Traffic Advisory Relative to Gasoline Spill in the area 1246 Dorchester Ave (Between Freeport & Hoyt Streets)
At about 11:18pm, on Thursday, June 14, officers from Area C-11 (Dorchester) responded to a call for a gasoline tanker spilling gas in the area of 1246 Dorchester Ave. Hazmat Units from both the Boston Police and Boston Fire Department are on scene. As the Boston Police and Boston Fire go about the business of assessing and cleaning the impacted area, motorists and pedestrians are encouraged to avoid the area if possible. With the morning commute approaching, traffic will certainly be slowed in the area in and around 1246 Dorchester Ave from Freeport Street to Savin Hill Ave. As such, motorists are asked and encouraged to seek alternative routes detouring them away from the impacted location.
Operation Tourniquet Results in the Arrest of 20 Suspects
As a result of a long term, multi-agency investigation between the Boston Police Area A Drug Control Unit, Everett Police, Boston Housing Police, the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation into drug dealing and gang related activity in and around Charlestown, today Boston Police Commissioner Edward Davis announced the arrests of 20 individuals on several drug and gun related charges. In addition to the arrests, Boston Police seized large levels of heroin, crack cocaine, marijuana and US Currency. Investigators also seized three firearms.
Operation Tourniquet targeted drug distribution suspects in Charlestown, with the primary focus on activities in areas in and around the Bunker Hill Housing Development. Undercover officers purchased quantities of cocaine and heroin from offenders known to the Boston Police Drug Control Unit and Suffolk County DA’s Gang Unit. Those suspects sold illegal narcotics for cash.
Operation Tourniquet was designed to target and arrest those individuals involved in gang-related activity intent on adversely impacting and disrupting the quality of life for the residents of the city. The operation was intended to address numerous citizen complaints, disrupt the local drug trade and thwart the violence and disorder that go hand-in-hand with drug distribution.
By focusing on these individuals, the Boston Police Department seeks to reduce gang violence and the drug activity often associated with it. All those arrested today have been issued trespass notices which will preclude them from frequenting, visiting or living in the impacted development.
Said Mayor Thomas M. Menino,“This kind of activity has no place in our city. Those who cause trouble and create harm will be dealt with swiftly. Those who choose to involve themselves in drug activity should know, if you deal drugs in our neighborhoods, we’re going to lock you up and prosecute you.”
Police Commissioner Ed Davis stated, “This should serve as a clear message to any and all individuals engaging in drug related activity and the violent behavior that often accompanies it. We will continue our relentless and never-ending efforts to hold violent perpetrators accountable for their decision and actions. We will not allow these individuals to harm the quality of life for hard-working, law-abiding community members.”
The following individuals were arrested:
Rudy Machuca, 43, of Boston charged with Drug Related Warrant
Johnny Gomez, 64, of Boston charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Class A
Osvaldo Diaz, 35, of Boston charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Class A
Anthony Villanueva, 35, of Boston charged w/Poss. with Intent to Distribute Class A
Minerva Mejia, 69, of Boston charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Class A
William Benjamin, 20, of Boston charged with Drug Related Warrant
Chris Freeman, 23, of Boston charged with Drug Related Warrant
Trevor Headley, 18, of Boston charged with Drug Related Warrant
Mark Moore, 34, of Boston charged with Drug Related Warrant
Daniel Campbell, 49, of Boston charged with Drug Related Warrant
Jonathan Abreu, 22, of Boston charged with Poss. with Intent to Distribute Class B
Darnell Crump, 30, of Duxbury charged with Trafficking Class B Drug
Nina Garcia, 41, of Everett charged with Drug Related Warrant
Elisamuel Colon-Padilla, 29, of Boston charged with Drug Related Warrant
Ruth Lopez, 36, of Boston charged with Drug Related Warrant
Jose Nazario-Mercado, 18, of Boston charged with Armed Robbery Warrant
Jose Williams, 21, of Boston charged with Poss. with Intent to Distribute Class A & B
Angel Celado, 17, of Boston charged with Drug Related Warrant
Alexis Salerno, 24, of Boston charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Class A
Neftaly Salerno, 22, of Boston charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Class A
Giving Someone a Ride is No Excuse for Operating Without a License
At about 8:40am, on Saturday, June 9, 2012, officers from District E-18 (Hyde Park) observed a motor vehicle without a valid inspection sticker in the area of American Legion Highway and Walk Hill Street.
Officers conducted a traffic stop and requested the suspect’s license and registration. The suspect supplied a registration to the officers and a Massachusetts Identification card. As the suspect provided his identification card he stated, “I’ve got to be honest, my license is suspended.” Officers inquired why the suspect was driving and his response was, “I just had to give someone a ride.”
Officers conducted a query of the suspect’s license status with the Registry of Motor Vehicles and it revealed the suspect’s right to operate a motor vehicle had been revoked.
