On Thursday, July 2, 2009, officers responded to radio calls for three armed robberies in and around the Public Garden on Area A-1 (Downtown) and Area D-4 (South End). Given the proximity of the attacks to each other, as well as, similar suspect descriptions, investigators are looking into the potential or possibility that the robberies may be linked or connected. As such, the Boston Police Department is asking anyone with information relative to the enclosed incidents to contact either Area A-1 (Downtown) detectives at (617) 343-4248 or Area D (South End) detectives at (617) 343-4683.

The following is a brief description of the incidents from last night:

• At about 8:38pm, on Thursday, July 2, 2009, officers from Area A-1 (Downtown) responded to a radio call for an armed robbery in the area of the Public Garden. On arrival, officers spoke to a victim who stated that he was walking in the area of the Public Garden when approximately four to five Hispanic males (in their late teens) approached him and demanded money. The victim says that one of the suspects showed a firearm. The victim says the suspects stole his Apple iPhone.

• At about 8:40pm, on Thursday, July 2, 2009, officers from Area A-1 (Downtown) responded to a 2nd radio call for an armed robbery in the area of the Public Garden. Officers responded to 200 Boylston Street where they met the victim. Once on scene, officers spoke to the victim who stated that he was walking in the area of the Public Garden when a group of approximately four Hispanic males (in their late teens) approached. The victim says he was talking on his iPhone when one of the suspects ripped the phone from his hand and took off on foot in the direction of Beacon Street.

• About 8:45pm, on Thursday, July 2, 2009, officers from Area D-4 (South End) responded to a radio call for an armed robbery in the area of Berkeley and Arlington Streets. On arrival, officers spoke to a victim who stated that he was walking down Public Alley #421 when two Hispanic males (in their late teens or early 20’s) approached him. According to the victim, he was on his Apple iPhone when one of the suspects displayed a firearm and demanded his phone. The victim says one of the suspects (about 5’7”, clean shaven with a long dark pony tail and braids) was wearing a grey-hooded sweatshirt and baggy jeans.

The Boston Police Department continues to actively investigate these incidents. Community members who wish to assist or help this investigation in an anonymous manner are encouraged to 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.

Suspect Considered Armed and Dangerous

Overview : Boston PD, Somerville PD and Cambridge PD are investigating a string of commercial robberies involving a Black Male (BM) with a beard, who displays a firearm, and usually attempts to purchase something in order to get the clerk to open the register. There have been 8 incidents that are possibly related.

• Somerville – 5/27/09 at 11:06 PM. The LP Market at 97 Highland Ave. was robbed by a BM. The suspect used zip ties to tie up the clerk.
• Cambridge – 6/23/09 at 1:35 AM. The Tedeschi’s at 321 Broadway was robbed at gunpoint by a BM (facial hair, med build).
• E13 - Jamaica Plain – CC# 90345633: 6/23/09 at 3:32 AM. The 7-11 at 451 Centre St. was robbed at gunpoint by a BM (5’5”-5’8”, med build, full beard).
• D4 - Fenway - CC#90349583: 6/25/09 at 12:09 AM. The 7-11 at 508 Park Drive was robbed at gunpoint by a BM (5’7” medium build).
• Somerville – 6/25/09 at 10:22 PM. The Sunoco gas station at 434 McGrath Highway was robbed by a BM (5’8”-5’9”, full beard)
• Cambridge – 6/26/09 at 6:09 AM. The Shall Gas station at 820 Memorial Dr. was robbed at gunpoint by a BM (~25-30 YOA, 5’5”, thin).
• A15 – Charlestown – 6/26/09 at 10:49 PM. The Dunkin Donuts at 99 Cambridge St. was robbed by a BM (~23 YOA, 5’4”, with a beard).
• D4 – South End - CC#90355904: 6/27/09 at 7:00 PM. The Dunkin Donuts at 616 Mass Ave. was robbed at gunpoint by 2 BMs (~ 20 YOA).

Anyone with information is asked to contact Lt. Det. Charles Wilson @ (617) 343-4680, Cambridge PD Detectives @ (617) 349-3393, Somerville PD Detectives @ (617) 625-1212, or The BRIC @ (617) 343-4328.

