Vandalizing the Robert Gould Shaw Memorial Lands One in Police Custody

At about 4:10pm, on Tuesday, July 31, 2012, officers from District A-1 (Downtown) responded to a call for a person vandalizing a statue in the area of 25 Beacon Street. According to witnesses, a female suspect was seen vandalizing the Robert Shaw Memorial with yellow paint. On arrival, after confirming damage to the memorial, officers were able to locate the suspect who was still on scene being detained by Park Rangers. Officers observed yellow paint on the suspect’s face, hands and clothing. Additionally, a can of yellow paint was seized as evidence. Officers arrested Rosemine Occean, 38, of Quincy and charged her with Willful & Malicious Destruction to City Property.The memorial, which is located across the street from the Massachusetts State House, is dedicated to Colonel Robert Gould Shaw and the 54th Massachusetts Colored Regiment. The 54th was the first unit in the Union Army comprised of free African American soldiers in the Civil War. The bronze statue is the work of famous sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens.