Monday, December 31, 2012

Message from Chief MacMillan on First Night 2013

First Night 2013 Happy New Year !!

First Night Celebration-Boston 2013

First Night 2013 Message from Transit Police Chief Paul MacMillan :

First Night in Boston is the oldest and largest New Year’s Eve celebration of the arts in North America and it takes place again tonight December 31, 2012. This is the 37th year of the First Night Celebration.(check here for official First Night schedule)

 First Night Celebration is also a family oriented atmosphere for all to enjoy.  It is anticipated that approximately one million people will attend. To that end, it is requested that you utlize the MBTA in traveling to and from Boston's First Night Celebration. From 8PM until the end of service, the MBTA will not be collecting fares. The MBTA will have additional resources on hand and Transit Police Officers (both uniformed and plainclothes) will be on duty throughout the MBTA system to ensure a safe and efficient travel. I ask that you act responsibly and be respectful to one another. Additionally, please be mindful of young children, the elderly and persons with disabilities while riding the MBTA. The consumption and/or transportation of alcohol and unruly behavior will not be tolerated.

 From everyone at the MBTA Transit Police Department, Happy New Year. Remember, while riding the T if you "See Something Say Something." To contact the Transit Police in an emergency call 617-222-1212 or 911. You can also use our MBTA SeeSay app or text us at 873873 to report unusual or suspicious behavior or provide information anonymously to our investigators about criminal activity.

tpdnews.

Sunday, December 30, 2012

MBTA Bus shot at by Pellet Gun

On December 29th, 2012 at approximately 9:35pm Transit Police officers assigned to Area 4 received a radio call to respond to Washington Street and Arboretum Road in Roslindale for a report of an MBTA bus that was possibly shot at. Upon arrival officers observed MBTA bus number 2092, Route35 with two passenger side windows intact but completely fractured. The windows located in the front of the bus appeared to have been shot with an air powered BB gun. Boston EMS also responded but there were no reported injuries. Officers interviewed the bus operator who informed the officers as he was traveling inbound on Washington Street, in the area of Archdale Road, he observed two individuals standing in a driveway who appeared to be holding a firearm. Transit as well as Boston Police conducted an area search in and around the noted location. No suspects found.

Today, December 30th, 2012 at approximately 1:45pm a female victim reported to Transit Police she was struck in the face with some projectile, possibly a BB pellet in the same area as the MBTA bus incident from last night. Boston Police District E5 was notified and will investigate. At this time we can not relate the two incidents together, however we will work in collaboration with Boston Police and explore that possibility.

Transit Police detectives are currently investigating the facts and circumstances surrounding the incident and we urge anyone with information to contact us at 617-222-1212 or via our MBTA SeeSay app. If you would like to assist our investigators but wish to remain anonymous you can do so by simply texting your tip/message to 873873.

Transit Police photo

Transit Police photo
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Friday, December 28, 2012

Brooklyn man arrested for selling drugs to a UC

On December 27th, 2012 at approximately 7:30pm Transit Police detectives working in a plainclothes/undercover capacity were at MBTA South Station bus terminal to address the issue of illegal narcotics. At this time the bus terminal had numerous people in the area. Of all the potential individuals to approach and solicit the sale of illegal narcotics a Brooklyn, NY man chose an undercover Transit Police detective. The man, later identified as William Gwiazda, 31 initiated a conversation with the undercover detective and quickly directed the conversation to the sale of drugs. Ultimately Gwiazda did indeed sell the detective Methadone, a Controlled Class B substance as defined by Massachusetts General Law. In addition to the methadone Gwiazda sold to the UC he was also in possession of additional Methadone he was offering for sale. Gwiazda was placed into custody for Distribution of a Controlled Class B substance and Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Class B substance and transported to Transit Police HQ for the booking process. He will appear in Boston Municipal Court sometime today.

Illegal drug activity harms the quality of life for all our patrons and employees, Transit Police are committed to ensuring the safe travel and environments for all who utilize the MBTA. We will continue to address and combat such criminal behavior. If you have any information you would like to pass along to our investigators but wish to remain anonymous you can simply text your message/tip to 873873.

tpdnews.

Thursday, December 27, 2012

Fight leads to Level 3 Sex Offender arrest

On December 26th, 2012 at approximately 9:30pm Transit Police officers assigned to Area 1 received a radio call to respond to Back Bay MBTA station for a report of two men fighting inside the lobby.  Upon arrival officers located the individuals involved in the altercation, later identified as John Carpenter 46 of Boston and Steven Odom 44  of Dorchester. Carpenter and Odom provided the officers with differing accounts as to what precipitated the incident/altercation. However both men did not wish to pursue any legal action against one another. Carpenter who had a visible cut to his face from the fracas refused medical treatment. Officers on scene were able to determine Carpenter had an outstanding default warrant in existence for his arrest for the following charges: Assault & Battery on a Police Officer, Disorderly Conduct, Resisting Arrest and Trespassing issued from Boston Municipal Court. Odom, a level 3 sex offender,(read here for info regarding sex offender classification) failed to register as such in the City of Boston in violation of MGL CH.6 S178. Both Carpenter and Odom were taken into custody and transported to Transit Police HQ for the arrest booking process. Both men will appear in Boston Municipal Court sometime today.
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Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Woman arrested on Christmas Night at South Station