The male suspect, Maxwell Thomas, 42, of Milton, was arrested for Operating a Motor Vehicle After Revocation and for a default warrant issued from West Roxbury District Court for Operating a Motor Vehicle After Suspension, Operate Uninsured Motor Vehicle and Operating a Motor Vehicle with Suspended Registration.
Going Out to Watch the Celtics Playoff Game Tonight? Behave Like a Champion and Make Us All Proud!!!
Go Celtics!!!
The Boston Police Department would like to remind fans watching Game 7 of tonight’s Eastern Conference Finals game between the Boston Celtics and the Miami Heat to be on their best behavior.
“It’s our primary focus to deliver a peaceful and safe event,” said Boston Police Commissioner Ed Davis.
The Boston Police Department wants those watching the game around the North Station, Faneuil Hall and Kenmore Square area, to know that individuals observed drinking in public or failing to behave in a responsible manner can and will face arrest.
Said Commissioner Davis, “I want to remind the fans to celebrate responsibly. If asked to leave an area, please do so peacefully. Public drinking will not be tolerated. If you’re a student and you’re arrested, you should know that any unlawful behavior will be reported to your college or university. At the end of the day, it’s about cheering on the Celtics, not causing or creating trouble.”
Boston Police Homicide Unit Requests Community Assistance in Efforts to Locate Suspect Wanted for Homicide at 290 Tremont Street
The Boston Police Homicide Unit is asking for the public’s assistance in their efforts to locate the individual wanted for the homicide of Stephen Perez. As the result of an ongoing investigation by members of the Boston Police Homicide Unit and Suffolk County District Attorney Daniel Conley’s Office, an arrest warrant charging Peter Castillo, 23, of Salem with the murder has been obtained.
At about 1:57am, on Saturday, April 28, 2012, officers from District A-1 (Downtown) responded to a call for a person shot at 290 Tremont Street. On arrival, officers located a 22 year-old male suffering from what appeared to be a gunshot wound. The victim, suffering from life threatening injuries, was transported to the Tufts Medical Center where he was later pronounced deceased. The victim has since been identified as Stephen Perez, 22, of Revere.
Members of the Boston Police Fugitive Apprehension Unit, in conjunction with members of the US Marshals Service, have been actively searching for the suspect, Peter Castillo.
The Boston Police Homicide Unit continues to actively investigate the facts and circumstances surrounding this incident. Anyone with information relative to the whereabouts of Peter Castillo is asked to call the Boston Police Homicide Unit at (617) 343-4470.
Community members wanting to assist this investigation anonymously can either call the CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 1(800) 494-TIPS or text the word ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463). The Boston Police Department will stringently guard and protect the identity of all individuals who wish to remain anonymous.
The Boston Police Department would also like to acknowledge and thank those community members and media outlets that provided help and assistance in this investigation.
Small Gesture Leaves Lasting Impression on the Family & Friends of Fallen Police Officer Kevin Ambrose
Photo by Bill Brett of Boston Globe
On Tuesday, June 5, 2012, motorcycle officers from the Boston Police Department escorted the hearse carrying Police Officer Kevin Ambrose from Boston back to Springfield. (Photo by Bill Brett of the Boston Globe) As the escort made its way through the streets of Boston, uniformed officers and everyday citizens stopped and saluted a man who loved his family, his profession and the sense of satisfaction gained from helping people.
The following letter – from one of Kevin’s fellow officers – was recently received by the Boston Police Department:
“I want to thank you once again for everything you did for us yesterday. Words cannot express how grateful we are to you and the Boston Police Department. I honestly do not think that there was one dry eye leaving Boston. The display of brotherhood we saw yesterday was not expected and left us awestruck. Please pass our deepest thanks to all the members of the Boston PD, Fire, EMS and the citizens of Boston that lined the streets to pay their respect to Kevin.”
Officer Ambrose’s wake will be held Thursday, June 7, 2012, from 2:00pm to 7:00pm at Sampson Chapel of the Acres in Springfield. The funeral will be held Friday, June 8, 2012 at 11:00am at St. Catherine of Siena Church with a procession of law enforcement officers to Hillcrest Park Cemetery afterward.
Press Release from the Transportation Department
The Boston Transportation Department is advising motorists to drive carefully and watch for pedestrians in the roadway this weekend as a number of special events taking place around Boston are expected to attract additional people into the City. As always, travel by MBTA is encouraged.
Aids Walk Boston will begin at 10 AM on Sunday, June 3 on the Hatch Shell along the Esplanade. Up to 15,000 participants will walk from the Esplanade to Arlington Street, right onto Commonwealth Avenue, through Kenmore Square, to Beacon Street, right onto Amory Street (Brookline), across Commonwealth Avenue, to the outbound side of the Boston University Bridge, to Memorial Drive (Cambridge), to the Massachusetts Avenue Bridge, to the pedestrian ramp and back to the Esplanade.
