DAILY INCIDENTS FOR SUNDAY, AUGUST 31, 2008
POLICE ARREST SUSPECT WANTED IN CONNECTION WITH QUADRUPLE STABBING IN THE NORTH END
At about 1:01am, on Sunday, August 31, 2008, officers from Area A-1 (Downtown) observed a large group of teenagers yelling for help in the area of Commercial Street and Hull Street. As officers approached, officers located four individuals suffering from what appeared to be stab wounds. All four victims were promptly transported to area hospitals where they were treated for non-life threatening injuries. A description of the suspects was quickly broadcast over the police radio. In short time, officers located an individual matching the description of one of the suspects. When officers stopped the suspect, officers noted that the suspect had blood on his clothing. The suspect was brought back to the scene of the incident. Once there, witnesses positively identified him. Officers arrested Jeffrey Scott, 20, of Charlestown and charged him with Assault with Intent to Murder and Assault & Battery by Means of a Dangerous Weapon.
The Boston Police Department is still actively investigating the facts and circumstances surrounding this incident. Anyone with information is strongly encouraged to contact Area A-1 detectives at (617) 343-4248 or the Homicide Unit at (617) 343-4470.
Community members who wish to remain anonymous can either call the CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 1(800) 494-TIPS or text the word ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463). The Boston Police Department will stringently protect the identities of those who wish to assist this investigation in an anonymous fashion.
POLICE ARREST FIVE SUSPECTS AFTER HEARING SHOTS FIRED IN THE AREA OF MARIPOSA STREET
At about 9:58pm, on Saturday, August 30, 2008, officers from Area E-18 (Hyde Park) were in the process of responding to a different radio call when they heard gunshots in the area of Mariposa Street. As officers were in the process of responding to that area, officers observed several black males walking, in a hurried manner, away from that location. Moreover, upon seeing the officers, the suspects ran into a driveway. Seeing this, officers called in their location and requested back up units. When officers walked down the driveway, officers located five suspects. Officers observed that all of the suspects were sweating profusely and appeared to be nervous. A search of the immediate area enabled officers to locate and recover a firearm lying under a shrub. Officers arrested five suspects: Christopher Ty-Razza Good, 17, of Hyde Park, Carl Romain, 20, of Roslindale, Darrel Portis-Leach, 23, of Hyde Park, Willie Jennings, 28, of Mattapan, a 16 year-old from Mattapan and charged all five with the Unlawful Possession of a Firearm & Ammunition, Assault by Means of a Dangerous Weapon (gun) and Assault with Intent to Murder. Before the suspects were arrested, witnesses were brought to the scene for identification purposes. After the suspects were positively identified, officers placed them under arrest.
THREE ARMED ROBBERS ARRESTED IN MATTAPAN
At about 1:09pm, on Saturday, August 30, 2008, officers from Area B-3 (Mattapan) responded to a radio call for an armed robbery in the area of 80 Hiawatha Road in Mattapan. On arrival, officers spoke to the victim who stated that he was riding his red scooter when three individuals flagged him down. Once flagged down, the victim states that the suspects asked the victim if he wanted to purchase some weed. When the victim replied in the affirmative, the suspects instructed the victim to follow them to the back of 80 Hiawatha Road. Once out back, the victim says that’s when one of the suspects flashed a firearm and told him to give up his scooter. When he refused, the victim says that one of the suspects hit him in the back of the head with a firearm and, then, took his scooter. Officers observed a large bump on the back of the victim’s head. Officers broadcast a description of the suspects and the scooter over the police radio. In short time, officers located the scooter and three suspects matching the description provided by the victim. The victim was brought to the location where the suspects were being detained. Once there, the victim was able to positively identify all three suspects.
Officers arrested James Cromartie, 22, of Roslindale, Bernard Lewis, 18, of Mattapan and Gary Lewis, 17, of Mattapan and charged all three with Armed Robbery. Mr. Cromartie was also charged with Assault & Battery by Means of Dangerous Weapon (gun).
