POLICE ARREST ONE WITH A GUN AT THE CARIBBEAN FESTIVAL: TAKE I
While working the Caribbean Festival, officers from Area B-2 (Roxbury) received information that an individual (described as a black male in his late teens, wearing a white tank top with brown/tan pants, carrying a black backpack) was in possession of a firearm. Officers further learned that the suspect had threatened an individual with said weapon. According to the victim, the suspect bumped into him and said, “Don’t bump my brother. I have a gun.” In short time, officers observed an individual who looked like the suspect in the area of Blue Hill Avenue and Seaver Street.
As a result, officers approached the suspect to further investigate the incident. While talking to the suspect, officers observed what appeared to be the handle of a firearm sticking out of the suspect’s backpack. Officers promptly secured the backpack. A search of the backpack enabled officers to locate and take possession of a black firearm.
Officers arrested Benjamin Berthole, 17, of Boston and charged him with the Unlawful Possession of Firearm, Unlawful Possession of Ammunition, Unlawful Possession of a Loaded Firearm On a Public Way, Unlawful Possession of a High Capacity Firearm, Threats and Assault by Means of a Dangerous Weapon.
POLICE ARREST ONE WITH A GUN AT THE CARIBBEAN FESTIVAL: TAKE II
At about 6:20pm, on Saturday, August 28, 2010, officers assigned to the Caribbean Festival were posted in the area of Blue Hill Ave and Castlegate Road when officers observed a group of males walking along Castlegate Road. While observing the group, officers observed one individual in particular look directly at the officers and then quickly change direction and turn around. Sensing the individual may have been up to no good or of unlawful design, officers started moving in the direction of the individual. However, as officers approached, the suspect began to run. While chasing behind the suspect, officers observed the suspect clutching and grabbing at his waist area in such a way as to suggest he was in possession of a firearm.
After a lengthy foot pursuit, officers were able to catch up to and detain the suspect. Once caught, the suspect stated, “I have nothing on me.” However, several witnesses approached and stated that they observed the suspect running with a silver-colored firearm in his hand. When officers, with the help from a K-9, retraced the steps taken during the foot chase, officers were able to locate and take possession of a silver-colored firearm.
Officers arrested Dayshawn Grant, 20, of Boston and charged him with the Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, Unlawful Possession of Ammunition and Unlawful Possession of a Loaded Firearm on a Public Way.