Homicides: 0
Non-fatal Shootings: 0
Non-fatal Stabbings: 2

Residential Break-ins: 5
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

Today Boston Police Commissioner Edward F. Davis announces the conclusion of a three year investigation into steroid use among officers. In August of 2006, Boston Police Anti-Corruption Division in conjunction with the US Attorney’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation developed information that launched a lengthy and in-depth investigation into this matter, which has resulted in multiple suspensions and several important departmental changes.

In addition to the conclusion of the steroid investigation, the Boston Police Internal Affairs Unit has completed the investigation into improper officer activity at 24 Factory Street in Hyde Park. Investigators identified 24 Factory Street as an after-hours party location which included allegations of officer misconduct. Evidence uncovered during the course of this investigation has also led to the suspension of several officers.

As a result of these investigations, Commissioner Davis has suspended seven police officers for steroid use, one police officer for being aware of steroid use by others and not reporting it and four police officers for issues related to 24 Factory Street.

Commissioner Davis stated, “I would like to commend the dedication and professionalism of the investigators in Anti-Corruption and Internal Affairs for the completion of this extensive and complex case. These investigators play a critical role in our promise to the community to provide an effective, credible and trustworthy police force,” Commissioner Davis added, “I am disappointed with the actions of the officers disciplined in this matter. With this chapter finally closed, the department will move forward with improved policies and practices resulting from difficult lessons learned. We remain steadfast in our dedication to preserving the integrity of our department by taking every measure to prevent and when necessary uncover officer misconduct.”

ACTION STEPS

The Boston Police Department has undertaken several initiatives to immediately address issues and concerns relative to steroid use by officers. The following actions have already been introduced into department practice and are currently ongoing:

• Enhanced ‘Reasonable Suspicion’ training for all supervisors. Every Supervisor (Sgt, Lt., Captain, Command Staff member) has received expanded ‘Reasonable Suspicion’ training. The curriculum includes recognizing and addressing the signs of substance abuse specifically steroids and also corruption indicators. Supervisors are trained and expected as part of their duties to recognize distinct changes in officers which would require ‘cause’ testing for steroids. Every newly promoted supervisor receives this training
• Enhanced ‘Integrity’ training for all supervisors. Every Supervisor (Sgt, Lt., Captain, Command Staff member) has received expanded ‘Integrity’ training. A curriculum was developed in conjunction with Federal authorities. Federal authorities also participate in the training and are present at the Academy to address supervisors. Every newly promoted supervisor receives this training.
• Enhanced ‘Health and Wellness’ training for every officer. Every officer is now required to receive enhanced ‘Health and Wellness’ training at the academy that focuses on the health risks associated with anabolic steroid use.
• Implementation of pre-employment steroid testing for recruits. Boston Police now include steroids in all pre-employment drug testing for potential recruits.
• Enhanced curriculum for Recruits at the Police Academy. All recruits now receive an improved curriculum that includes education on the dangers of steroid use as well as expanded teachings relative to integrity and ethics issues.
• Sought and secured ‘lifetime career’ testing for substance abuse police violation. Police Commissioner Davis sought to secure a contractual obligation of ‘lifetime career’ testing for any officer who violates the drug abuse policy. Commissioner Davis was successful through union negotiation to amend the policy to include this provision. Termination is the result of a second positive drug test.

PENDING STEPS

• Commissioner Davis continues to explore the possibility of including steroid testing in the annual drug testing policy. The department’s drug policy currently states the every officer receives an annual drug exam, which tests for almost every narcotic and controlled medication including cocaine, heroin and Oxycontin. The drug test uses a hair sample and has a 99% accuracy rate.
• Commissioner Davis supports the current bill before the legislation requiring the state to mandate drug testing for public safety employees. He encourages the Executive Office of Public Safety to include steroids as part of the testing mandate.
• The department continues to closely monitor the advances in science and technology relative to steroid testing.
• Staff at the Police Academy is developing a distance learning program for officers that will include curriculum devoted to the dangers of steroid use and also integrity and ethics issues.

DISCIPLINE

Contact Media Relations for more specific information.

