I would like to first take this opportunity to extend my sympathy to David Woodman’s family and friends, the officers involved, and all the emergency personnel who responded to this most unfortunate incident. As a father, I can’t imagine the grief his family is suffering and express my deepest sympathy to them.The Boston Police Homicide Unit in conjunction with the Suffolk County District Attorney’s office will conduct a thorough and exhaustive investigation into David’s death. The Boston Police Internal Affairs Division is also conducting an investigation.
I am committed to an impartial and transparent review of this incident.
At this time, investigators are awaiting Mr. Woodman’s autopsy results to determine the cause and manner of his death.
As has been reported, on June 18, 2008 at about 12:47am, officers were assigned to Brookline Avenue and the Fenway area to monitor pedestrian and vehicle traffic after the Celtic’s victory.
Officers observed an individual, crossing the street with a group of four others, drinking from an open container of what was believed to be alcohol.
Officers attempted to conduct an inquiry when the suspect attempted to flee. He was quickly stopped by the officers. The suspect began struggling as they handcuffed him.
At some point, officers realized that he was in medical distress; they released him from handcuffs and they immediately began to administer CPR, while summonsing EMS to that location.
An officer also flagged down a passing private ambulance which took over emergency CPR. He was then rushed to Beth Israel Medical Center.
While our investigation is still preliminary, it appears, from the evidence we have reviewed thus far, that officers did not use excessive force. That is based upon interviews conducted with officers and witnesses. We know that no OC spray or batons were used.
As with every internal investigation, we will review the use of the system to determine whether actions taken that night were consistent with Department training, rules and procedures.
Our Department will continue to protect our City against the actions of individuals who are either unable, or unwilling, to celebrate in a lawful and manner. It is our duty to maintain public order as we work cooperatively with fellow agencies to maintain a peaceful post-celebration. We utilize our unified command center and closely monitor crowd control.
It is devastating to the department and our city when tragedy occurs on a night intended for celebration.
The officers involved in this incident are saddened by David’s death. Several of them went to the hospital to be treated for stress-related issues immediately following. They have all since returned to full active duty.
Again, on behalf of the Boston Police Department, I extend to the Woodman family our deepest and most sincere condolences.

I would like to first take this opportunity to extend my sympathy to David Woodman’s family and friends, the officers involved, and all the emergency personnel who responded to this most unfortunate incident. As a father, I can’t imagine the grief his family is suffering and express my deepest sympathy to them.The Boston Police Homicide Unit in conjunction with the Suffolk County District Attorney’s office will conduct a thorough and exhaustive investigation into David’s death. The Boston Police Internal Affairs Division is also conducting an investigation.
I am committed to an impartial and transparent review of this incident.
At this time, investigators are awaiting Mr. Woodman’s autopsy results to determine the cause and manner of his death.
As has been reported, on June 18, 2008 at about 12:47am, officers were assigned to Brookline Avenue and the Fenway area to monitor pedestrian and vehicle traffic after the Celtic’s victory.
Officers observed an individual, crossing the street with a group of four others, drinking from an open container of what was believed to be alcohol.
Officers attempted to conduct an inquiry when the suspect attempted to flee. He was quickly stopped by the officers. The suspect began struggling as they handcuffed him.
At some point, officers realized that he was in medical distress; they released him from handcuffs and they immediately began to administer CPR, while summonsing EMS to that location.
An officer also flagged down a passing private ambulance which took over emergency CPR. He was then rushed to Beth Israel Medical Center.
While our investigation is still preliminary, it appears, from the evidence we have reviewed thus far, that officers did not use excessive force. That is based upon interviews conducted with officers and witnesses. We know that no OC spray or batons were used.
As with every internal investigation, we will review the use of the system to determine whether actions taken that night were consistent with Department training, rules and procedures.
Our Department will continue to protect our City against the actions of individuals who are either unable, or unwilling, to celebrate in a lawful and manner. It is our duty to maintain public order as we work cooperatively with fellow agencies to maintain a peaceful post-celebration. We utilize our unified command center and closely monitor crowd control.
It is devastating to the department and our city when tragedy occurs on a night intended for celebration.
The officers involved in this incident are saddened by David’s death. Several of them went to the hospital to be treated for stress-related issues immediately following. They have all since returned to full active duty.
Again, on behalf of the Boston Police Department, I extend to the Woodman family our deepest and most sincere condolences.