District Changes
BOSTON POLICE INCREASE EFFICIENCY AND QUALITY OF SERVICE WITH DISTRICT BOUNDRY CHANGES
Today the Boston Police Department announces plans to institute district boundary changes that will affect five of the city’s eleven police districts. Throughout the planning process, officers met with local residents and crime watch groups in affected areas to work collaboratively on the final plan. The new plan is intended to increase efficiency and quality of service. The changes will take effect on January 1, 2009.
Any police district that receives an increase in their geographical patrol area will receive additional officers to supplement the ones currently assigned to those districts. This will be done through internal transfers and utilizing new police recruits who have recently graduated from the Academy.
District changes include:
• Forrest Hills MBTA station which currently resides on District E-18 will now fall on District E-13. District E-18 had assigned a patrol officer as a walking beat in the area of Forrest Hills. After discussions with area community groups, the department seeks to continue the relationship that the officer has with the local residents and merchants. The officer, currently assigned to E-18 will be transferred to E-13 and will continue to serve the Forrest Hills neighborhood as its walking beat officer.
• The area around Morton St & Harvard St. which is currently being developed into multiple condominiums known as Olmsted Green, will no longer fall on District E-18, but rather District B-3. Until now, that land had been undeveloped and as such required few calls for police service. With the recent growth of multiple residential units located in close proximity to the District B-3 police station, the department and community members agreed that the emerging community would benefit most by changing districts.
• Lastly, there will be a change between Districts C-6 and C-11. Currently the peninsula that holds UMASS Boston, the JFK Library and the Harbor Point Housing community resides on District C-11. Geographically, this area is closer to the C-6 police station and South Boston in general. Therefore, it is considered more efficient to change the district assignment from District C-11 to District C-6.
DAILY INCIDENTS FOR THE LAST DAY OF THE YEAR, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2008
Be Careful of the Internet!
Yesterday morning around 10:23AM, officers from District B-2 (Roxbury) responded to 1441 Tremont St. in Roxbury, Western Union for a female attempting to cash a bad check.
On arrival, officers spoke to the victim who reported that on several occasions that she has cashed checks for the suspect, who was still in the store, and that these checks had come back as fraudulent. The victim then provided officers with the copies of the fraudulent checks that had been cashed in the past along with a copy of the check that the suspect was now attempting to cash.
Officers then spoke to the suspect who stated that she had answered an advertisement on Craig’s List job’s section, which had to do with a customer service survey involving Western Union. The suspect further explained that she was mailed six checks worth $500.00 each and told to cash the checks and keep $400.00 and mail back $100.00 to a person in California address. The suspect further stated that she received the information via e-mail.
The suspect, Kristen A. Solomon, 24, of Boston was arrested and charged with Uttering a False Check.
Vigilance Pays Off for Officers on Patrol
Yesterday evening around 5:33PM, officers from District D-14 (Allston and Brighton) were on patrol in the area of Commonwealth Ave. and Griggs St. when they entered an alley in the rear of 8 Griggs Street. While entering the alley, officers observed an individual exit the rear of 8 Griggs St. on a bicycle carrying large canvass bag on the handlebars and another large white store bag in his right hand.
Officers, knowing that there have been a number of burglaries in the area stopped this individual to conduct a threshold inquiry. During the inquiry, the suspect fled on his bicycle while being pursued by the officer on foot. The officer continued to pursue the suspect while broadcasting his description and direction of flight. During the pursuit, the suspect lost control of his bicycle and crashed near the intersection of Griggs St. and Brainard Road where he was detained pending the outcome of an investigation into his activities in the rear of 8 Griggs Street.
Officers returned to the rear of 8 Griggs St. where they made note that someone had attempted to enter that location. In addition, officers found numerous burglarious tools in the bags that the suspect had on his bag. The suspect, Jorge Ruiz, 41, of Allston was arrested and charged with Attempted Breaking and Entering in the Nighttime, Possession of Burglarious Tools, and several outstanding warrants from different courts with charges ranging from Receiving Stolen Property to Shoplifting.
Not Knowing Is No Excuse!
Yesterday afternoon around 3:13PM, officer from District B-2 (Roxbury) arrested suspects, Carlton C. Spence, 46, of Dorchester, Mildred Aubry, 55, of Roxbury and Alphonso J. Dawson, 42, of Dorchester and charged them with Larceny of a Motor Vehicle over $250, Possession of Burglarious Tools, and Trespassing.
Officers initially responded to a radio call for a crime in progress across from 6 Cleveland Street. On arrival, officer observed the above three suspects in the rear of 37 Winthrop Street with the suspects’ car parked next to an abandoned car with all four doors and trunk opened. Inside the suspects’ vehicle, there were miscellaneous items and car parts that had apparently been removed from the abandoned car. Further inspection revealed that the abandoned car had numerous engine parts that had been unfastened and several others that had been totally disassembled, and the car had been lifted on jacks. In addition, there was a 4-way lug wrench and vice-grip pliers on the engine block. The two male suspects were observed working on the abandoned car when officers first arrived.