Homicides: 0
Non-fatal Shootings: 0
Non-fatal Stabbings: 0

Residential Break-ins: 6
Commercial Break-ins: 3

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

At about 10:59pm, on Tuesday, June 30, 2009, officers from Area B-2 (Roxbury) responded to a radio call for a person with a knife in the area of 138 Blue Hill Avenue. On arrival, officers spoke with the caller, a tow truck driver who stated that he was in the process of towing a car that was illegally parked in a private lot when an individual approached and stated that the car belonged to him.

According to the tow truck driver, the owner of the car demanded that his car be lowered off the truck. The tow truck driver stated that he informed the owner that he could and would lower the car but, doing so, would require a payment. At this point, the tow truck driver states that the suspect entered his car and tried to drive the car off the truck. When this failed, the driver says the suspect exited the car with a knife in his possession. With knife in hand, the driver says the suspect attempted to cut his car down. Officers observed that the tow straps had been cut or severed. Officers were able to locate and take possession of the knife.

Officers arrested Erik Nixon, 21, of Boston and charged him with the Willful & Malicious Destruction of Property.

SCANTILY CLAD CROOK CAUGHT TRYING TO BREAK INTO A RESIDENCE

At about 2:25am, July 1, 2009, officers from Area E-13 (Jamaica Plain) responded to a radio call for a person breaking into a residence in the area of 288 Amory Street. According to the caller, a white male with brown hair (wearing a black jacket) was trying to enter her residence. On arrival, officers went to the rear of the residence. Once out back, officers observed and located a pair of blue jeans, a pair of white sneakers and a brown hat lying on the ground. Upon looking through the residence, officers located a suspect hiding on the 2nd floor porch. Upon locating the suspect, officer noted that the suspect was wearing boxer shorts, a t-shirt and a black jacket.

According to the victim, she was inside her residence when she heard someone or something on the back porch. Upon hearing the noise, she called police. Upon looking at the rear door, officers noted that the screen was torn. According to the victim, the screen was undamaged prior to the incident.

Officers arrested Frank Drago, 26, of Stoneham and charged him with Attempted Breaking & Entering a Residence (night).

The detail officer pursued the car on foot while updating fellow officers of the car and was able to catch up to the car due to the fact that it stopped at a red light. The officer approached the driver’s side door of the car, which had three passengers, just as fellow officers were pulling up. The detail officer then ordered the driver to stop the car and put up his hands. The driver followed the officer’s orders but the front passenger failed to heed the officer’s orders and fled from the car. The initial detail officer assisted by another nearby detail officer pursued the passenger suspect through several parking lots, across a couple streets, and over a few fences before apprehending the suspect at gunpoint.

Three suspects, James RIGANO, 42, of Malden, Terry DUNNELS, Jr., 29, of Cambridge, and Eric LEONARD, 20, of Everett were arrested and turned over to Somerville Police who then charged them with Bank Robbery. The three suspects are expected to be arraigned at Somerville District Court tomorrow, Wednesday, July 1, 2009.

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Overview : Since 6/23/09 there has been a string of commercial robberies involving a Black male (BM) with a beard, who displays a firearm, and usually attempts to purchase something in order to get the clerk to open the register. There have been 6 incidents that may be related.

• Cambridge – 6/23/09 at1:35 AM. The Tedeschi’s at 321 Broadway was robbed at gunpoint by a BM (facial hair, med build).
• E13 - Jamaica Plain – CC# 90345633: 6/23/09 at 3:32 AM. The 7-11 at 451 Centre St. was robbed at gunpoint by a BM (5’5”-5’8”, med build, full beard).
• D4 - Fenway - CC#90349583: 6/25/09 at 12:09 AM. The 7-11 at 508 Park Drive was robbed at gunpoint by a BM (5’7” medium build).
• Somerville – 6/25/09 at 10:22 PM. The Sunoco gas station at 434 McGrath Highway was robbed by a BM (5’8”-5’9”, full beard)
• Cambridge – 6/26/09 at 6:09 AM. The Shall Gas station at 820 Memorial Dr. was robbed at gunpoint by a BM (~25-30 YOA, 5’5”, thin).
• A15 – Charlestown – 6/26/09 at 10:49 PM. The Dunkin Donuts at 99 Cambridge St. was robbed by a BM (~23 YOA, 5’4”, with a beard).

