Boston Police Department (BPD) Sergeant Steven Moy, in attendance on behalf of Captain Fong, provided a police report at the September Wharf District Council (WDC) meeting.
There have been twelve reported incidents, nine occurring in the vicinity of The Black Rose and Coogan’s. A suspected group of drug dealers have been observed around McKinley Square late at night, potentially looking to sell and then heading to local bars where they become unruly. This uptick of activity in the area has prompted increased vigilance.
Four arrests have been made, with one involving an altercation between two individuals which resulted in an injury from a facial laceration. Three incidents of breaking and entering in residential properties were recorded along Batterymarch St. and India Row, with one case involving a victim’s TV being found face-down, but with no items stolen from the premises. Additional vehicular patrols and plain-clothes officers have been dispatched accordingly.
Chris Fincham asked if any progress had been made in identifying and neutralizing drug suppliers. Sergeant Moy responded by citing a sweep conducted in Downtown Crossing over the summer which netted 30 arrests. Many of those arrested in the sweep were suspected of trafficking in heroin and marijuana.
Dealing with increased homelessness as well as drug use within certain segments of the homeless population formed the second part of the report.
Sergeant Moy spoke about engagement and outreach efforts underway, particularly with those individuals combatting substance abuse. Stating that between the growing rate of addiction, the effects of displacement, and other factors, BPD is aware of the issue and is working closely with Jim Greene, Director of Emergency Shelters for the Boston Public Health Commission and other organizations to offer resources, admitting that: “ultimately treatment is the goal, but it’s also up to the individual.”
Joanne Hayes-Rines from the Friends of Christopher Columbus Park (FOCCP) reported homeless groups using “do it yourself heroin kits” in the rose garden of Christopher Columbus Park late at night. She urged the BPD to do everything possible to ensure the wellbeing of park workers, FOCCP volunteers and visitors, commenting further: “This is a Citywide issue, not an academic one.” Many WDC members echoed these sentiments, concerned about the overall level of safety in public spaces.
Feedback on response times from 911 and 311 services rounded out the report. For the latest Police Blotter, click here.
Yes they were arrested and charged, but will they be prosecuted?
Thank you for the comment. Will follow up on this!
I have a question for the Police Blotter or who ever else can answer this please. Why doesn’t everything make this page? There was a body taking out of 15 Sheafe Street on Sunday, 9/22 at around 3:30 am. I haven’t heard anything about this either on here or the news.
Can someone please inform me as to what happened? I live on Sheafe Street and I’d like to know what happened.
Thank you!
Kim-I heard it was someone who lived alone that overdosed. Wasn’t discovered until several day later when neighbors reported the smell. Didn’t make it into the Police Blotter because there was no evidence of foul play.
Hi Dan G, thank you for your information but I think you are referring to the death on Endicott Street, not Sheafe St. This person did not live alone.
Thanks again.
While we’re on the subject of news not being made public. On Monday a student from the Elliot school was pricked by a needle in a flower planter in the Prado. Several TV stations reported the incident.
That story appeared on this website last week.
Anon, I saw it on the news on Monday and obviously missed it on this site. My error.