BOSTON POLICE INVESTIGATE REPORT OF INDECENT ASSAULT
This morning at approximately 3:30AM, officers from District A-1 (Downtown Boston) responded to Foster Street for a report of a sexual assault.
On arrival, officers spoke to the victim who explained that she was walking on Foster St. when she was approached from behind, knocked down, and indecently assaulted. A struggle ensued during which the victim successfully fought off her attacker after which he fled.
The suspect is described as a white male in his 20’s with light colored short hair.
The Boston Police Department is actively investigating the facts and circumstances surrounding this incident, including whether there is a connection between this incident and past reported incidents. Anyone with information is strongly urged to contact CrimeStoppers at 1-800-494-TIPS or text the word ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463). The Boston Police Department will strictly protect the identity of those who wish to remain anonymous.
Individuals with information about this incident 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.
HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY! DAILY INCIDENTS FOR FRIDAY, JULY 4, 2008
Bed and Breakfast Owner Arrested and Given a Cell for the Night
Yesterday around 2:53PM, officers from District B-2 (Dorchester and Roxbury) responded to 74 Georgia St. in Dorchester to investigate a report of an illegal “Bed and Breakfast.”
On arrival, officers encountered the owner of the premise. Officers inquired of the owner if she was running a “bed and breakfast” and if she was whether she had the proper permits to operate a vacation rental. The owner stated that she was duly licensed and once asked to produce the license became irate and told officers that she did not have to show anything to them. As officers continued their investigation, the owner of the house became increasingly more belligerent with officers and demanded that they “…get the hell off (her) property!” Officers continued their effort to complete their investigation but the suspect became louder, demanding that officers get off her property despite their attempts to explain to her their role as agents of the City of Boston, and the process to get the proper license from Inspectional Services.
After an extended effort to enlighten the suspect about the proper procedure to get a license and her refusal to listen and her increasing ranting and raving against officers caused neighbors to exit their house, the suspect was placed under arrest. The suspect, Aihua Harris, 54, of Dorchester was arrested and charged with Disorderly Conduct.
Gun Recovered from 15 Year-Old Suspect
Last night around 10:02AM, offices from the Youth Violence Strike Force (Gang Unit) arrested a 15-year-old suspect from Dorchester and charged him with Unlawful Possession of a Firearm and Unlawful Possession of Ammunition.
Officers initially responded to a report for threats in the area of 52 Lorne St. in Dorchester. While responding to the above incident, officers were advised of a party at 42 Lorne St. and responded to the party.
On arrival, officers observed a group of about 8-10 young men congregating in front of 42 Lorne Street. As officers neared the group, they observed one member of the group grabbing at his side and trying to remove an item from his side. Officers continued their approach and as they did so, saw the butt end of what appeared to be a firearm from the same individual that had been observed grabbing at his side. The same suspect started running down the driveway, as officers got closer to him. Officers pursued the suspect, and as they did so observed the suspect discard a firearm from his waist.
The suspect was caught after a brief foot pursuit and the gun recovered. Upon being caught, the suspect had a strong odor of alcohol coming from him and told officers that he was only 15 years old and that he had been drinking.
Off-Duty Officer Assists in Arrest of OUI Suspect Arrested
This morning around 12:24AM, officers from District E-18 responded to the area of River St. and Turtle Pond Parkway to assist an off duty officer with a traffic stop.
There, officers met with the off duty officer who informed them that he had observed the suspect starting in the area of Washington St all the way to Enneking Parkway. During that time, the suspect had been observed crossing the yellow line several times, as well as slowing down coming almost to a complete stop at times with no hazard or traffic light present. Once stopped the operator had a strong odor of alcohol emanating from his person, and his eyes were glassy. When asked if he had been drinking the suspect admitted, “Yes, I had a few!” The suspect when informed about his erratic driving and told that he could have killed someone replied, “I hope I didn’t!”
The suspect was then asked to exit his car and perform several sobriety tests. The suspect was unable to successfully complete any of the administered sobriety tests, the last of which was a recitation of the alphabet. The suspect, James Saunders, 57, of Hyde Park was arrested and charged with Operating Under the Influence of Alcohol.