Officers then spoke with the suspects who told them that they had driven to the location to get car parts for the female suspect’s car, and they had not known that it was a criminal offense to steal car parts from an “abandoned” car.
The suspects were arrested and transported to the station and their car towed.
UPDATE: WANTED ARMED ROBBERY SUSPECT
BOSTON POLICE CONTINUE TO SEEK THE PUBLIC’S ASSISTANCE TO IDENTIFY ROBBERY SUSPECT
Starbucks Corporation Offers $1,000 Reward for Suspect’s Arrest
Boston Police investigators continue to seek the public’s assistance to identify a robbery suspect, who is responsible for multiple incidents that have occurred in the South End area. The suspect is believed to be connected to a robbery that occurred last evening at the Starbuck’s Coffee on Brookline Ave. The Starbucks Corporation has generously offered a $1,000 reward for anyone with information that leads to the arrest of this individual.
Incident Description:
At about 8:20pm on December 29, 2008, officers responded to a radio call for an armed robbery at 172 Brookline Ave (Starbucks). Upon arrival, officers received information that the suspect approached the counter and handed an employee a note, the employee assumed the note was a coffee order and read note aloud to her colleague. The note read “Give me the money and no one gets shot”. A second employee handed the suspect money from the register (unknown amount of US currency was taken).The suspect took the note back from the employee and fled on foot up Brookline Ave. towards Kenmore Sq.
Background:
In the last two weeks, specifically on 12/18, 12/21, 12/23, and 12/24 of this year, four armed robberies have taken place in the area of Newbury Street. During these incidents, the suspect passed a note, threatening possession of a gun, in the process of robbing several businesses.
Contact Information:
Boston Police are looking for anyone who may recognize or know of the whereabouts of this individual to contact District D-4 detectives at (617) 343-4683. Individuals wishing to remain anonymous may do so by calling the CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 1-800-494-TIPS or texting ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463). The Boston Police Department stringently protects the identity of those wishing to remain anonymous.
UPDATE: DEATH INVESTIGATION AT 7 HOSMER STREET
Homicide Victim Identified
At about 12:54pm, on Monday, December 29, 2008, officers from Area B-3 (Mattapan) responded to a radio call for a person shot outside 7 Hosmer Street. On arrival, officers located a male suffering from what appeared to multiple gunshot wounds. The victim was transported to the Boston Medical Center where he was later pronounced. The victim has been identified as Jermaine Perry, 17, of Dorchester.
The Boston Police Department is actively investigating the facts and circumstances surrounding this incident. Anyone with information is strongly urged to contact the Boston Police Homicide Unit at (617) 343-4470.
Community members who wish to assist this investigation in an anonymous fashion can call CrimeStoppers at 1-800-494-TIPS or text the word ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463). The Boston Police Department will stringently protect the identity of those who wish to remain anonymous.
UPDATE: DEATH INVESTIGATION AT 646 HARVARD STREET
Homicide Victim Identified
At about 3:26am, on Thursday, December 25, 2008, officers from Area B-3 (Mattapan) responded to a radio call for a person shot inside 646 Harvard Street. On arrival, officers located a black male suffering from what appeared to be multiple gunshot wounds. The victim was promptly transported to the Brigham & Women’s Hospital where he later was pronounced. The victim has been identified as Jason Durant, 33, of Providence, R.I.
The Boston Police Department is actively investigating the facts and circumstances surrounding this incident. Anyone with information is strongly urged to contact the Boston Police Homicide Unit at (617) 343-4470.
According to witnesses, a large party was taking place at the above-mentioned address. As such, any person attending that party who wishes to assist this investigation in an anonymous fashion can either call CrimeStoppers at 1-800-494-TIPS or text the word ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463). The Boston Police Department will stringently protect the identity of those who wish to help anonymously.
UPDATE: DEATH INVESTIGATION AT 101 BRENT STREET
Homicide Victim Identified
At about 10:35pm, on Monday, December 22, 2008, officers from Area C-11 (Dorchester) responded to a radio call for a report of shots fired in the area of Brent Street and Melbourne Street. On arrival, officers located a male, lying outside 101 Brent Street, suffering from what appeared to be multiple gunshot wounds. The victim was pronounced on the scene. The victim has been identified as Terrence Halidy, 21, of Dorchester.
The Boston Police Department is actively investigating the facts and circumstances surrounding this incident. Anyone with information is strongly encouraged to contact the Boston Police Homicide Unit at (617) 343-4470.
Community members choosing to aid this investigation in an anonymous manner can call CrimeStoppers at 1(800) 494-TIPS (8477) or text the word ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463). The Boston Police Department will stringently protect the identity of those who wish to remain anonymous.
