DAILY INCIDENTS FOR SUNDAY, MAY 31, 2009
Traffic Stop Leads to Arrest of Three for Trafficking
Last night around 9:48PM, officers assigned to District E-13, Jamaica Plain, responded to the area of 8 Haverford St. in Jamaica Plain for a fight. While on scene in the area of the call, officers observed a motor vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed fail to stop for a stop sign. Officers, having observed the violations noted above and feeling that the car may have been involved in the fight, conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of Germania and Brookside Avenues.
During the traffic stop, officers approached the operator of the car and requested of him his license and registration. While talking to the operator, officers detected a strong odor of alcohol coming from the car, and observed a bottle of beer at the foot of one of the passengers. In addition, officers also noticed that neither of the two passengers of the car was wearing seatbelts. The driver, despite having been asked for a driver’s license, handed officers a Massachusetts liquor identification card and stated to officers that he was not licensed to drive.
While speaking to the operator, officers noticed that the passengers along with the driver were extremely nervous. The operator was removed from the car to be placed under arrest for Operating without Being Licensed and the passengers asked for identification to be issued Seatbelt Violation citations. Both passengers denied having any identification, and thus were asked to get out of the car. One passenger, when asked to get out of the car, made a sudden move to his waist area. Officers now fearing that this passenger may be armed removed him from the car, and performed a cursory check of the car.
Officers recovered from within the car a paper towel which had three bags, two containing crack cocaine and another powdered containing cocaine. All three suspects, Christopher Walker, 42, of Roxbury, Jody L. McCarthy, 39, of Roxbury and Rasheed Marsman, 35, of Dorchester were arrested and charged with Trafficking Class B, Possession with intent to Distribute Class B, Possession with intent to Distribute Class in a School Zone, Possession of Class B, and Conspiracy to Violate Drug Laws. In addition suspect Marsman was charged with Operating a Motor Vehicle with a Suspended License while the other two passengers were charged with Seatbelt and Open Container Violations.
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, May 28, 2009 through 10am, Friday, May 29, 2009 (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: 1
Street Robberies: 2
Commercial Robberies: 0
Bank: 0
Other: 1
Vehicle Thefts: 4
Vehicle Recoveries: 4
Breaks: 13
Residential Break-ins: 5
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 FRIDAY, MAY, 29, 2009
Victim Follows Car Breaker Until Police Arrive
On Friday, May 29, 2009, at approximately 1:02am, Officers assigned to Area D-4 (Back Bay / South End), responded to the area of Berkeley Street @ Columbus Street for a report of a B&E motor vehicle in progress. While enroute, officers were updated with a detailed description of the suspect.
Officers arrived in the general area and located a black male being confronted by two other males in the area of 74 Claredon Street. Officers intervened and learned that the two males followed the black male suspect after one of them noticed his car had been broken into and some of his property was stolen, including: two I-pods, a GPS system and his sunglasses. The vehicle’s owner and witness, observed the suspect male to “check several car doors” as he walked down the street. The victim’s property was located on the suspect.
Officers arrested Gregory Bellegarde, 30, of Boston on the charges of Larceny From a Motor Vehicle.
Officers Arrest Two Males for Breaking into a Motor Vehicle
On Friday, May 29, 2009, at approximately 2:18am, Officers assigned to Area D-14 (Allston / Brighton), responded to the area of Cambridge Street for a report of a B&E motor vehicle in progress. Officers received a description of the suspects and spotted them walking in the rear of 328 Washington Street. Both suspects were then detained.
Officers then located a witness to the crime and he stated that he observed two white males, riding skateboards, break the window to an automobile and gain entry. He did not know if they stole anything. Officers then transported the witness to the location where the suspects were being detained in order to conduct an identification. The witness pointed out to officers the location of the damaged motor vehicle and a Dodge Neon was located with a smashed window. The witness was able to positively identify both suspects.
Officers arrested Nicholas Holt, 20, of Mashpee and Anthony Sandstrom, 20, of Brighton on the charges of Breaking and Entering Motor Vehicle (nite).
MEDIA AVAILABILITY/PHOTO OP
EVENT: Boston Police Explorer’s Reception
TIME OF EVENT: 7:30 p.m.
LOCATION: Boston Police Headquarters, Media Room
ATTENDING: Mayor Thomas M. Menino
Police Commissioner Ed Davis
BACKGROUND:
This is the third year of the Boston Police Explorers Program, which serves the youth of Boston who are interested in careers in law enforcement, public safety and criminal justice.
The program requires participants who are high school students, to meet every other Saturday morning from 9 am- 12 pm in the months of November- May. They take part in activities such as touring the DNA laboratory, visiting the Police Academy, Family Justice Center, K-9 and Mounted Units, as well as sitting in on a trial at West Roxbury Court. In addition, they hear lectures from police officers, attorneys, judges etc., all who work in the public safety field. There were 24 youth who successfully completed the program.