To accommodate the event, temporary “Tow Zone, No Stopping” parking regulations will be in effect as follows.
Arlington Street, Public Garden side, from Beacon Street to the inbound side of Commonwealth Avenue
Beacon street, even numbered side, from the end of building #712 to Mountfort Street, including parking meters #FF031 – FF052.
The Dorchester Day Parade will begin at 1 PM on Sunday, June 3 on Dorchester Avenue at Adams Street in Lower Mills and travel Dorchester Avenue to Columbia Road. This portion of Dorchester Avenue will be closed to vehicular traffic prior to 10 AM. In addition, temporary “Tow Zone, No Stopping” parking regulations will be in effect as follows.
Dorchester Avenue, from Pierce Square to Columbia Road
Adams Street, from Pierce Square heading south to the Milton Line
Richmond Street, from Morton Street to Adams Street
Butler Street, from Adams Street to Richmond Street.
The 17th Annual Corrib Classic 5K Road Race will begin at Noon on Sunday, June 3. An estimated 1,700 runners will start at Billings Field on Lagrange Street, turning right onto the West Roxbury Parkway, right onto Corey Street, left onto Weld Street, right onto Maple Street, right onto Centre Street, left onto Bellevue Street, right onto Howitt Street, right onto Lagrange Street and back to Billings Field.
The Annual Project D.E.E.P. 5K Road Race will also begin at Noon on Sunday, June 3. An estimated 300 runners will begin at the Blarney Stone at 1509 Dorchester Avenue, proceed outbound toward Lower Mills, turn around just before Mother Julia Road and return to the starting location.
MEDIA AVAILABILITY / PHOTO OPPORTUNITY:
A DAY TO REMEMBER: Boston Police Relief Association Memorial Service
WHO: Mayor Thomas M. Menino, Police Commissioner Edward Davis, Superintendent-In-Chief Daniel Linskey, Superintendent William Evans, Boston Police Relief Association President Richard Sexton, Reverend John Connolly, Grand Rabbi Y.A. Korff, the Boston Police Gaelic Column & Honor Guard.
WHAT: This annual memorial service remembers and honors deceased members of the Boston Police Department. The event includes a procession to the Boston Police Relief Association memorial, as well as, a mass celebrated by Reverend John Connolly and an Ecumenical memorial service invocation given by Grand Rabbi Korff. The Boston Police Department’s Honor Guard and Gaelic Column will be present. The Boston Police Relief Association was organized on January 13, 1871 and incorporated in 1876. The Relief Association acts as a fraternal benefit association for the Boston Police Department.
WHERE: Mount Hope Cemetery main entrance, 355 Walk Hill Street, Mattapan.
WHEN: Sunday, June 3, 2012 @ 10:00am.
The Family of a Fallen Police Officer Says Thank You
Ceremony for Officer John Gallagher
On Friday, May 25, 2012, the Boston Police Department gathered to lay a wreath in remembrance of Officer John Gallagher, an officer killed in the line of duty confronting an armed suspect 50 years ago. John’s daughters, Anne & Mary, were able to attend the ceremony. After the ceremony, Anne drafted the enclosed letter of appreciation:
Dear Officers of the Boston Police Department,
Words cannot express the gratitude Mary, John, and I feel for your most gracious tribute to our dad on Friday May 25, 2012 in Kenmore Square. John is currently living and working in London, but we told him about the ceremony and sent him the news pieces that were available online.
We were deeply moved by all of the day’s events, but it was especially poignant to see so many Officers at the ceremony, the Color Guard, and the Piper, Joe Cheevers. It was a profound moment when every one of you removed your hats and stood in silence in memory of him.
Our mom passed away in May 2010, but I do believe mom and dad were smiling down on all of us in Kenmore Square that day.
We will always remember and cherish your dignified presence and tribute to our dad.
God bless you and your families. Be well, stay safe.
With warmest regards and appreciation,
Anne, Mary (O’Donnell), and John Gallagher
‘Coffee with the Cops’ a Big Hit in Hyde Park
Coffee with the Cops
Who doesn’t like a cup of coffee??? The Boston Police Department would like to extend their thanks and appreciation to Raymond Santos from Ethos, the officers assigned to the District E-18 (Hyde Park) Community Service Office, District Attorney Dan Conley’s Office and Suffolk County Sheriff Andrea J. Cabral’s Office for putting together the first ever ‘Coffee with the Cops’ initiative where representatives from all the aforementioned agencies sat down with members of the elderly community to answer questions and discuss issues related to several public safety issues, as well as, the services provided by their agencies. The event was well conceived and received. Today (May 31, 2012) Chief Dan Linskey, Carolyn MacNeil & Superintendent Bill Evans presented Ray and Officer Moscaritolo a plaque of appreciation.