DAILY INCIDENTS FOR TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2008
CAR THIEF ARRESTED IN MATTAPAN
At about 6:18pm, on Sunday, December 28, 2008, officers from Area B-3 (Mattapan) assigned to the Codman Square Safe Street Team were on patrol in the area of Millet Street and Talbot Ave when officers observed a black motor vehicle traveling along Talbot Ave without its headlights on. As a result, officers activated their emergency equipment (lights & sirens) and stopped the motor vehicle. As officers were approaching the car, the operator exited the car and yelled, “It’s stolen.” Officers arrested Pedro Marzan, 18, of Boston and charged him with Receiving a Stolen Motor Vehicle. A check of the suspect’s driving status through the Registry of Motor Vehicles showed that the suspect did not possess a license to operate a motor vehicle. As a result, the suspect was also charged with Operating Without a License.
ONE MAN’S BAD TIMING IS ANOTHER MAN’S GOOD TIMING
At about 12:23am, on Monday, December 29, 2008, officers from Area A-1 (Downtown) responded to a radio call for a person caught breaking into a car at the intersection of Beach & Knapp Streets. On arrival, officers spoke to the victim who stated that he was returning to his car when he heard his car alarm go off. Victim further says as he approached his car, he observed a black male breaking into it. The victim says he and his two friends then grabbed the suspect and detained him until police arrived. When officers arrived, officers arrested Albert Boynton, 41, of Boston and charged him with Breaking and Entering a Motor Vehicle. A search of the suspect enabled officers to locate and take possession of a screwdriver and a black folding knife. Suspect was subsequently charged with Possession of Burglarious Tools and the Unlawful Carrying of a Dangerous Weapon.
DETAIL OFFICER ARRESTS ONE FOR FIGHTING
At about 1:10am, on Sunday, December 28, 2008, an officer performing a paid detail in the area of 148 State Street observed two individuals engaged in a verbal altercation. As the officer was approaching the individuals, the officer observed one of the individuals punch the other in the face. Seeing this, the officer immediately instructed the aggressor to stand down. However, instead of stopping, the suspect continued punching the victim. At this point, the officer issued a short blast of his department issued OC spray in the direction of the suspect. With the suspect under control, officers arrested Albi Mezini, 23, of Millis and charged him with Assault & Battery.
DEATH INVESTIGATION AT 7 HOSMER STREET
At about 12:54pm, on Monday, December 29, 2008, officers from Area B-3 (Mattapan) responded to a radio call for a person shot outside 7 Hosmer Street. On arrival, officers located an 18 year-old male suffering from what appeared to multiple gunshot wounds. The victim was transported to the Boston Medical Center where he was later pronounced.
The Boston Police Department is actively investigating the facts and circumstances surrounding this incident. Anyone with information is strongly urged to contact the Boston Police Homicide Unit at (617) 343-4470.
Community members who wish to assist this investigation in an anonymous fashion can call CrimeStoppers at 1-800-494-TIPS or text the word ‘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 72 HOURS IN BOSTON
A look at the last 72 hours in Boston, from Friday, December 26, 2008 through 10am, Monday, December 29, 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: 3
Street Robberies: 16
Commercial Robberies: 5
Bank: 0
Other: 3
Vehicle Thefts: 14
Vehicle Recoveries: 8
Vehicle Breaks: 79
Residential Break-ins: 28
Commercial Break-ins: 16
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 MONDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2008
POLICE ARREST ARMED ROBBER IN THE AREA OF FANEUIL HALL
At about 6:00pm, on Saturday, December 27, 2008, officers from Area A-1 (Downtown) responded to a radio call for a robbery in progress in the area of the Faneuil Hall Market Place (Crabtree Evelyn Store). On arrival, officers spoke to security officers assigned to Faneuil Hall who stated that they were able to detain the suspect (a white male in his 40′s) as he was attempting to flee the area. With the suspect detained, officers spoke to store employees who stated that the suspect entered the store, walked up to the counter, gestured in such a way as to suggest that he had a weapon hidden in his jacket and stated, “This is a holdup.” The store employee says she then handed the suspect an undisclosed amount of money before the suspect fled the store. Officers were able to bring the suspect back to the store. Once there, the victim was able to positively identify the suspect. Officers arrested Glenn Kerivan, 49, of Weymouth and charged him with Armed Robbery. A search of the suspect enabled officers to confiscate and take possession of a knife.
FILING A FALSE FIRE ALARM NEVER A GOOD IDEA
At about 2:30am, on Sunday, December 28, 2008, officers from Area C-6 (South Boston) responded to a radio call for a fire alarm in the area of 404 W. First Street. On arrival, officers spoke to residents of the location who stated that they believed the alarm had been pulled in a deceptively inappropriate manner. One witness stated that he believed the person who pulled the ‘false’ alarm was still in the building. Officers were directed to a specific apartment inside the location. While standing outside the apartment, officers could hear voices and loud music coming from within the apartment. After knocking on the door for several minutes, officers were allowed entry into the apartment. Once inside officers observed an individual matching the description of the individual who pulled the alarm. Officers arrested Stephen Yeman, 22, of Boston and charged him with Willful & Malicious Destruction of Property and Making a False Fire Alarm.