BPD Photo of the Day: Historic Gifts Donated to Boston Police Department

Today, Wednesday, December 28, 2016, Father Robert Kennedy presented the Boston Police Department with the helmet and baton that belonged to his grandfather, Patrolman James Kennedy, who was one of the more than 1100 patrolmen who went on strike on September 9, 1919 in what would become the largest police strike in United States history. Patrolman Kennedy’s son Vincent Kennedy and his grandson William Kennedy would later go on to become Boston police officers in his footsteps. Father Kennedy is now a senior priest, having served nearly 50 years as a pastor including time in South Boston and East Boston, and he continues to have strong ties to the Boston Police Department.

On hand to accept the helmet and baton were Boston Police Chief William Gross, BPD Historian Officer Robert Anthony, and BPD Archivist Margaret Sullivan. Thank you, Father Kennedy, for this historic gift.

UPDATE: Victim Identified in Death Investigation in the Area of 99 Airport Way, East Boston

 

At about 10:45 PM on Saturday, December 24, 2016, officers from District A-7 (East Boston) responded to a radio call for a found body in the area of 99 Airport Way, East Boston.

Upon arrival, officers observed a male victim that appeared to be in his late teens suffering from apparent stab wounds. The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene. The victim has since been identified as 18-year-old Luis Fernando Orellano Ruano of Central America.

The Boston Police Department is actively reviewing the facts and circumstances surrounding this incident. Anyone with information is asked to call the Homicide Unit 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.

BPD in the News: Boston Globe Highlights Homicide Unit Overhaul and Clearance Rate Increase

Thank you to Evan Allen and Jan Ransom of the Boston Globe for highlighting the increasing number of cases cleared by the BPD Homicide Unit over the past four years. In 2012, due to a study conducted from 2007 to 2011 by Anthony Braga and other researchers from Northeastern University, the unit received additional resources, training, and personnel in attempts to provide the detectives with the tools they needed to clear more cases. The new, bolstered Homicide Unit has responded with positive results, yielding a 10% increase in homicide clearance rates in 2012 to 2014 in comparison to the previous four years. For the entire article, click on the link below:

http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2016/12/26/report-boston-homicide-unit-overhaul-improved-murder-clearance-rate/UgS9z1WYoyRG6Ci92Qov7J/story.html?s_campaign=bostonglobe%3Asocialflow%3Atwitter

HAPPY HOLIDAYS, BOSTON!

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and blessed holidays to the citizens of Boston! Thank you to the fine people of our communities and neighborhoods for making this the best city to live, work, and visit this holiday season. We'd also like to thank all the police officers, fire fighters, EMTs, and other first responders out there sacrificing time with their families today in order to keep the wonderful people of Boston safe today and every day. May you all have a safe and merry holiday!

Death Investigation in the Area of 99 Airport Way, East Boston

 

At about 10:45 PM on Saturday, December 24, 2016, officers from District A-7 (East Boston) responded to a radio call for a found body in the area of 99 Airport Way, East Boston.

Upon arrival, officers observed a male victim that appeared to be in his late teens suffering from apparent stab wounds. The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The Boston Police Department is actively reviewing the facts and circumstances surrounding this incident. Anyone with information is asked to call the Homicide Unit 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.

One Less Gun: Combative Suspect Taken into Custody, Firearm Recovered After Shots Fired in Dorchester

                                                                      File Photograph

At about 5:50 PM on Friday December 23, 2016, officers assigned to District B-2 (Roxbury) along with officers from the BPD Special Operations Unit made an onsite firearm arrest after responding to a call for shots fired in the area of 45 Brookledge Street in Dorchester.  Witnesses reported seeing a male suspect, later identified as William Utley, 37, of Dorchester, firing a handgun in the area.  While there were no reported injuries or damage to personal property as a result, officers did locate ballistic evidence on scene.  The suspect then fled on foot and was observed walking into the backyard of 31 Brookledge Street.  An officer observed a person matching the suspect description sitting on a wall with a second individual in front of the address and approached to speak with them.  Given the nature of the call and the fact that he was outnumbered, the officer had his department issued firearm drawn and immediately began to give the men verbal commands to show their hands and get on the ground.  The two men did not comply and instead began to yell at the officer, “You show me your hands and get the ‘expletive’ on the ground!” while advancing on the officer with their hands out of his sight.  The suspect then rushed towards the officer who responded by pushing the suspect back with his left hand to create distance while maintaining control of his weapon with his right hand.  As the suspect began to advance toward the primary officer again, officers from Special Operations who had arrived on scene were able to take the suspect to the ground.  As the officers struggled to handcuff the combative suspect, a magazine loaded with .45 caliber ammunition fell from the suspect’s pocket.  Once the suspect was in custody, officers checked the backyard of the address where they recovered a .45 caliber Colt MK IV Series 80 Combat Commander handgun which had been discarded by the suspect.  It was later revealed that the firearm had previously been reported stolen out of Goffstown, New Hampshire.  The second individual who had been with the suspect was identified, questioned and released from the scene.  The suspect will be arraigned in Roxbury District Court on charges of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, Unlawful Possession of Ammunition, Carrying a Loaded Firearm, Discharging a Firearm within 500 Feet of a Dwelling, Armed Career Criminal (Level 2), Resisting Arrest and Receiving Stolen Property.