DAILY INCIDENTS FOR SATURDAY, AUGUST 30, 2008
POLICE ARREST SUSPECT FOR INTENT TO MURDER IN EAST BOSTON
At about 2:04am, on Saturday, August 30, 2008, officers from Area A-7 (East Boston) responded to a radio call for persons stabbed in the area of 85 Trenton Street. On arrival, officers located four individuals (four Hispanic males) suffering from what appeared to be stab wounds. Two of the victims were transported to Mass General with non-life threatening injuries while two were transported to the Boston Medical Center with life threatening injuries. According to witnesses, the victims were sitting on a porch in front of 85 Trenton Street when a group of kids came walking up the street. Witnesses further state, as the kids were passing the porch, a member of the group pulled out a knife and began walking towards the victims. During the altercation, the four victims were stabbed.
A description of the suspect and/or suspects was promptly broadcast over the police radio. In short time, officers were able to locate an individual matching the description provided by the victims. The suspect was brought back to the location of the incident. Once there, witnesses were able to positively identify the suspect. Officers arrested Roberto Soto, 18, of East Boston and charged him with Assault & Battery by Means of a Dangerous Weapon (Knife) and Assault with Intent to Murder.
The Boston Police Department is currently investigating the facts and circumstances surrounding this incident. Anyone with information is strongly urged to contact Area A-7 detectives at (617) 343-4234. Individuals who wish to remain anonymous can either call the CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 1(800)494-TIPS or text the word ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463).
OWNER/OPERATOR ARRESTED FOR STEALING HIS OWN CAR
At about 11:05pm, on Friday, August 29, 2008, officers from Area B-2 (Roxbury) observed a white motor vehicle, with damage to its front end, speeding along Dudley Street while dragging the front bumper. Due to the fact that the windows were down, officers were able to get a good look at the operator of the vehicle. After losing sight of the car, officers re-located the car parked in an alley in the area of 442 Dudley Street. When officers looked inside the motor vehicle, the car was unoccupied. A search of the immediate area for operator proved unsuccessful. In short time, an individual walked into the police station to make a report stating his car had been stolen. The car being reported as stolen was the same one officers had located inside the alley.
When officers returned to the station to speak to the owner, officers noted that the person reporting the car as stolen was, in fact, the same person officers had observed operating the car. Given the coincidence, officers arrested the owner/operator, Marlon Pontes, 24, of Quincy and charged him with Operating Under the Influence (Alcohol), Driving to Endanger and Leaving the Scene of an Accident (Property Damage). According to witnesses, earlier in the evening, the suspect’s motor vehicle had struck several cars in the area of Fox Street before leaving the scene.
POLICE ARREST 10 FOR DRINKING IN PUBLIC IN ROSLINDALE
At about 10:55pm, on Thursday, August 28, 2008, officers from Area E-5 (West Roxbury) were on patrol in the area of Fallon Field when officers observed a large group of kids hanging out inside the park. While approaching the kids, officers heard what sounded like beer cans being tossed to the ground. Once on scene, officers observed beer cans and plastic cups scattered all over the ground. While speaking to the individuals, officers noted that the individuals appeared to be intoxicated due to the strong odor of alcohol emanating from the suspects. Officers arrested ten individuals and charged them all with Drinking in Public. Several were charged with the Unlawful Possession of Alcohol.
UPDATE
BOSTON POLICE ARREST SUSPECT RELATED TO
RECENT SOUTH END ASSAULT
Boston Police have apprehended a suspect in connection with the recent South End assault, which occurred on August 24, 2008. Today, Friday, August 29, 2008, officers arrested Fabio Brandao, 28, of Framingham. At this time, Brandao is being charged with Assault & Battery with a Deadly Weapon and further charges may follow.
At approximately 2:45am on Sunday morning, officers from District D4 (Back Bay/South End) received a radio call for an assault and battery in progress at 375 Columbus Ave. On arrival, officers met with the victims who stated that they were assaulted by four Hispanic males who fled in a white Honda. Officers observed Victim #1 on the ground conscious but stated he could not get up. Officers notified EMS who arrived and transported him to Beth Israel Hospital. Officers were then informed that Victim #2 fled from the scene to 581 Massachusetts Avenue, where he was met by an officer and EMS. From there, the victim was also transported to the Beth Israel Hospital. Both Victim #1 and Victim #2 were unable to remember what had happened.
