Joint Boston Police Department and Boston Public Schools Statement Regarding Investigation of Suspicious Letters Sent to Several Boston Public Schools
Today, several different Boston Public Schools received suspicious letters that contain some threatening and disturbing content. Our schools have strong protocols in place to isolate suspicious letters and immediately notified the Boston Police. BPD is investigating the matter and has determined there are no substances contained in the letters. The letters, addressed to public schools in different areas of the city, all appear to be the same and are all postmarked from Texas.
Boston Police are collecting the letters and will investigate the source. We do not know of any credible threat to our schools. We are working with the JTTF and are processing the letters. School officials are isolating any letters with a Texas address and are contacting the police for pick up. To ensure families are aware, BPS has contacted all families through its automated phone message system.
Out of an abundance of caution, parents and students can expect to see an increased security presence in and around public schools. While we remain vigilant and are taking appropriate action, we reiterate there is no credible physical threat and the letters did not contain any substances. The safety of our students and school personnel is our top priority. We will update you on the investigation as information becomes available.
Thank you for your cooperation
Death Investigation in the Area of 633 Cummins Highway
At about 11:50 PM, Wednesday, June 05, 2013, officers from district E-18 (Hyde Park) responded to a radio call for a person shot in the area of 633 Cummins Highway
On arrival, officers observed the male victim, in his 20’s, suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. The victim was transported to Faulkner Hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.
Homicide detectives are actively investigating the facts and circumstances surrounding this incident. Anyone with information is encouraged to call detectives at (617) 343-4470.
Community members wishing to assist this investigation anonymously can do so by calling the CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 1(800) 494-TIPS or by texting the word ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463). The Boston Police Department will stringently guard and protect the identities of those who wish to help this investigation anonymously.
Community Alert: Boston Police Investigate Soliciting Scam in the Back Bay
About 6:28 PM, Tuesday, May 05th 2013, officers from district D-4 (South End) were on patrol in the area of Exeter Street and Commonwealth Ave. Due to several citizen complaints, officers were informed that a suspicious male was falsely representing himself as a member of the USO with superimposed photos of himself and a false USO Identification Card. The suspect has been soliciting funds for personal use under the guise of donations to US troops. The suspect has been known to carry a tin can covered with American flags and is frequently seen in the Back Bay area. The suspect is know to police for having solicited under false pretenses in the past.
The Boston Police Department is actively investigating facts and circumstances surrounding this incident. Anyone with information is asked to call District D-4 (South End) detectives at 617-343- 4683.
Community members wishing to assist this investigation anonymously can do so by calling CrimeStoppers at 1(800) 494-TIPS or by texting the word ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463). The Boston Police Department will stringently guard and protect the identities of those wishing to remain anonymous.
Boston 24: Data from Tuesday @ 10AM through Wednesday @ 10AM
Homicides: 0
Nonfatal Shootings: 0
Nonfatal Stabbings: 0
Street Robberies: 6
Commercial Robberies: 0
Bank Robberies: 0
Other Robberies: 1
Vehicle Thefts: 4
Vehicle Recoveries: 9
Vehicle Breaks: 13
Residential Break-ins: 6
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.
UPDATE: Boston Police Release NEW Video of Individual Wanted for Questioning in Connection to One of the Beacon Hill Sexual Assaults
The Boston Police Department is asking community members who may recognize the individual seen in the enclosed video to help identify him. The individual seen in the video (at the top of the screen) is wanted for questioning in connection to the sexual assault which occurred on Thursday, May 30, 2013.
At about 2:15pm, on Thursday, May 30, 2013, officers responded to a call for a sexual assault in the area of Anderson Street. According to the victim, the suspect approached her from behind and groped her. The victim further states that she yelled for help and, upon doing so, the suspect fled along Anderson Street towards Phillips Street.
The suspect is described as a white male, early 20’s, about 5’8” in height, thin build, approximately 150 lbs, fair skin, dark hair and dark eyes, wearing a black or gray flat-brimmed cap, black shirt and believed to be wearing long shorts and sneakers.
Investigators are actively investigating the facts and circumstances surrounding these incidents. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Boston Police Sexual Assault Unit at (617) 343-4400. Community members wanting to assist this investigation anonymously are encouraged to call the CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 1-800-494-TIPS or text the word ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463). The Boston Police Department stringently guards and protects the identities of community members who wish to aid investigation anonymously.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of a sexual assault and is in need of helpful resources or someone to talk to, please contact the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center 24 hour hotline at 1 (800) 841-8371.
Women walking alone in the area should observe the following safety tips:
• Always be aware of your surroundings especially at night. When parking 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 all 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 for help.
• Yelling “Fire!” “Help!” and/or “Rape!” are all ways of getting attention and getting help.
• Hold your car keys in your hand to use as a weapon against an attacker.
• Call ahead to your destination to let them know that you’re on the way. Be sure they know when to expect you so, in the event you fail to show up, they’ll know to begin looking for you.
• Trust your instincts and realize this: anyone can be a victim of crime. Don’t ever assume, “IT WILL NEVER HAPPEN TO ME.”
