OPERATION BLACK FRIDAY LANDS SEVEN BEHIND BARS
On Friday, November 28, 2008, the day after Thanksgiving, members of the Area A Neighborhood Drug Unit along with officers from Area A-1 (Downtown) conducted Operation Black Friday, a police initiative created to combat criminal activity (emphasizing drug-related violations) in and around the Boston Common and other downtown areas on one of the busiest shopping days of the year. As a result of this year’s operation, officers were able to effect the following seven arrests.
· Shelton Johnson, 32, of Boston for Distribution of Class B Drugs
· Shawn Powers, 36, of Revere for Distribution of Class B Drugs
· Anthony Stimson, 21, of Boston for Distribution of Class B Drugs
· Julie Stimson, 44, of Boston for Distribution of Class B Drugs
· Richard Brown, 39, of Boston for Distribution of Class B Drugs
· Mike Grandmont, 31, of Hull for Distribution of Class A Drugs
· James Wade, 54, of Boston for Distribution of Class A Drugs
DAILY INCIDENTS FOR SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2008
TOOL STEALING SUSPECTS ARRESTED IN DORCHESTER
At about 1:46am, on Sunday, November 30, 2008, officers from Area C-11 (Dorchester) were on patrol in the area of 13 Kimball Street when they observed an individual breaking into a motor vehicle. Specifically, officers observed a black male, carrying a table saw, exit a red van. Officers further observed the suspect cross the street and enter a 2nd vehicle. Officers approached the vehicle, located two suspects and asked them to explain their actions. According to the suspects, the van belonged to a friend who told them that they could borrow his tools. Moreover, the suspects said that their friend lived in the immediate area. When officers asked the suspect to call his friend, the suspect stated that he didn’t have his friend’s phone number. Upon closer inspection of the van that had been broken into, officers observed a phone number prominently displayed on the side of the van. Upon calling the number, officers were able to reach the owner of the van. While speaking to the owner, the owner of the van stated that nobody had permission to be in his van and he would never loan out his tools. A search of the suspect’s van enabled officers to locate and recover additional tools stolen from the victim’s van.
Officers arrested Darren Duffy, 33, of Dorchester and Thomas Washington, 42, of Dorchester and charged both with Breaking & Entering a Motor Vehicle and Larceny (Over $250.00).
STORE VANDAL ARRESTED IN ROXBURY
At about 2:23pm, on Saturday, November 29, 2008, officers from Area B-2 (Roxbury) responded to a radio call for a person busting up a store in the area of Grove’s Hall Mecca Mall. On arrival, officers spoke to a store employee who stated that a woman entered the convenience store and, soon after, began throwing items all over the place. Officers entered the store and observed the suspect throwing and breaking store merchandise. According to the store manager, the suspect destroyed over a $1,000.00 worth of merchandise. Officers arrested Tomeka Thompson, 23, of Roxbury and charged her with the Willful & Malicious Destruction of Property.
ANGRY CUSTOMER ARRESTED FOR ATTEMPTING TO ROB HER CABBIE
At about 2:40am, on Saturday, November 29, 2008, officers from Area A-1 (Downtown) responded to a radio call for a taxi driver being robbed by a customer at the intersection of Causeway and North Washington Streets. On arrival, officers observed the customer still inside the cab. When officers spoke to the victim (cab driver), the victim stated that he had picked up the passenger in Saugus. Upon entering the cab, the customer instructed the cab driver to take her into Boston. Before departing Saugus, the cab driver asked the suspect to pay part of the fare up front. At this point, the customer paid the driver approximately $40.00. However, as the cab was approaching the city, the driver says the customer got angry and stated, “Forget it! Bring me back to the hotel.” Upon hearing this, the driver informed the customer that returning her to Saugus would lead to an additional fare. Upon hearing this, the suspect got angry, brandished a razor blade and demander her money back. At this point, officers arrived on scene and placed the suspect into custody. Officers arrested Emily Sheik, 33, of Boston and charged her with Assault with Intent to Rob.
BOSTON POLICE ARREST SUSPECT WANTED IN CONNECTION WITH DEATH INVESTIGATION AT 416 TALBOT AVENUE
At approximately 1:44am, on Thursday, November 27, 2008, officers from Area C-11 (Dorchester) responded to 416 Talbot Street for the report of a person shot. On arrival, officers located a male victim suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. The victim was immediately transported to Boston Medical Center with life threatening injuries. As a result of the injuries suffered, the suspect was later pronounced. The victim has since been identified as Anthony Lewis, 25, of Dorchester.
After an extensive and exhaustive investigation, members of the Boston Police Fugitive & Apprehension Unit and detectives from the Boston Police Homicide Unit, today, Saturday, November 29, 2008, located and arrested Damien Smith, 31, of Randolph and charged him with Murder.
HOMICIDE VICTIMS IDENTIFIED
Death Investigation at 8 Malta Street in Mattapan
At about 12:22am, on Thursday, November 27, 2008, officers from Area E-18 (Hyde Park) responded to 8 Malta Street in Mattapan for the report of a person shot. On arrival, officers located a 29 year-old male suffering from what appeared to be multiple gunshot wounds. The victim was immediately transported to the Boston Medical Center with life threatening injuries. Once at the hospital, the victim succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced. That victim has since been identified as Paul Brown, 29, of Mattapan.