Officers then spoke with Victim #3 and Victim #4 who stated that while they were walking home, the above motor vehicle stopped along side of them as the passengers began to yell obscenities including homophobic slurs. The suspects then exited the vehicle and began assaulting the victims. Victim #1 was unable to remember who hit him. Officers observed an injury to Victim #2 who suffered a gash above his right eye. Victim #3 stated to officers that she was punched in the head and thrown to the ground. Victim #3 complained of a headache and dizziness but declined medical attention on scene. Victim #4 suffered no injury and declined medical attention.
Detectives from the Community Disorders Unit, as well as detectives from District D4, continue to actively investigate this incident.
Anyone with information is strongly encouraged to contact the Boston Police District D4 detectives at (617) 343-4683. Individuals wishing to remain anonymous should call the CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 1-800-494-TIPS or text ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463). The Boston Police Department will stringently protect the identity of those wishing to remain anonymous.
MAYOR MENINO ANNOUNCES TAXI FLEET TO BE FULLY HYBRID BY 2015
New Taxi Plan Requires Numerous Upgrades, Approves Rate Adjustment
Today Mayor Thomas Menino and Police Commissioner Ed Davis announced that as part of a new plan to implement improvements in the taxi industry, taxicabs will be required to be fully hybrid by 2015. In addition, the city is requiring numerous upgrades aimed at improving the local taxi service for Boston residents and visitors. Police Commissioner Ed Davis has also approved a rate adjustment for taxi drivers due to escalating fuel costs.
A comprehensive set of new rules and regulations will be issued to the Boston taxi industry in an effort to drastically improve the quality of taxi service in the City of Boston.
“Requiring taxi cabs to go hybrid is an essential step in not only improving air quality but also improving the quality of our taxi fleet,” Mayor Menino said. “I am confident that these new regulations will greatly improve taxi service in Boston for all residents and our many guests.”
Commissioner Davis said, “Today’s announcement underscores our commitment to ensuring that Boston residents, members of the business community and our many tourists are provided with safe, clean and efficient taxi service. The implementation and strict enforcement of these improvements will significantly enhance our local taxi service and provide a more customer-friendly experience. ”
The new standards for hybrid vehicles will be phased in as current vehicles reach their mandatory retirement age of six years. As a result of this new plan, owners will be required to replace their taxis with hybrid vehicles. Hybrid taxis will reduce carbon emissions from the taxi fleet by 50% and will save taxi drivers $1,000 a month in fuel costs. It is anticipated that within two years more than 50% of the fleet will be hybrid. It is required that by 2015 100% of the fleet is hybrid.
In addition to the hybrid requirement, the following new standards must be implemented and will be strictly enforced as of January 1, 2009:
Be Equipped for Credit Card Processing: all taxicabs shall be equipped with an electronic credit card processing capability. Such equipment shall allow the passenger to swipe the card in the rear compartment of the taxicab without handing the card to the Driver. Such equipment shall list fare, tolls, fees, and tips separately for processing purposes. Such equipment shall have the ability to electronically authorize the transaction in a timely manner.
Be Equipped with Required, Customer-Friendly Signage including a Roof Light: The Driver of a Hackney Carriage shall display current fare rate cards on the inside of the vehicle, in clear view of the passengers. The cards indicate the current rate of fare as approved by the Police Commissioner. These Rate Cards shall include the: Fare Rate Card; Logan Airport Special Emergency Conditions; Logan International Airport Fees and Tolls; and Transponder Card.
In addition, all Licensed Boston Hackney Carriages being newly placed into service shall mount on the roof a taxi roof light, that shall indicate at all times the status of the vehicle.
Be in Clean Condition: The Medallion Owner or Lessee must ensure the vehicle is clean at all times. The exterior of all Taxicabs shall be washed daily. The interior (Driver’s compartment, rear seat area and trunk) shall be vacuumed; the windows and partition washed, and seats wiped daily. No Shift Driver shall be made to pay for washing or cleaning of the vehicle exterior or interior. No Shift Driver shall be made to hand wash a vehicle.