• If a n 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.
Update: Identity Released in Police Involved Shooting
At about 1:49am on Sunday, June 2, 2013, officers from B-3(Mattapan) responded to a call for shots fired in the area of 76 Willowwood Street, Dorchester. Officers had also responded to this location earlier for shots fired at 1:24am.
Witnesses still on scene at a party told officers a male had a firearm and was shooting. Officers approached the suspect who was in his motor vehicle. During the confrontation, the suspect fired at officers, who returned fire. The suspect was shot and was pronounced deceased at Boston Medical Center. He has been identified as Ross Batista, 38, of Roxbury.
The incident is being investigated by the Suffolk County District Attorney’s office and Boston Police Department Internal Affairs Unit.
Community members wishing to assist this investigation anonymously can do so by calling the CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 1(800) 494-TIPS or by texting the word ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463). The Boston Police Department will stringently guard and protect the identities of those who wish to help this investigation anonymously.
UPDATE: Boston Police Release Video of Individual Wanted for Questioning in Connection to One of the Beacon Hill Sexual Assaults
The Boston Police Department is asking community members who may recognize the individual seen in the enclosed video to help identify him. The individual seen in the video (at the top of the screen) is wanted for questioning in connection to the sexual assault which occurred on Thursday, May 30, 2013.
At about 2:15pm, on Thursday, May 30, 2013, officers responded to a call for a sexual assault in the area of Anderson Street. According to the victim, the suspect approached her from behind and groped her. The victim further states that she yelled for help and, upon doing so, the suspect fled along Anderson Street towards Phillips Street.
The suspect is described as a white male, early 20’s, about 5’8” in height, thin build, approximately 150 lbs, fair skin, dark hair and dark eyes, wearing a black or gray flat-brimmed cap, black shirt and believed to be wearing long shorts and sneakers.
Investigators are actively investigating the facts and circumstances surrounding these incidents. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Boston Police Sexual Assault Unit at (617) 343-4400. Community members wanting to assist this investigation anonymously are encouraged to call the CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 1-800-494-TIPS or text the word ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463). The Boston Police Department stringently guards and protects the identities of community members who wish to aid investigation anonymously.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of a sexual assault and is in need of helpful resources or someone to talk to, please contact the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center 24 hour hotline at 1 (800) 841-8371.
Women walking alone in the area should observe the following safety tips:
• Always be aware of your surroundings especially at night. When parking 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 all 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 for help.
• Yelling “Fire!” “Help!” and/or “Rape!” are all ways of getting attention and getting help.
• Hold your car keys in your hand to use as a weapon against an attacker.
• Call ahead to your destination to let them know that you’re on the way. Be sure they know when to expect you so, in the event you fail to show up, they’ll know to begin looking for you.
• Trust your instincts and realize this: anyone can be a victim of crime. Don’t ever assume, “IT WILL NEVER HAPPEN TO ME.”
• If a n 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.
Boston 24: Data from Friday @ 10AM through Monday @ 10AM
Homicides: 1
Nonfatal Shootings: 4
Nonfatal Stabbings: 3
Street Robberies: 13
Commercial Robberies: 1
Bank Robberies: 0
Other Robberies: 0
Vehicle Thefts: 11
Vehicle Recoveries: 7
Vehicle Breaks: 25
Residential Break-ins: 16
Commercial Break-ins: 2
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.
UPDATE: Missing Person Found.
Calvin Sanders, 79 has been found safe.
Name: Calvin Sanders
Sex: Male
Age: 79
Race/Ethnicity: Black
Height: 5’10”
Build: Slim
Eyes: Brown
Hair: Bald
Last Known Location: in the area of 66 Pleasant St., Dorchester.
Clothing Description: White t-shirt and khaki pants. May also have a white table cloth draped around him.
Additional Information: Mr. Sanders has dementia, diabetes and a colostomy bag, he may also walk with a slight limp.
Anyone with information is advised to contact Detectives at District C-11 (Dorchester) at (617) 343-4335.
Community members wishing to remain anonymous may do so by calling CrimeStoppers at 1-800-494-TIPS or by texting the word “TIP” to CRIME (27463).
UPDATE: Victim Identified in the Death Investigation in the area of Columbus Ave & Washington Street
At about 3:21pm, on Saturday, June 1, 2013, officers from District E-13 (Jamaica Plain) responded to a call for two people shot in the area of Columbus Ave & Washington Street. On arrival, officers located two victims suffering from what appeared to be gunshot wounds. One of the victims, a female in her early twenties, was pronounced deceased at the scene while the other victim, a male victim in his early twenties, was transported to the Boston Medical Center where he was treated for non-life threatening injuries. The female victim has been identified as Brianna Bigby, 23, of Boston.
Boston Police Homicide detectives are actively investigating the facts and circumstances surrounding this incident. Anyone with information is encouraged to call detectives at (617) 343-4470.
Community members wishing to assist this investigation anonymously can do so by calling the CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 1(800) 494-TIPS or by texting the word ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463). The Boston Police Department will stringently guard and protect the identities of those who wish to help this investigation anonymously.