Keeping Boston Safe: Search Warrant Execution Leads to Arrest After Recovery of Loaded Firearm in Dorchester

At about 12:45 PM on Thursday December 22, 2016, officers assigned to the City Wide Drug Control Unit in a coordinated effort with members of the District B-2 (Roxbury) Drug Unit executed a search warrant in the area of 137 Woodrow Avenue in Dorchester.  As a result, a loaded 9mm Taurus Millennium G2 PT 111 handgun was recovered and the target of the investigation, Armany Veras-Grullon, 20, of Dorchester, was placed in custody without incident.  The suspect will appear in Dorchester District Court on charges of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, Unlawful Possession of Ammunition, Possession of a High Capacity Feeding Device and Violation of Parole or Probation.  

Boston 24 and Public Journal for Friday December 23, 2016

Data includes 24 HR PERIOD beginning Thursday @ 10AM through Friday @ 10AM

Homicides: 0
Nonfatal Shootings: 1
Nonfatal Stabbings: 2

Street Robberies: 3
Commercial Robberies: 3
Bank Robberies: 2
Other Robberies: 2

Vehicle Thefts: 0
Vehicle Recoveries: 1
Vehicle Breaks: 3

Residential Break-ins: 6
Commercial Break-ins: 0

Click here for Public Journal

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.

One Less Gun: Juvenile Suspect in Custody After Fight Call Leads to Traffic Stop and Recovery of Loaded Firearm in Roxbury

At about 11:36 AM on Thursday December 22, 2016, officers assigned to the Youth Violence Strike Force arrested a juvenile suspect on firearm related charges in the area of Tremont Street and Columbus Avenue in Roxbury.  The officers were on random patrol when they heard a broadcast for a fight involving six or seven people near Fenway High School on Allegany Street in Roxbury.  One of the parties involved had displayed a firearm before getting into the back of a car and fleeing the scene.  The officers observed the suspect vehicle a short time later and stopped it in the area of the Roxbury Crossing MBTA Station on Tremont Street.  As the officers approached the vehicle, they observed the rear passenger, later identified as a 17 year old juvenile male from Dorchester, reaching under the seat in front of him several times in a suspicious manner.  The officers could also see that the individual appeared to have minor facial injuries and that his clothes were wet and covered in dirt.  When the officers asked him what had happened he replied, “I was just in a fight, and that’s it.”  Officers removed the suspect and conducted a pat frisk of the vehicle and the occupants which led to the recovery of a loaded .38 caliber Smith & Wesson Model 36 revolver from underneath the front passenger seat where the suspect had been observed reaching down.   The suspect was then placed in custody without incident.  The suspect will appear in Roxbury District Court on charges of Delinquent to Wit:  Unlawful Possession of a Firearm and Unlawful Possession of Ammunition.

UPDATE: BPD Fugitive Unit Arrests Suspect in Connection to August 2016 Murder of Jeffrey Kelly

 

Today, Thursday, December 22, 2016, members of the Boston Police Fugitive Apprehension Unit placed 28-year-old Amos Carrasquillo of Dorchester under arrest at Federal Court for the murder of Jeffrey Kelly that occurred on August 27, 2016 in the area of 454 Centre Street, Jamaica Plain.

At about 3:33 AM on Saturday, August 27, 2016, officers assigned to District E-13 (Jamaica Plain) responded to a call for a person shot in the area of 454 Centre Street in Jamaica Plain. On arrival officers located a male victim suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. The victim was taken to an area hospital and later pronounced deceased. The victim was identified as Jeffrey Kelly, 28, of Boston.

Said Commissioner William Evans, “Today’s arrest, along with the apprehension of three murder suspects last week, illustrate the Boston Police Department’s dedication to bringing these suspects to justice. We understand the importance of finding and prosecuting suspects quickly, and we hope it can bring some amount of closure and peace for the victim’s loved ones.”

Suspect Arrested for Throwing Bricks at Officer's Cruiser

 

At about 8:15 AM this morning, Thursday, December 22, 2016, while responding to a radio call an officer from District D-4 (South End) came under attack by an unknown male in the area of 10 Reynolds Way in the South End.