No Cellular Phone Usage: A Hackney Carriage Driver may not use a cellular telephone for any purpose, including text messaging, while the Hackney Carriage is occupied by a passenger except in emergency situations, to verify a passenger’s destination, or to receive a call for service. Utilizing a cellular phone while transporting a passenger jeopardizes public safety, the passenger’s safety, and hinders the passenger’s ability to communicate with the Driver and other passengers.
Driver Appearance: Every Hackney Carriage Driver having charge of a licensed taxicab in a public place shall be suitably and professionally dressed, neat and clean in appearance. No ripped or torn clothing or clothing imprinted with profanity, offensive language or offensive images is allowed while a Hackney Carriage Driver is in charge of a Hackney Carriage. The following articles of clothing are considered inappropriate when worn as an outer garment and are not permitted, when the Hackney Carriage Driver, male or female, is in charge of a licensed Boston taxicab: T-shirts; underwear; tank tops; body shirts; swimwear; jogging suits or similar types of attire; bathing trunks; or jogging shorts.
In addition, Commissioner Ed Davis has approved a rate adjustment for taxi drivers in response to increasing fuel cost. Drivers will receive an increase in fare. The following information demonstrates the approved difference.
Rate Comparisons: Industry Standard 5 mile
Boston Former 5 Mile $13.95 rate
1/8 Mile Increment $0.30
1st 1/8 Mile $2.25
Boston Current 5 Mile $16.20 rate
1/7 Mile Increment $0.40
1st 1/7 Mile $2.60
The Boston Police Hackney Carriage Unit currently licenses 1,825 medallions. There are approximately 5,500 drivers and taxis travel approximately 100,000 miles a year. Lastly, the Boston Police Department encourages customers to contact the Hackney Unit via a newly created email account with any complaints related to taxi service, [email protected]
UPDATE
Death Investigation at 343 Geneva Avenue
Homicide Victim Identified
At about 7:05PM today, Wednesday, August 27, 2008, officers from District C-11 (Dorchester) responded to 343 Geneva Avenue in Dorchester for a person stabbed. On arrival, officers located a 20-year-old male suffering from a stab wound outside the above location. The victim was transported to the Boston Medical Center with life threatening injuries where he succumbed to his injuries. The victim has been identified as Sheldon Andrews, 27, of Dorchester.
The Boston Police Department Homicide Unit is actively investigating the facts and circumstances surroundings. Anyone with information is strongly encouraged to contact the Boston Police Homicide Unit at (617) 343-4470. Individuals wishing to remain anonymous should call the CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 1-800-494-TIPS or text ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463). The Boston Police Department will stringently protect the identity of those wishing 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 Wednesday, August 27, 2008 through 10am, Thurssday, August 28, 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: 2
Street Robberies: 1
Commercial Robberies: 1
Bank: 1
Other: 0
Vehicle Thefts: 7
Vehicle Recoveries: 2
Vehicle Breaks: 17
Residential Break-ins: 8
Commercial Break-ins: 1
Note: the information above is preliminary information, and should not be considered official crime statistics. The information is based on an initial review of incident reports and may not be a comprehensive listing of events. It is not a statistical analysis, but rather an initial tally of significant events. Some of the incidents included may be covered in more detail in other blog postings.
DAILY INCIDENTS FOR THURSDAY, AUGUST 28, 2008
Shooting Incident at 30 Algonquin Street
Last night, August 27, 2008 around 8:34PM, officers from District B-3 (Mattapan) responded to a call for shots fired at 30 Algonquin Street in Dorchester.
On arrival, officers located a male victim suffering from a gunshot wound. The victim was transported to Boston Medical Center with life threatening injuries. The victim at this time is listed in critical condition.
Boston Police detectives are actively investigating the facts and circumstances surrounding this incident. As such, we urge that anyone who may have seen or heard anything to please contact District B-3 detectives by calling (617) 343-4712. Individuals wishing to provide information anonymously may do so by calling the CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 1-800-494-TIPS or texting ‘TIPS’ to CRIME (27463).