OPERATION COMMON CURE LANDS SEVEN BEHIND BARS
On Thursday, July 3, 2008, officers from Area A-1 (Downtown) and members the Area A Neighborhood Drug Units conducted Operation Common Cure, a police initiative designed to address and remedy various quality of life concerns (emphasizing drug-related activities) adversely effecting the area in and around the Boston Common. As a result of today’s operation, officers arrested the following seven suspects:
Anthony James, 44, of Roxbury for Larceny from the Person
Sean Taylor, 39, of Roxbury for Possession & Distribution of Class B Drugs
Samantha Marie Curtin, 22, of Rockland for Possession & Distribution of Class B Drugs
Vincent Gennari, 29, of Cambridge for Possession & Distribution of Class A Drugs
Nicholas Ty Lao, 22, of Hyde Park for Possession & Distribution of Class A Drugs
Vincent Garcia, 38, of Boston for Possession of Class A Drugs
Reginald Boyd, 19, of West Roxbury for Possession & Distribution of Class B Drugs
PEDESTRIAN STRUCK AT ARLINGTON AND NEWBURY STREETS
At about 11:34am, on Thursday, July 3, 2008, officers from Area D-4 (South End) responded to a radio call for a pedestrian struck in the area of Arlington and Newbury Streets. On arrival, officers located a 47 year-old female who had been struck by a motor vehicle. The victim was immediately transported to Mass General Hospital where she was later pronounced. Per department protocol, the identity of the victim is being withheld pending family notifications. Furthermore, at this point in the investigation, no charges have been filed nor citations issued.
BOSTON POLICE ARREST TWO SUSPECTS IN CONNECTION WITH VARIETY STORE ROBBERIES
Incident Descriptions:
At about 2:22pm, on Wednesday, June 18, 2008, officers from Area B-3 (Mattapan) responded to a radio call for a robbery in progress at the River Street Mini-Mart located at 991 River Street in Hyde Park. On arrival, officers spoke to victims who stated that four black males, wearing masks, entered the store, showed a gun and forced store employees to lie on the ground. The suspects then forced another employee to open the cash register. Once the register was opened, the suspects removed a large amount of cash. The suspects then fled the scene in an unknown direction. It was determined that the suspects stole more than $3,000.00. The suspects also took a book of $20 lottery tickets and two books of $10 lottery tickets. Additionally, the suspects also stole six packs of cigarettes.
One day later, on Thursday, June 19, 2008 at about 9:00pm, officers from Area E-13 (Jamaica Plain) responded to a radio call for an armed robbery at the J.P. Convenience Store located at 162 South Street. On arrival, officers spoke with store employees who stated three black males entered the store, showed a gun and robbed the store. Victims stated one of the suspects was wearing a black sweatshirt and carrying a silver-colored handgun. Victim states he was told by the suspects to get on the ground. The victim also stated money and lottery tickets were taken during the robbery.
After reviewing and studying the in-store surveillance/security videos, detectives were able to ascertain and put out an accurate description of the suspects involved in the above-mentioned incidents.
On Wednesday, July 2, 2008, officers from the Youth Violence Strike Force arrested Nazareth Perkins, 37, of Boston in connection with the above-mentioned incidents and charged him with Armed Robbery (Masked) and Assault by means of a Dangerous Weapon (hand gun).
On Wednesday, July 2, 2008, officers from the Youth Violence Strike Force also arrested Liquarry Jefferson, 28, of Dorchester and charged him with Possession of Class A and B Drugs.
Update
POLICE COMMISSIONER ED DAVIS REQUESTS FORMER US ATTORNEY DONALD K. STERN TO CONDUCT AN EXTERNAL REVIEW INTO THE DEATH OF DAVID WOODMAN
Police Commissioner Ed Davis has requested that Donald K. Stern, the former US Attorney and now a partner at Cooley Godward Kronish, review the facts and circumstances surround the death of David Woodman. The Suffolk County District Attorney’s office in conjunction with The Boston Police Homicide Unit has already begun a thorough and exhaustive investigation into David’s death. The Boston Police Internal Affairs Division is also conducting an investigation.
Commissioner Davis stated, “I have complete confidence that the investigation into the death of Mr. Woodman will be fair and thorough. In the interest of public trust and transparency, I see great value in having an outside, independent, and broader review of the circumstances into this incident, to determine if there are any changes in policies or training which the Department should consider. Obviously, this must be accomplished in a way which does not compromise the District Attorney’s effort. I have assured Mr. Stern that he will have whatever support and assistance he needs from the Department.”
SHOOTING INCIDENT CLAIMS ONE LIFE, INJURES ANOTHER
At approximately 2:39am officers responded to the Carney Hospital for a report of a person shot. Upon arrival, officers were informed that two victims self-applied to the hospital with gunshot wounds. One victim is 27 year old black male suffering from a non-life threatening gunshot wound to the arm. The second victim is a 28 year old black female who suffered a gunshot wound to the chest. She has succumbed to her injury and was pronounced.
