISSIONER ED DAVIS
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.
MEDIA AVAILABILITY
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
BOSTON 24: A LOOK AT THE LAST 24 HOURS IN THE CITY OF BOSTON
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
Street Robberies: 13
Commercial Robberies: 1
Bank: 0
Other: 1
Vehicle Thefts: 14
Vehicle Recoveries: 7
Vehicle Breaks: 54
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.
DAILY INCIDENTS FOR SUNDAY, JUNE 29, 2008
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.
UPDATE: BOSTON POLICE INVESTIGATE POST-GAME INCIDENT
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.
DAILY INCIDENTS FOR SATURDAY, JUNE 28, 2008
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.
Death Investigation at 113 Ames Street, Dorchester
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.
BOSTON 24: A LOOK AT THE LAST 24 HOURS IN THE CITY OF BOSTON
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
Street Robberies: 3
Commercial Robberies: 0
Bank: 0
Other: 0
Vehicle Thefts: 5
Vehicle Recoveries: 0
Vehicle Breaks: 15
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.
DAILY INCIDENTS FOR FRIDAY, JUNE 27, 2008
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.”
DAILY INCIDENTS FOR WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 2008
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.