Anyone with information is asked to contact District E-13 Detectives @ (617) 343-5628, District A-1 Detectives @ (617) 343-4248, District D-4 Detectives @ (617) 343-5619, or The BRIC @ (617) 343-4328.

Homicides: 0
Non-fatal Shootings: 1
Non-fatal Stabbings: 6

Residential Break-ins: 15
Commercial Break-ins: 5

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

Last night around 8:03PM, officers from District C-11 (Dorchester) responded to 16 Ridgewood St. in Dorchester for a breaking and entering in progress.

On arrival, officers secured the perimeter of the house in order to prevent the escape of the suspects. Shortly after securing the perimeter of the house while standing at the back door of the house, officers observed a suspect come running out of the rear door and attempt to jump over the porch banister. Officers were able to grab the suspect and detain him pending further investigation. Officers then entered the house and conducted a search for the other described suspect. Officers were unable to find anyone inside the other apartment s but detected some sound coming from the third floor porch. Officers then went to the porch and there another suspect hiding in the corner of the porch.

Suspects, Norman Leary, 29, of Dorchester and Israel Ruggs, 39, of Mattapan were arrested and charged with Breaking and Entering in the Nighttime. During a further search of the apartment, officers found empty alcohol containers, crack pipes, belts and spoons, trash and damage done to different parts of the apartment.

What Else Could Be Wrong?

At approximately 9:00PM on Sunday, officers from District B-2 (Roxbury) were on patrol when they observed a car fail to stop for a red light at the intersection of Blue Hill Ave. and Moreland Street. Officers followed the car and conducted a traffic stop on Malcolm X Boulevard.

Officers approached the operator and requested of him his license and registration. The operator responded to officers’ questions and stated that he had neither document with him. Officers queried the plate on the car and found out that it was attached and belonged to another car, and that it was not insured or registered. Officers then did a query of the operator’s information and found that he had no license, and that he had a couple of outstanding warrants.

The operator, Ricky Reid, 43, of Dedham was arrested and charged with the two outstanding warrants, Driving without Being Licensed, Attaching Plates, Operating an Uninsured and Unregistered Motor Vehicle, and Failure to Stop for a Red Light.

Another Gun Taken Off the Streets

Last night around 10:28PM, officers from District B-3 (Mattapan) arrested suspect, Troy Barnes, 17, of Dorchester and charged him with Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, Unlawful Possession of Ammunition, Possession of a Loaded Firearm and Trespassing.

Officers initially responded to the intersection of Evelyn and Norfolk Streets for a fight. On arrival, officers observed two individuals at that corner and attempted to stop them both for a threshold inquiry but one immediately fled. Officers provided a description of this fleeing individual along with the area that the suspect was last observed. Other responding units to the scene, shortly after hearing the description, observed three individuals coming from the area that the suspect was last observed. The suspect, who was amongst the three stopped individuals, was breathing heavily, shaking and had a rapid heart rate. In addition, the suspect’s clothing was inappropriate for the weather conditions, wearing a large winter coat, and the suspect’s answers to officers’ questions about where he was coming from were suspect. The suspect stated that he had not been walking with the other two people stopped whereas they said that they had been walking with him. During a pat frisk of the suspect, officers recovered contraband for which he was issued a civil citation.

Officers then retraced the suspect’s direction of flight to a back yard and there located a loaded semi-automatic gun hidden. The suspect was then arrested and charged accordingly.

Officers arrested Amando Avila, 34, of Newton and charged him with Trafficking Class A Substance (Heroin) in Excess of 200 grams, Trafficking Class A Substance (Heroin) within 1000 feet of a School Zone. The drugs seized have an estimated street value of approximately $200,000 dollars.

The investigation was launched as a result of information recently obtained. BPD officers and MSP troopers were informed of an individual looking to sell a large amount of heroin. Acting in an undercover capacity, a BPD officer contacted the suspect and arranged a meeting for the purpose of purchasing a quantity heroin. A meeting location was agreed upon and numerous BPD officers and MSP Troopers set up surveillance of the area in anticipation to the suspects’ arrival.