The preliminary investigation indicated that the male victim drove them to the hospital. Officers believe that the original incident occurred in the area of 115 River Street in Mattapan.
The Boston Police Department is actively investigating the facts and circumstances surrounding this incident. Anyone with information is strongly urged to contact Homicide detectives at (617) 343-4470.
For individuals who wish to remain anonymous, you are urged to call either the Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 1-800-494-TIPS (8477) or text ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463). Police will protect the identity of those who wish to remain anonymous.
HAZMAT INCIDENT AT 21 TEMPLE STREET
At about 9:12pm, on Tuesday, July 1, 2008, officers from Area A-1 (Downtown) responded to a radio call to assist the Boston Fire Department. The Fire Department had received a radio call concerning a strong odor of ammonia emanating from an apartment located in the area of 21 Temple Street. On arrival, officers learned that the Fire Department had spoken to the occupant of the apartment. According to Fire officials, the occupant was agitated, angry and refusing to let anybody enter her apartment. The officers on scene were also able to detect the strong odor of ammonia.
At this point, the Hazmat Unit was called to the scene. Once on scene, the Hazmat Unit attempted to gain entry into the apartment. Officers were able to partially pry the door open. However, in doing so, officers observed that the door was, in fact, barricaded. As a result, the Boston Police SWAT team was called to the scene in order to gain entry into the location.
Once inside, the occupant of the apartment was removed and transported to Mass General Hospital for evaluation purposes. At this time, the name of the occupant is being withheld while the evaluation is ongoing.
BOSTON 24: A LOOK AT THE LAST 24 HOURS IN THE CITY OF BOSTON
A look at the last 24 hours in Boston, from Monday, June 30, 2008 through 10am, Tuesday, July 1, 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: 1
Street Robberies: 6
Commercial Robberies: 0
Bank: 1
Other: 0
Vehicle Thefts: 4
Vehicle Recoveries: 7
Vehicle Breaks: 14
Residential Break-ins: 11
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.
SHOOTING INCIDENT INJURES 7 YEAR-OLD BOY
SECOND VICTIM SELF-APPLIES TO LOCAL HOSPITAL
POLICE ARREST SUSPECT ON FIREARM CHARGE
Boston Police are actively investigating a shooting incident that injured a 7 year-old boy.
On Monday June 30, 2008 at about 6:56pm, officers from District B-2 (Roxbury) responded to a radio call for shots fired (detected on the Shotspotter system) at 1427 Tremont Street. While en route, officers were dispatched to 10 Smith Street for a report of a person shot. Upon arrival, officers located a young boy suffering from an apparent gun shot wound. He was rushed to Boston Medical Center Pediatrics where he is now currently listed in stable condition.
Simultaneously, an officer performing a paid detail was alerted by security at Brigham and Women’s Hospital that there was a person shot located in the emergency room. Officers observed an 18 year-old black male suffering from a non-life threatening gunshot wound, who self-applied to the hospital seeking treatment.
Detectives believe these two incidents are connected. The preliminary investigation indicates that two males traveling in a Honda heading down Tremont Street toward Parker Street were approached and fired upon by a suspect on a bicycle. The driver was struck once in the torso and continued to drive. Shortly thereafter, the two individuals in the Honda see the suspect on his bicycle in the Sewall Street area and return fire. Investigators believe that a stray bullet from this incident struck the 7 year-old boy.
The 18 year-old suffering from a gunshot wound is then driven (in the Honda) to Brigham and Woman’s hospital. Further information developed led detectives to arrest the second individual in the vehicle. Officers arrested Kenny Francois, 18, of Hyde Park and charged him with unlawful possession of a firearm; the firearm has not yet been recovered.
Boston Police Commissioner Ed Davis stated, ““The wanton disregard for the lives of children as a result of random gunfire is unconscionable. I believe that people who participate in this activity should be committed by the court to a life sentence.”
Boston Police continue to actively investigate the facts and circumstances surrounding this incident. We will provide additional information as it becomes available.
Detectives are asking witnesses or individuals with information about this shooting to come forward. Please call the Detectives from District B-2 at 617-343-4275. For individuals who wish to remain anonymous, you are urged to call either the CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 1-800-494-TIPS (8477) or text ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463). Police will protect the identity of those who wish to remain anonymous.