While driving in her cruiser, an officer heard a loud bang on the back window of her cruiser. The officer observed an unknown male near the rear of the vehicle. When the officer pulled a U-turn to investigate, the male, now holding a brick, threw the brick at the windshield of the vehicle. A second officer who had observed the attack, moved in behind the suspect and was able to apprehend him from behind. During the apprehension, the second officer suffered minor injuries. The suspect, 24-year-old Jonathan Andujar of Boston, was arrested and charged with Assault and Battery by Means of a Dangerous Weapon on a Police Officer and Malicious Destruction of Property. The suspect’s motive is unknown at this time.

Said Commissioner William Evans, “These are the types of incidents that my officers deal with on a daily basis. Even with all the training and preparation that we undergo, no one can fully be prepared for these unprovoked and unwarranted attacks. I’m proud that these officers were able to deescalate the situation quickly, but I'm disappointed that this individual put them in a position that jeopardized their safety and the community's."

True Meaning of Christmas on Full Display at this Year’s Shop with a Cop

True Meaning of Christmas on Full Display at this Year’s Shop with a Cop: For the 8th year in a row, officers from all over the city made their way to the Target in Dorchester to participate in Shop with a Cop. As in year’s past, cops and kids from neighborhoods all over Boston were paired up for an evening filled with friendship, fun, and Christmas shopping. The kids don’t spend a dime, everything is paid for, and it’s an event our officers wouldn’t miss for the world. In fact, ask any one of our officers and they’ll tell you that Shop with a Cop is hands down one of the best community events of the year. When asked to describe what makes the event so special, our officers immediately pointed to the goodness of the kids and their willingness to think of others. It’s no secret that many of the kids participating in Shop with a Cop come from households where funds are tight and Christmas lists curbed. But when given the chance to shop for themselves, the majority of the kids attending this year’s Shop with a Cop, as witnessed by our officers, chose - instead - to shop for others. Time and time again, kids were asked the question every young kid yearns to hear: “What do you want for Christmas?” And, time and time again, kids asked if it would be okay to use the gift card to shop for others. Time and time again, kids thought of little sisters, brothers, mothers, and fathers. One kid wanted to use his gift card to buy groceries for his family. Another wanted to buy clothes for a little sister. Another wanted to buy perfume for his mother. Another wanted to buy a sweater and a pair of socks for a brother. And, time and time again, our officers reassuringly went along with the plan and then quickly reached into their own pockets and said to one incredibly thoughtful child after another, “Okay, now let’s get something for you.” The spirit of Christmas was most assuredly on display at the Target Store in Dorchester this past Monday night. And our officers would be the first to acknowledge that they most certainly received as much, if not more, than they gave.

UPDATE: BPD Officers Arrest Suspect Wanted in Connection to North End Stabbing

 

BPD Officers Arrest Suspect Wanted in Connection to North End Stabbing: At about 1:36pm, on Tuesday, December 20, 2016, officers from District A-1 (Downtown) responded to a call for a person stabbed inside 185 Fulton Street. On arrival, officers located a male victim suffering from an apparent stab wound. The victim, suffering life threatening injuries, was transported to an area hospital for further treatment. The victim is expected to survive his injuries. As a result of information gathered at the scene, investigators were able to ascertain the identity of the person wanted in connection to the stabbing. Earlier today, at about 1:20pm, Wednesday, December 21, 2016, members of the Boston Police Fugitive Apprehension Unit, Massachusetts State Police, Metro VFAS and Revere Police located and apprehended the suspect in Revere. The suspect, Anthony Spinelli, 44, of Leominster, will be charged with Armed Assault with Intent to Murder. 

Community Alert: BPD Warns Back Bay and Downtown Business Owners of Crook Posing as HVAC Worker

The Boston Police are advising local business owners and employees in the Back Bay and Downtown areas to be aware of a suspect posing as an HVAC worker in order to gain access to employee break rooms, offices, and storage areas where he then steals wallets and other personal belongings. The suspect is described as a white male, about 6’00” tall, approximately 185 pounds with a thin to medium build. Detectives believe this suspect may be connected to almost 20 incidents in the area and advise local business owners and employees to ask for identification from any service personnel requesting access to private or secure rooms in their establishments. They also advise to confirm that a call for service has been made before allowing such access.

Boston Police are actively investigating the facts and circumstances of these incidents. Anyone with information is asked to contact District A-1 Detectives at (617) 343-4248 or District D-4 Detectives at (617)343-5619.

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 all those who wish to help this investigation in an anonymous manner.