The Boston Police Homicide Unit is actively investigating the facts and circumstances surrounding this incident and appeal to any and all individuals who may have information relating to this incident. Those with information are asked to contact Homicide Detectives at (617) 343-4470.
Community members who wish to assist this investigation in an anonymous fashion can do so by calling the CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 1-800-494-TIPS or texting the word ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463).
Death Investigation at 416 Talbot Avenue in Dorchester
At approximately 1:44am, on Thursday, November 27, 2008, officers from Area C-11 (Dorchester) responded to 416 Talbot Street for the report of a person shot. On arrival, officers located a male victim suffering from a gunshot wound. The victim was immediately transported to Boston Medical Center with life threatening injuries. As a result of the injuries suffered, the suspect was later pronounced. The victim has since been identified as Anthony Lewis, 25, of Dorchester.
The Boston Police Homicide Unit is actively investigating the facts and circumstances surrounding this incident and appeal to any and all individuals who may have information relating to this incident. Those with information are asked to contact Homicide Detectives at (617) 343-4470.
Community members who wish to assist this investigation in an anonymous fashion can do so by calling the CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 1-800-494-TIPS or texting ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463).
Pittsburgh Steelers’ QB Ben Roethlisberger Helps Boston Police K-9 Unit
On Friday, November 28, 2008, Pittsburgh Steelers’ QB Ben Roethlisberger announced the sixth grant in the 2008 grant cycle of the Ben Roethlisberger Foundation at The Giving Back Fund. The foundation invited police and fire departments in nine cities to submit proposals detailing their needs. In Boston, the department sought and received financial assistance for the purchase of K-9 vehicle bailout systems. The systems, which attach to the rear door of police vehicles, enable officers to automatically release the canine from the vehicle in the event of emergency.
In commenting on why the mission of the foundation is so important to him, Roethlisberger said, “Last year it was an honor and a privilege to work with police and fire departments in and around the Pittsburgh area as well as with others around the country. We have had the opportunity to see first-hand how important the dogs are to these men and women who risk their lives every day to protect us. It’s incredible to see the strong bond that is formed between the dogs and their partners both on the job and at home.”
Upon hearing the news that their department would receive the grant, Sergeant Francis Flynn of the Boston Police stated, “On behalf of the Boston Police K9 Unit, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Ben Roethlisberger and the Foundation for their generosity and dedication to public safety. This grant will allow us to secure equipment that will greatly enhance both officer and canine safety. This is the second year we have received this grant, and we continue to be impressed with Ben’s dedication to supporting our community.”
The Ben Roethlisberger Foundation seeks to provide support for police and fire departments throughout the US. For more information about the Ben Roethlisberger Foundation or The Giving Back Fund, please visit www.bigben7.com or www.givingback.org
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, November 27, 2008 through 10am, Friday, November 28, 2008 (See recent Daily Incident summaries and earlier postings for more detailed descriptions of some of the incidents identified below).
Homicides: 2
Non-fatal Shootings: 3
Non-fatal Stabbings: 2
Street Robberies: 9
Commercial Robberies: 1
Bank: 1
Other: 3
Vehicle Thefts: 7
Vehicle Recoveries: 4
Vehicle Breaks: 35
Residential Break-ins: 11
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 THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2008
Death Investigation at 8 Malta Street in Mattapan
This morning around 12:22AM, officers from District E-18 (Hyde Park) responded to 8 Malta Street in Mattapan for a person shot.
On arrival, officers located a 29 year-old male victim suffering from several gunshot wounds lying on the sidewalk in front of 8 Malta Street. EMS responded to the scene and transported the victim to Boston Medical center with life threatening injuries. Once at the hospital, the victim succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced.
Boston Police Homicide detectives are actively investigating the facts and circumstances surrounding this incident and appeal to any and all individuals who may have information relating to this incident to contact them at (617) 343-4470. Individuals who wish to provide information anonymously may do so by calling the CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 1-800-494-TIPS or texting ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463).
Death Investigation at 416 Talbot Street in Dorchester
At approximately 1:44AM today, officers from District C-11 (Dorchester) responded to 416 Talbot Street for a person shot.
On arrival, officers located a male victim suffering from a gunshot wound inside the residence. The victim was immediately transported to Boston Medical Center suffering with life threatening injuries. The suspect was pronounced as a result of the injuries suffered.
The Boston Police Homicide Unit is actively investigating the facts and circumstances of this incident and urge members of the public who have information to contact at (617) 343-4470. Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously may do so by calling the CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 1-800-494-TIPS or texting ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463).
Shooting Incident at Bremen and Prescott Streets in East Boston
Around 2:10AM this morning, officers from District A-7 (East Boston) responded to the intersection of Prescott and Bremen Streets after hearing what sounded like the sound of gunshots.
