UPDATE TO DEATH INVESTIGATION AT 776 WASHINGTON STREET
VICTIM IDENTIFIED
At about 11:40pm, on Saturday, August 29, 2009, officers from Area C-11 (Dorchester) responded to a radio call for a person shot in the area of 776 Washington Street. On arrival, officers located a 19 year-old male, inside 776 Washington Street (YMCA), suffering from what appeared to be a gunshot wound. The victim, suffering from life threatening injuries, was transported to the Boston Medical Center where he was later pronounced. The victim has since been identified as Aaron Brown, 19, 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 manner should call CrimeStoppers at 1(800)494-TIPS or text the word ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463). The Boston Police Department stringently protects the identity of those who wish to remain anonymous.
BOSTON 24: WEEKEND UPDATE
A look at the last 72 hours in Boston, from Friday, August 28, 2009 through 10am, Monday, August 31, 2009. (See recent Daily Incident summaries and earlier postings for more detailed descriptions of some of the incidents identified below).
Homicides: 1
Non-fatal Shootings: 0
Non-fatal Stabbings: 2
Street Robberies: 9
Commercial Robberies: 2
Bank: 0
Other: 1
Vehicle Thefts: 19
Vehicle Recoveries: 24
Breaks: 61
Residential Break-ins: 18
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.
DEATH INVESTIGATION AT 776 WASHINGTON STREET
At about 11:40pm, on Saturday, August 29, 2009, officers from Area C-11 (Dorchester) responded to a radio call for a person shot in the area of 776 Washington Street. On arrival, officers located a 19 year-old male, inside 776 Washington Street (YMCA), suffering from what appeared to be a gunshot wound. The victim, suffering from life threatening injuries, 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 manner should call CrimeStoppers at 1(800)494-TIPS or text the word ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463). The Boston Police Department stringently protects the identity of those who wish to remain anonymous.
UPDATE
Statements made by Superintendent Daniel Linskey
Security Plans for the Funeral of Senator Edward Kennedy
We would like to take this opportunity to discuss security plans for the funeral mass tomorrow.
As you can see, this is a monumental security effort for all participating law enforcement agencies. A comprehensive security plan has been devised over the last two days.
In order to effectively secure the area, we are asking for the public’s ongoing cooperation and support.
The funeral mass is for ticketed guests. There will be limited areas from which the public can view the church. We would ask that individuals take this into consideration when deciding how they would like to participate in the Senator’s farewell tomorrow. We feel the best place to fully view the tribute to Senator Kennedy is most likely from television.
There will be limited space on Tremont Street with a view of the church. Individuals interested in paying their respects in person will not be able to move east beyond Burney Street on Tremont or west on South Whitney Street on Tremont.
Those who would like to pay their respects in person should consider lining the route of the motorcade from the library to the church.
I think everyone realizes the extent of the security preparation and we greatly appreciate the community’s ongoing cooperation. BPD Community Service Officers will be speaking with local residents and merchants relative to how tomorrow’s preparations will affect them. If individuals who live in the restricted areas need to leave their residence during the restricted times, they will be escorted by law enforcement.
Street closures and towing will begin at 5am.
On behalf of the Boston Police Department, our thoughts and prayers are with the Kennedy family. We would also like to extend our deepest condolences to the family of Weymouth officer Michael Davey.
I would like to publicly thank the officers for their continued hard work particularly Sgt. William Ridge. Our partners have been critical to maintaining safety in the city and coordinating this massive effort. We would like to thank the Secret Service, MA State Police, Transit Police, FBI, State Department, Capitol Police, Northeastern University police, UMass police, numerous city agencies and the various private security companies.
Please click on the below links to view a map of the motorcade route and a map of the restricted areas around the church.
Motorcade Route:
Download file
Restricted asreas around the church:
Download file
UPDATE: DEATH INVESTIGATION IN THE AREA OF 105 NORWELL STREET
Victim Identified
At about 7:11 pm, on Tuesday, August 25, 2009, officers from Area B-3 (Mattapan) responded to a radio call for shots fired in the area of 105 Norwell Street in Dorchester. On arrival, officers located two individuals inside a motor vehicle suffering from what appeared to be gunshot wounds. One of the victims, a female, was pronounced on the scene. She has been identified as Erica Field, 29, of Lewiston, Maine.
The other victim, a male, was transported with life threatening injuries to the Boston Medical Center. He remains in critical condition.