BOSTON 24: A LOOK AT THE LAST 96 HOURS IN THE CITY OF BOSTON
A look at the last 96 hours in Boston, from Friday, May 22, 2009 through 10am, Tuesday, May 26, 2009 (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: 17
Commercial Robberies: 1
Bank: 0
Other: 0
Vehicle Thefts: 19
Vehicle Recoveries: 22
Breaks: 58
Residential Break-ins: 23
Commercial Break-ins: 7
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
POLICE SEEK PUBLIC’S HELP IN THEIR EFFORTS TO LOCATE A MOTOR VEHICLE WANTED IN CONNECTION WITH AN INCIDENT AT 1556 BLUE HILL AVENUE
At about 9:51am, on Tuesday, May 26, 2009, officers from Area B-3 (Mattapan) responded to a radio call for an Assault & Battery by Means of a Dangerous Weapon (car) in the area of 1556 Blue Hill Avenue (Mobile Gas Station) in Mattapan. On arrival, officers spoke to victim #1 who stated that he was walking on Babson Street towards Blue Hill Avenue when a motor vehicle, turning into the Mobile Gas Station, came close to striking him. After almost being struck, victim #1 stated that he yelled at the driver. Specifically, victim #1 says he yelled, “You almost hit me.” To which, the driver replied, “Don’t (expletive) with me. I’m having a bad day.” When asked to describe the car, victim #1 described the suspect’s motor vehicle as a black SUV with Georgia license plates. Witnesses described the operator as a black female, approximately 22 – 25 years old.
According to victim #1, the suspect parked her car and then entered the store. While the suspect was exiting the store, a friend to victim #1, herein referred to as victim #2, approached the suspect and stated, “You almost hit my friend.” At this point, victim #2 states that the suspect re-entered her motor vehicle and began revving the engine. In short time, additional witnesses say the suspect began driving in circles around the gas pumps in such a way as to scare and intimidate victims #1 and #2. Witnesses say the suspect then drove towards the victims, hitting the building several times and a flower pot. Officers observed damage to the front of the building and the flower pot.
Officers promptly broadcast a description of the suspect and her car over the police radio. However, a search of the area proved to be unsuccessful.
The Boston Police Department is actively investigating the facts and circumstances surrounding this incident. Anyone with information is strongly encouraged to contact 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 wishing to assist this investigation in an anonymous manner.
CRIME DATA – January 1st – May 25th, 2008 vs. 2009
Please click the links below to view updated crime data in the City of Boston for the time period of January 1st – May 25th, 2008 vs. 2009.
View Data on YTD Part One Crime
View Data on YTD Shootings
View Data on YTD Firearm Arrests
(Download Adobe Reader)
DAILY INCIDENTS FOR MONDAY, MAY 25, 2009
Right Place…Right Time, Officers Arrest Two Shooting Suspects
On Sunday, May 24, 2009 at approximately 2:04am, Officers assigned to Area A-1 (Downtown), were in the area of Cambridge Street when they heard several gunshots coming from the area of Staniford Street. Officers quickly proceeded to this location and located a black male lying on the ground with an apparent gunshot wound. They further observed a black firearm and several spent casings within close proximity of the victim on the ground as well. The officers then noticed two black males fleeing from the scene.
One officer stayed with the victim to render treatment while the other officer gave chase of the fleeing suspects. The pursuing officer gave a detailed description of the suspects and requested additional units to assist. Shortly thereafter, both suspects were located and detained. At the scene, several witnesses were located and informed officers of their observations. Positive identifications were then conducted on the two black males that attempted to elude capture. Both parties were then placed into custody.
The victim was transported to Massachusetts General Hospital for treatment for a non-life threatening gunshot wound to the leg.
Officers arrested Raymond Harris, 23, of Quincy and Jack Ford, 23, of Boston on the charges of Assault With Intent to Murder and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.
Woman Arrested for Assaulting Officers and Smashing Restaurant’s Glass Door
On Sunday, May 24, 2009, at approximately 1:04am, Officers assigned to Area B-2 (Roxbury), responded to 375 Blue Hill Avenue (Star Island Chinese Restaurant) for a report of a vandalism in progress.
Upon officers’ arrival, they observed the front glass door to the establishment to be smashed. Witnesses informed them that a drunk black female was asked to leave the property due to her behavior. She became enraged and threw a trash can at the counter and kicked the glass door on her way out. They then supplied the officers with a description of the suspect and informed them of her route of travel. Within short time, Officers located a black female fitting the description walking on Blue Hill Avenue. She was stopped and a positive identification of her was made.
She was placed into custody and transported back to B-2 for booking. During the booking process, the suspect was uncooperative and combative towards officers. The suspect struck three officers with a closed fist before being subdued.
The female was identified as: Beverley Jones, 39, of Boston and charged with Willful & Malicious Destruction of Property (over $250) and Assault & Battery on a Police Officer (three counts).
Man Arrested for Throwing Hot Coffee In the Face of Neighbor’s Dog
On Monday, May 25, 2009, at approximately 10:06am, Officers assigned to Area D-14 (Allston), responded to 5 Hooker Street for a report of a possible incident of animal abuse.
Officers arrived on-scene and spoke with the owner of a 1 ½ year old German Shepard. The caller stated his neighbor threw hot coffee in his dog’s face. The officer could smell the odor of coffee emanating from the dog’s fur. The owner of the dog went on to state, that the liquid on his dog’s face was hot to the touch immediately following the incident.