McDonald’s Craving Lands Suspect in Jail
Last night around 11:45PM, officers from District A-7 (East Boston) responded 220 Border St. in East Boston for vandalism in progress.
On arrival, officers met with the night manager who reported that shortly after closing, a man walked up to the door of the restaurant and tried to come in. Officers further learned that when the suspect was refused admittance he began yelling and screaming as he banged on the door. The suspect then walked over to the drive-thru window and demanded service. The suspect, after walking over to the drive-thru, then grabbed a construction barrier and struck a large windowpane glass in the front of the restaurant causing it to break.
Officers received information that the suspect had walked over toward a nearby pharmacy and responded there. At the pharmacy, officers found the suspect walking away, and detained him pending identification by the victim. The suspect, Clayton Doyle, 48, of East Boston was arrested and charged with Malicious Destruction of Property.
B&E Suspects Arrested after Being Confronted by Car Owner
This morning around 2:28AM, officers from District E-13 (Jamaica Plain) arrested suspect, William D. Mejia, 18, of Roxbury and charged him with Breaking and Entering in the Nighttime, Assault and Battery by Means of a Dangerous Weapon, and Threats while a 15-year-old from juvenile suspect from Roxbury was charged them with Breaking and Entering and Threats.
Officers initially responded to a call for a fight at 22 Gayhead St. in Jamaica Plain. En route, officers were advised that the suspects had fled and were running up a nearby street. Officers searched the immediate area of the call and came upon three individuals involved in an argument at the intersection of Gayhead and Round Hill Streets. The three individuals were separated and interviewed by officers. Of the three, officers learned that one was the victim of a breaking and entering and the other two suspects. The victim reported that he was awakened from his sleep by the sound of glass breaking and looked out of his window and observed a group of people outside his car. The victim stated that he ran outside to confront the suspects but upon getting outside was surrounded by the group and struck with a tire iron in the chest. The suspects then jumped in a nearby car and fled the area. The victim however was able to strike the suspects’ car as they fled the area and break the rear window.
The suspects after fleeing the area returned to the victim’s location and threatened to shoot him with one motioning to his waist as if armed. Officers came on the scene at that time and stopped the two suspects and placed them under arrest.
Death Investigation at 343 Geneva Avenue
At about 7:05PM today, Wednesday, August 27, 2008, officers from District C-11 (Dorchester) responded to 343 Geneva Avenue in Dorchester for a person stabbed. On arrival, officers located a 20-year-old male suffering from a stab wound outside the above location. The victim was transported to the Boston Medical Center with life threatening injuries where he succumbed to his injuries.
The Boston Police Department Homicide Unit is actively investigating the facts and circumstances surroundings. Anyone with information is strongly encouraged to contact the Boston Police Homicide Unit at (617) 343-4470. Individuals wishing to remain anonymous should call the CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 1-800-494-TIPS or text ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463). The Boston Police Department will stringently protect the identity of those wishing 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 Tuesday, August 26, 2008 through 10am, Wednesday, August 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: 0
Non-fatal Stabbings: 2
Street Robberies: 4
Commercial Robberies: 0
Bank: 0
Other: 1
Vehicle Thefts: 5
Vehicle Recoveries: 2
Vehicle Breaks: 21
Residential Break-ins: 2
Commercial Break-ins: 18
Note: the information above is preliminary information, and should not be considered official crime statistics. The information is based on an initial review of incident reports and may not be a comprehensive listing of events. It is not a statistical analysis, but rather an initial tally of significant events. Some of the incidents included may be covered in more detail in other blog postings.
DAILY INCIDENTS FOR WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2008
Robbery Suspect Earns Arrest for Birthday
Yesterday morning around 1:33AM, officers from District B-2 (Roxbury) were on patrol on Warren St. when they performed a traffic stop on a car that they had observed speeding, screeching its tires, veering from lane to lane with its headlights off.
While officers were at the traffic stop, a description of a car and suspect that had just been involved an unarmed robbery at Packy O’Connor’s Bar located at 203 Blue Hill Ave. was broadcast. While at the traffic stop, officers made note that the car and suspect matched the description that was just broadcast, and that he had been coming from the direction of the robbery. Based on the totality of the circumstances, officers made a decision to bring the operator of the car back to the scene for a possible identification.