On arrival at the above intersection, officers heard people screaming and then located two individuals suffering from gunshot wounds and a third victim with cuts to the face from glass. Officers requested EMS to their location to attend to the victims. The three victims were transported Massachusetts General Hospital, one with life threatening injuries and two others with non-life threatening injuries.
Based on preliminary investigation, officers received information about the suspect responsible for the shooting who is known to one of the victims, along with his direction of flight. A description of the suspect along with his car was broadcast and a short while later officers located the suspect’s motor vehicle traveling on Chelsea Street. The car was successfully stopped and the suspect, Holvin G. Cruz, 32, of Lynn was arrested and charged with multiple counts of Assault and Battery by Means of a Dangerous Weapon, and Assault with Intent to Murder after being positively identified by a witness.
Victim of 102 Fawndale Road Homicide Identified
On Tuesday, November 25, 2008 around 1:06AM, officers from District E-5 (West Roxbury) responded to 102 Fawndale Road for shots fired.
On arrival, officers located two victims suffering from gunshot wounds. The first victim was transported to Beth Israel with non-life threatening injuries. The second victim was transported to Brigham and Women’s Hospital with life threatening injuries where he later succumbed to his injuries. The victim who was pronounced has been identified as 18 year-old Sergio Escofet of Boston.
The Boston Police Homicide Unit is actively investigating the facts and circumstances of this shooting incident and urge any and all members of the public who may have information to contact them at (617) 343-4470. Individuals wishing to provide information anonymously may do so by calling the CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 1-800-494-TIPS or texting ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463).
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, November 25, 2008 through 10am, Wednesday, November 25, 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: 4
Street Robberies: 6
Commercial Robberies: 0
Bank: 1
Other: 1
Vehicle Thefts: 5
Vehicle Recoveries: 1
Vehicle Breaks: 24
Residential Break-ins: 18
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 WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2008
Strike! Governor’s Auto Theft Strike Force Has Struck You Out!
Yesterday morning around 10:52AM, officers from the Governor’s Auto Theft Strike Force (GATSF) were on patrol in the Jamaica Plain area of Boston when observed a car that had been reported stolen parked and unattended in the rear of 130 Heath Street. Officers checked and confirmed that the car was indeed stolen and had been reported as such on Monday 11/24/08 at the district station in Jamaica Plain.
Officers then set up surveillance on the car while calling in other units to assist. A short time later after setting up surveillance, officers observed a male suspect approaching the stolen car. When this suspect got up to the car, he opened the door got in the car and started the engine. Officers pulled up to the car and blocked it in once the suspect started to drive the vehicle.
The suspect, Paul Walrond, 18, of Dorchester was arrested and charged with Receiving Stolen Motor Vehicle, Second and Subsequent Offense, Use without Authority, Operating after Suspension, Providing a False name at the Booking Desk, and several outstanding warrants from Quincy District Court for Trespass, Leaving the Scene of an Accident Resulting in Property Damage, and Drug Possession.
Trying to Keep Body Odor Under Control Leads to Arrest
Around 3:57PM, officers from District B-2 (Roxbury) were on patrol in the area of Warren and Quincy Streets when they were flagged down by down by a Walgreen’s employee and security guard.
Officers responded to the store and were informed that a store customer had just shoplifted numerous containers of deodorant and walked out of the store and failed to pay for them. The store employees then reported to officers that they followed the suspect outside the store and observed him walk to the rear of the store and steal a ladder that was lying behind the store.
Officers followed the direction that they were pointed and located the suspect a short while later carrying the ladder belonging to Walgreen’s, and a bag containing 16 containers of deodorant. The suspect, Cheval J. Holmes, 38, of Dorchester was arrested and charged with Larceny and Shoplifting. At the station, the suspect exclaimed, “Yeah, I stole that (expletive) and the ladder, that just slowed me down!”
Stabbing Suspects Arrested After Fleeing Scene
This morning around 4:00AM, officers from District B-2 arrested suspects, Lorenzo D. Hicks-Hinson, 21, and Gequan E. Perry, 18, both of Dorchester and charged them both with Assault with Intent to Murder.
Officers initially responded to the intersection of Quincy St. and Howard Ave. for a report of a person stabbed. On arrival, officers found a victim suffering from several stab wounds. EMS responded to the scene and immediately transported the victim to Boston Medical Center where her injuries were deemed non-life threatening.
Officers then spoke to witnesses who reported to officers that five minutes prior to the incident, they heard suspect, Hicks-Stinson state that he wanted to shoot and kill the victim. Officers then learned that a short while after hearing the suspect make those statements, the observed him running down the street accompanied by suspect Perry. Officers received a description of the suspects along with the car that they fled the scene in. A description of the suspects was broadcast along with their car.
A short while later, officers observed a car matching the suspects’ car on a nearby street. There, officers observed one occupant of the car exit the car and quickly walk away. Officers followed behind this suspect and stopped him a short distance from the car. Other officers responded to the car and detained the other suspect in the car. Officers recovered a folding knife believed to have been the weapon used from the car that was seized as evidence.
Both suspects were detained and returned to the scene where they were both positively identified. After being identified, they were both arrested and charged accordingly.