Officers then spoke with the suspect neighbor who stated he has been having an ongoing problem with the dog barking at him from behind the fence every time he walks by. The suspect admitted he became angry and frustrated with the dog and threw coffee in his face. The suspect denied the coffee was hot and insisted it was cold.
Officers arrested Michael Pothier, 52, of Boston on the charges of Cruelty to Animals.
The owner of the dog immediately brought the animal to the veterinary clinic for an examination.
Alert Officer Observes Robbery In Progress…Suspect Arrested
On Sunday, May 24, 2009, at approximately 8:28pm, an officer assigned to Area E-5 (West Roxbury), was traveling in the area of 116 Spring Street when he observed two individuals involved in a physical altercation. The officer immediately called for back-up units to assist. Additional officers arrived and both parties were split up.
Officers learned that the victim was waiting at the bus stop when he was confronted by a white male riding a bicycle. The suspect ordered the victim to get out of his way. The victim ignored the suspect and began walking home. The suspect again confronted the victim, this time demanding he give him his I-pod. The victim refused and the suspect displayed a long kitchen style knife. The victim again resisted and the two began to fight until the officer arrived. Officers located the knife described by the victim in the bushes nearby.
Officers arrested Jason Conley, 38, of Boston on the charges of Intent to Rob While Armed (knife) and Assault & Battery.
DAILY INCIDENTS FOR SATURDAY, MAY 23, 2009
BOSTON POLICE AND HOSPITAL SECURITY PERSONNEL RESCUE MALE ATTEMPTING TO JUMP FROM PARKING GARAGE
At about 6:45pm, on Friday, May 22, 2009, officers from Area A-1 (Downtown) responded to a radio call for a person looking to jump from the Wang Center parking garage located at 270 Tremont Street. On arrival, officers observed an individual, a Hispanic male in his 50’s, sitting with his legs over the edge of the parking garage’s 8th floor. When officers (a Boston Police officer and a Tufts Medical Center security officer) moved in to help the victim, the victim attempted to jump. When the victim attempted to jump, officers quickly moved in and grabbed the victim in such a way as to keep him from falling. Specifically, officers grabbed the victim by his hands and pulled him back to safety.
The victim was transported to Tufts Medical Center for evaluation purposes.
Officers Seize Firearm…Arrest one
On Friday, May 22, 2009, at approximately 9:25pm, officers from the Boston Police Youth Violence Strike Force were in the area of Bowdoin Street and Tovar Street when they observed a suspicious male. This immediate area is considered a high crime area related to firearms and other violent crimes as of late.
The plainclothes officers observed this individual walking on Bowdoin Street at a hurried pace towards a group of teenagers. Officers noted that the suspects left arm was freely swinging while his right arm was kept still, close to his side. Through the officers’ training and experience, the suspect’s actions indicated that he may be in possession of a firearm. Coupled with their knowledge of the area, it was decided to approach the group.
The officers engaged the group in conversation just as the suspect male arrived. Noticing the police presence, the suspect attempted to back away. The suspect was approached by one of the officers and noticed he was extremely nervous. His hands were shaking and had difficulty speaking. Fearing the suspect was armed, a pat-frisk was conducted. A hard object was detected in the suspects’ waistband. The officer then asked, “Is that a gun?” To which the suspect stated, “yeah.” Officers then retrieved a loaded .9mm semi-automatic firearm from the suspect.
Officers arrested Ian Percival, 17, of Quincy on the charges of Illegal Possession of a Firearm and Illegal Possession of Ammunition.
Off-Duty Female Officer Attacked
On Saturday, May 22, 2009, at approximately 11:24pm, an off-duty female officer was walking in the area of Claredon Street / Commonwealth Avenue when she heard a woman crying for help. The officer followed the woman’s voice to the basement stairwell of the first Baptist Church (110 Commonwealth Ave) and located a male and a female engaged in a fight. The officer identified herself as a Boston Police Officer and ordered the two to stop. At this time, both subjects attacked the officer by punching and biting her before fleeing. The female officer sustained facial injuries and was transported to Brigham & Womans Hospital for treatment.
Shortly thereafter, the female suspect was apprehended. She informed investigators of the males’ identity and a search for him ensued.
At approximately 6:45am, on May 23, 2009, the male suspect was observed walking on Newbury Street by a D-4 officer. The suspect was placed into custody.
Both defendants were charged with Assault & Battery on a Police Officer. They were identified as: Oscar Moore, 43, of Boston and Molly Jean Maynard, 29, of Brockton.
DEATH INVESTIGATION AT 3 ARBUTUS STREET
At about 7:40pm, on Thursday, May 21, 2009, officers from Area B-3 (Mattapan) responded to a radio call for a person shot in the area of Arbutus Street and Blue Hill Avenue. On arrival, officers located a black female, suffering from what appeared to be multiple gunshot wounds, lying outside of 3 Arbutus Street. The victim was immediately transported to the Boston Medical Center where she was later pronounced. The victim has been identified as Deanna Watkins, 29, of Boston.
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 will stringently protect the identity of those who wish to remain anonymous.