The operator was returned to the scene where the victim of the robbery positively identified him. The victim then explained to officers that she was working as a waitress at the bar when she approached the suspect to collect his outstanding bar tab. Per the victim, the suspect told her that it was his birthday and that she should be buying him drinks. The victim further stated that the suspect the threatened her stating that he would break her neck and beat her up. During the exchange, the victim further reported that the suspect assaulted her by punching her in the face, and stole a sum of money from the victim, and a cell phone.
The suspect, Dexter J. Andrews, 35, of Dorchester was arrested and charged with Unarmed Robbery, Assault and Battery, and Larceny. During the booking process, officers recovered the money stolen from the victim.
B&E Suspect Can’t Back Away from Act
This morning around 2:12AM, an officer from District A-1 (Downtown Boston) was on patrol in the area of Charles and Beacon Streets in an unmarked car when the officer’s attention was drawn to a parked car with an individual standing next to it. As the officer continued to observe this individual, he walked away from the car, scaled a fence, and continued to walk away and hid behind a nearby tree.
The officer, feeling that the suspect was of unlawful design and possibly had just committed a criminal act, requested additional units for assistance. The officer then observed that the rear “fly” window of the car had been smashed allowing access to the car. As additional officers arrived on scene, the suspect attempted to then make his way into the TD Banknorth Garden.
The suspect was subsequently stopped and placed under arrest after he was unable to explain what he had been doing next to the car, his reason for scaling the fence, and entering the Garden. The suspect, Trevor Thornton, 42, of Boston was arrested and charged with Breaking and Entering a Motor Vehicle in the Nighttime.
Two Suspects Arrested Two Days After Armed Robbery
About 10:50PM on Monday, 8/25/08 officers from District C-11 (Dorchester) were flagged down outside 54 Olney St. by a male that they subsequently learned was the victim of an armed robbery.
Officers then spoke o the victim who reported to officers that he was making a food delivery to the above address when two masked men robbed him at gunpoint. The victim reported that he rang the door to the above address hen he was met by a woman in a wheelchair who asked him to bring the food to the side of the house. The victim reported that he went to the side of the house, two suspects wearing face masks, one armed with a gun, the other with a shotgun, put a gun to his head and ordered him to the ground. After being ordered to the ground, the victim reported that the suspects went through his pockets, and then went to his car and removed his wallet with personal papers, cash and a watch from the car.
The suspects then fled the scene when they observed the blue lights of the police cruiser. A coordinated search for the suspects in the area was unsuccessful.
On Tuesday, 8/22/08 around 9:22AM, the victim of the above-armed robbery approached an officer at the intersection of Columbia Rd. and Geneva Ave. and stated that he had just observed one of the suspects that had robbed him on Monday standing on front of 54 Olney Street. Officers responded to the above location with the victim. At the scene, officers located two males who were positively identified by the victim as having been involved in the robbery that occurred the day before. The victim was then further interviewed and reported that he was driving down Olney St. a little while before he flagged down the officer when he observed the pizza boxes from his job in the trash barrels in front of 42 Olney Street. The victim reported that he stopped to take pictures of the pizza boxes with his phone camera, and as he did so was approached by a suspect who stated to him, “Too late for you old man!” The victim reported that the suspect then ran into 42 Olney Street. The victim stated that he returned a second time and then observed another suspect ordering two other males to remove the pizza boxes from the trash. According to the victim, the suspects, once they observed him, fled into 42 Olney Street.
Suspects, Jermaine Winslow, 19 and Tony Lee Winslow, 23 both of Dorchester were arrested and charged with Armed Robbery, and the house was frozen pending a search warrant.
At about 4:47PM, detectives and officers from District C-11 returned to 42 Olney St. armed with a search warrant, which was executed. During the execution of the search warrant, officers recovered the following items:
1) a shotgun
2) ammunition for the shotgun
3) a wheelchair (believed to have been used during the robbery)
4) the victim’s stolen watch
5) the carry/delivery case from the pizza store.
The following items were logged into evidence and the suspect additionally charged. The incident remains under investigation.