Community Alert: The Boston Police Department is Seeking the Public’s Help to Identify an Individual in Relation to an Ongoing Criminal Investigation

The Boston Police Department is looking to identify the individual pictured above in relation to an ongoing criminal investigation.  Anyone with information is asked to contact CrimeStoppers at (617) 343-4826.

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 all those who wish to help this investigation in an anonymous manner.

Officers and EMTs Bring Smiles to Children's Faces at 8th Annual "Shop with a Cop" Event

Last night, Monday, December 19, 2016, Boston police officers collaborated with several other area police and first responder agencies to bring Boston neighborhood children PAL’s 8th Annual Heroes and Helpers “Shop with a Cop” event. Over 300 children were paired with one of Santa’s helpers (an officer or EMT) and were able to pick out a special present thanks to funds donated by the Mayor, Target, PAL, the Kaitlyn Keaney Foundation and the Boston Police Department and Transit Police collective bargaining organizations. Some officers even went above and beyond, taking hundreds of dollars from their own pockets to give the kids a Christmas experience they’ll never forget! 

Daily Dose of Great Police Work: Two Off-Duty Officers Team Up to Subdue Out-of-Control Male at Home Depot in West Roxbury

 

At about 4:30 PM on Sunday, December 18, 2016, officers assigned to District E-5 (West Roxbury) responded to assist an off-duty Boston Police Officer with an out of control subject at the Home Depot located at 1213 VFW Parkway.

The officer, a 12-year-veteran of the department currently assigned to the City Wide Bicycle Unit, entered the store and immediately heard the sound of a disturbance. The officer observed a 55-year-old male from Roslindale yelling and screaming while throwing items on the floor.  A second off-duty officer from a separate agency who had identified himself to the distraught man was talking to him while trying to deescalate the situation. Without warning or provocation, the male subject suddenly punched the second off-duty officer in the face. The off-duty BPD officer then engaged the subject and identified himself as an officer too, at which time the man replied, “[Expletive] you.” The subject then became more aggressive, trying to strike other customers who had gathered around the disturbance. Through their combined efforts, the two officers were eventually able to take control of the disturbed individual until additional units arrived to assist. The male subject was secured and transported to an area hospital for treatment and evaluation. The off-duty Boston Police Officer sustained minor injuries during the incident and has since been treated and released. No charges have been filed at this time against the individual. 

Death Investigation in the Area of 7 Fayston Street, Dorchester

 

At about 12:50 AM on Tuesday, December 20, 2016, officers from District B-2 (Roxbury) responded to a radio call for a person stabbed in the area of 7 Fayston Street, Dorchester.

Upon arrival, officers observed a female victim in her 30's suffering from apparent stab wounds. The victim was transported to Boston Medical Center where she was pronounced deceased. Officers at the scene arrested the suspect, 47-year-old Elba Morales of Dorchester, and charged her with Murder. Morales will be arraigned at Dorchester District Court.

The Boston Police Department is actively reviewing the facts and circumstances surrounding this incident. Anyone with information is asked to call the Homicide Unit 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.

One Less Gun: Officers Arrest Known Suspect Carrying Loaded Firearm After Violent Struggle in West Roxbury

At about 1:45 PM on Monday December 19, 2016, officers assigned to the Youth Violence Strike Force made an onsite firearm arrest as part of an active and ongoing investigation in the area of 2000 Centre Street in West Roxbury.  The officers were aware that John Silva, 23, of West Roxbury, who was known to them, was in possession of a loaded firearm.  When the officers located the suspect and began to perform a pat frisk, a violent struggle ensued as the suspect made numerous attempts to reach towards the waistband area of his pants.  As they fought to gain control of the combative suspect, an officer indicated that he could feel a firearm in the suspect’s pants.  With the assistance of an officer working a paid detail nearby who ran over to help, the suspect was eventually placed in custody and a loaded .380 caliber Cobra Enterprises CA-380 handgun (pictured above) was safely recovered.  The suspect will appear in West Roxbury District Court on charges of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, Unlawful Possession of Ammunition, Carrying a Loaded Firearm, Assault & Battery on a Police Officer and Resisting Arrest.

Thank You For Thanking Us: Students from Dorchester Area Parishes Send a Message of Thanks to Commissioner Evans and the Boston Police Department

Last week, on Tuesday December 13, 2016, Father John Currie stopped by Boston Police Headquarters to deliver a message of thanks on behalf of students from area parishes in Dorchester.  Father Currie presented Commissioner Evans with posters which were signed by children from Saint Peters, Saint Teresa of Calcutta, Holy Family and Saint John Paul II parishes as well as a beautiful cake which simply stated, “Thank You BPD.”  To Father Currie and all of the thoughtful young people who took time to share their gratitude we say, thank you for thanking us.