Shortly thereafter, an individual fitting the description of the suspect was observed in the meeting area. The undercover officer then had a phone conversation with the suspect and confirmed his arrival. The two then met and conversed on the purchase of the heroin. While doing so, the undercover officer observed the suspect to be in possession of several large packages of what was believed to be heroin. At this time, BPD officers moved in and arrested the suspect and seized the illegal contraband.

At about 3:05pm, on Friday June 26, 2009, officers from Area D-4 (South End) responded to a radio call for a person or persons trespassing at 587 Beacon Street. On arrival, officers spoke to the building manager who stated that there was a female trespassing inside one of the apartments. According to the building manger, when he asked the female to vacate the premise, the female stated that she was renting the apartment. The female stated to the officers that she knew the owner of the building and he had rented the apartment to her. The female/victim further stated that she had given the owner/suspect a down payment on the apartment on Tuesday, June 23, 2009. At that time, the victim says she gave the suspect $300.00. The victim also showed officers a set of keys that the suspect had given to her.

The victim further stated that the suspect had agreed to rent the apartment to her for $700.00 per month. After paying the initial down payment, the victim also agreed to pay the suspect the remainder of the $700.00 on the day she was to move in. According to the building manager, the person named by the victim as the owner of the building was, in fact, not the owner.

While officers were talking to the victim, the victim’s cell phone rang. The victim promptly stated to the officers that the call was from the suspect. Officers instructed the victim to set up a meeting with the suspect, during which the victim could pay the suspect the remainder of the money. As instructed, the victim asked the suspect to meet her in front of 587 Beacon Street. When the suspect showed up to claim his money, officers took the suspect into custody.

When he asked to explain his actions, the suspect stated he could not. Officers arrested Nicholas Toledo, 23, of Boston and charged him with Larceny by Scheme (Fraud).

At about 2:54 am, on Thursday, June 25, 2009, officers from Area B-2 (Roxbury) while on patrol in the area of Warren Street observed a white motor vehicle fail to stop for a red light. As a result, officers activated their emergency equipment (lights & sirens) and stopped the car. Upon approaching the car, officers noted that the operator appeared to be nervous due to the fact he was fidgety and breathing heavy. When asked about the red light, the operator stated, “Sorry, I missed the light. I’m just trying to get home.”

When officers asked the operator to provide his license and registration, the operator stated that the car was a rental. When officers reviewed the rental agreement, officers noted that the operator’s name was not on the paperwork. Given the operator’s unlawful use of the motor vehicle, officers towed the car. Prior to towing the car, officers conducted a search or inventory of the car. While searching the car, with assistance from Boston Police K-9 units, officers located and took possession of a silver-colored firearm. When officers asked the operator to produce a license to carry a firearm, the suspect stated, “I don’t have one.” During the booking process, the suspect admitted to officers, “It’s my gun.”

Officers arrested Jesus Crawford, 18, of Everett and charged him with the Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, Unlawful Possession of Ammunition, Unlawful Possession of a Loaded Firearm on a Public Way and the Using a Motor Vehicle without Authority.

CALL FOR SHOTS FIRED LANDS ONE IN POLICE CUSTODY

At about 1:17am, on Friday, June 26, 2009, officers from Area B-2 (Roxbury) responded to a radio call for shots fired in the area of Quincy Street. While en route to the call, officers observed a large group of males hanging around outside 77-79 Fayston Street. The area around Fayston Street is well known to officers due to a large number of firearm-related incidents. As a result, officers stopped their cruiser and approached the group for the purposes of a threshold inquiry.

While to attempting to engage the group, officers observed a firearm lying under a parked car in the immediate vicinity of the group. The firearm was within lunging distance of one individual in particular. As a result, officers attempted to initiate a conversation with this one particular individual. While attempting to engage the suspect, officers called for backup units. Officers noted that the suspect intentionally ignored them and looked around nervously in such a way as if to suggest he was looking for a route of escape. With backup units on scene, officers took possession of the firearm. Officers asked the individual if he was in possession of a license to carry a firearm. To which, the suspect stated, “No.”

Officers arrested Nathaniel Kargbo, 20, of Boston and charged him with the Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, Unlawful Possession of Ammunition, Possession of Loaded Firearm and Carrying a Loaded Firearm on a Public Way.