The Boston Police Department is actively investigating the facts and circumstances surrounding this incident. Anyone with information is urged to contact either the Boston Police Homicide Unit at (617) 343-4470 or Area B-3 detectives (Mattapan) at (617) 343-4712.
Community members who wish to assist this investigation in an anonymous manner should call CrimeStoppers at 1(800) 494-TIPS or text a ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463). The Boston Police Department stringently protects the identity of those who wish to remain anonymous.
You Can Run But You Can’t Hide. Two Suspects Arrested on Homicide Warrants Out of California
On Friday, August 28, 2009, at approximately 2:40am, officers assigned to Area A-1 (Downtown), received information that two individuals may be in the area of the Boston Common who were wanted on outstanding arrest warrants out of the San Jose, California Police Department for the charge of homicide.
Area A-1 (Downtown) officers were joined by Deputy’s of the United States Marshalls Service and members of the Southern Maine Violent Crimes Task Force in order to search the Boston Common for the wanted suspects. Officers were armed with “wanted posters” of the male and female. Officers observed two parties fitting the general description and approached them for the purpose of investigating the matter further. Upon noticing the oncoming police presence, the male and female gathered their belongings and started walking away. Officers detained them in order to obtain their information and determine their identity. Officers were able to confirm the pair to be the same parties that were wanted.
Officers arrested Stephen Macdonald, 23 of Portsmouth, New Hampshire and Jill Botleho, 29 of Lebanon, Maine on the charges of Fugitives’ from Justice (out of state homicide warrants).
Community Alert
Boston Police Investigate Sexual Assault in Brighton
The Boston Police Department is investigating a report of sexual assault on an elderly victim in the area of Harvard Ave and Gardner Street in Brighton. Investigators are asking anyone who may have been in the vicinity at the time or who may have any information on this matter to come forward. The department will increase patrols in the area and are asking community members to increase vigilance.
Incident Description:
Last evening, Boston Police received a report that an elderly woman was beaten and sexually assault in the area of Harvard Ave. and Gardner Street. The incident took place on August 27, 2009 at approximately 5:30am. The victim reported walking in the area when she was approached and assaulted by the suspect described below. Victim also stated that she had seen the suspect in the same area before.
The suspect is described as a white Hispanic male in his twenties about 5’3” male, with a slim build. He has short hair, clean-shaven and spoke poor English. It is also believed that the suspect may have been travelling on a blue scooter.
The Boston Police Department Sexual Assault Unit along with Area D-14 detectives are actively investigating these incidents and urge any and all members of the public who may have seen or heard something or has information relevant to these incidents to contact them at (617) 343-4400. Community members who wish to provide information anonymously may do so by calling the CrimeStoppers TipLine at 1-800-494-TIPS, or texting ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463). The Boston Police Department stringently protects the identity of all individuals who wish to provide information anonymously.
TIPS FOR ENSURING 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.
DAILY INCIDENTS FOR FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2009
Three Officers Bit by Suspects Pit Bull
On Friday, August 28, 2009, at approximately 12:11am, officers assigned to Area B-2 (Roxbury), responded to 433 Dudley Street for a report of a disturbance among three people.
Officers arrived on-scene and observed two female parties involved in a verbal argument. A male subject then emerged from the apartment and began pushing one of the females. Officers attempted to take hold of the male subject in order to place him into custody but he resisted and attempted to retreat into the residence. Officers were following the male subject when his Pit Bull ran towards them and attacked. Three officers were bitten as well as one of the female combatants.
Two of the officers were transported to Boston Medical Center for treatment. The female bite victim refused medical attention. Animal control was called to the scene and took custody of the dog pending medical testing and proof of proper licensing. The officers were later released with various puncture wounds.
Officers arrested Courtney Holland, 45, of Roxbury on the charges of Assault & Battery and Resisting Arrest.
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, August 27, 2009 through 10am, Friday, August 28, 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: 1
Non-fatal Stabbings: 1
Street Robberies: 1
Commercial Robberies: 0
Bank: 0
Other: 0
Vehicle Thefts: 7
Vehicle Recoveries: 5
Breaks: 23
Residential Break-ins: 9
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.
Media Availability
Many of you have been asking for information on our public safety coordination efforts for Saturday. Please join us at BPD HQ (lobby) at 3:00pm for an update. Superintendent Linskey will be available to provide general information and answer your questions.
Following the availability, BPD will be having a meeting with officers in our media room at 3:30pm. Cameras will be able to briefly shoot some b-roll/stills of that meeting.
If you have any questions, please let me know.
Best,
Elaine