On Christmas night at approximately 9pm Transit Police officers assigned to Area 1 were on patrol at South Station when they developed information that a female, later identified as Jamie Lee Jones 22 of Fall River, MA. was wanted in Florida as well as Massachusetts. Officers confirmed that indeed there were two outstanding warrants in existence for her arrest issued from Boston Municipal Court. One warrant was for Credit Card Fraud and Receiving Stolen Property. The second warrant was for  Larceny. In addition Jones was wanted in Florida by the Pasco County Sheriffs Department for Credit Card Fraud. Officers located Jones at South Station placed her into custody and transported her to Transit Police HQ for the booking process. Jones will appear in Boston Municpal Court this afternoon and Sheriff Deputies from Florida have informed the Transit Police they will seek rendition of Jones to return to Florida.
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Monday, December 24, 2012

Would be Grinch Arrested at South Station

On December 23rd, 2012 at approximately 6:30pm Transit Police officers assigned to Area 1 were on patrol at South Station when they were approached by a male, who was the victim of a larceny. The victim informed the officers while he was in the men's rest room he placed his bag down and turned away from it for no more then 30 seconds. Upon looking back at his bag, the victim stated it was gone ! He went on to furnish a detailed description of the bag to the officers. The two eagle eyed Transit Police officers searched the area and located the would be Grinch carrying the victim's bag. The victim positively identified his bag and the officers reunited him with all its contents. Kwaku Frimpong, 34 of Somerville, MA. was placed under arrest for Larceny over 250.00 and transported to Transit Police HQ for the booking process.

 Please be mindful of your surroundings at all times and if possible always hold onto your valuables when utilizing the restrooms. Merry Christmas everyone !!!
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Winner
Loser!!

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Doing the Right Thing !

Occasionally we hear concerns from our riders regarding a fellow passenger's rudeness or in some cases the fundamental lack of civility displayed towards one another while riding the MBTA. Although we believe individuals who behave in such a manner while utilizing the T is an extremely small percentage, this next story may restore your faith in the MBTA rider sitting next to or across from you.

On December 14th, 2012 at approximately 5:45pm a Transit Police Sergeant while on patrol at South Station was approached by a gentleman who handed the sergeant an envelope stuffed with cash ! The gentleman went on to explain he was on an inbound Red Line train and as the train was pulling out of JFK/UMASS station he observed a plain white envelope positioned on a seat.  At first the gentleman believed it to be trash and went to move it so he could sit down. In doing so he noticed a five dollar bill protruding from the envelope. He then looked inside, the envelope was filled with cash. Unfortunately there was nothing to identify who the money belonged to. The gentleman asked all passengers within proximity if the envelope was theirs, NOT one MBTA patron attempted to falsely claim the money as theirs. The gentleman got off at South Station and immediately sought out police and handed over the envelope. The envelope contained 584.00 dollars. As Holiday fate would have it a very seasoned Transit Police Detective supervisor was also at South Station that early evening on an unrelated matter. The sergeant relayed what had transpired to the detective and............

On December 18th, 2012 the rightful owner, a house keeper at a local hotel and a resident of Dorchester, came to Transit Police HQ identified certain distinct aspects of the envelope the US Currency was in when lost and she was reunited with her hard earned money.

To the gentleman who turned over the money, we salute you ! Great Holiday spirit, lets keep it going year round and look out for one another while riding the MBTA.

Happy Holidays to all of you, our MBTA community !

Media inquiries, please contact Superintendent-in-Chief Joseph O'Connor via email at  joconnor@mbta.com

tpdnews.   

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

30th MPOC Graduation

MBTA Transit Police Academy

Today, December 18th, 2012 at 11:00 am, the MBTA Transit Police Academy will graduate the 30th Municipal Police Officers Class (MPOC) at the historic Fanueil Hall in Boston. The class will graduate 41 new police officers who will serve within the following police departments: MBTA Transit Police, Ashland, Boston University, Bourne, Braintree, Chlemsford, Cohasett, Dedham, Dover, Foxborough, Hull, Medford, Saugus, Sharon, Tufts University, Walpole, Waltham, Watertown, Wellesley and Woburn. The public and media are invited to attend this special day for the graduates, their families and the communities in which they will serve.

30th MPOC/MBTA Transit Police Academy




The MBTA Transit Police Academy has earned a reputation for producing the finest police officers in the state. This reputation has been built through dedication and commitment. The MBTA Transit Police Academy opened in 1998 and has graduated more than 1,000 police officers. It is structured and approved by the Municipal Police Training Committee (MPTC) guidelines as mandated by MGL C. 41 s. 96B. The basic curriculum for police student officers is an 800 hour training and education program founded on four basic principles: integrity, the law, fitness and community/neighborhood policing. The MBTA Transit Police Academy instructs recruits for an additional 240 hours with an emphasis on community policing and juvenile interactions

Recently the MBTA Transit Police Academy became the first Police Academy in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to obtain accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). The program standards cover nine topic areas: (1) credentialing; (2) organization; (3) direction and authority; (4) human resources; (5) recruitment, selection, employment, and promotion; (6) instructional systems; (7) training administration; (8) instructors; and (9) students.The CALEA Accreditation Process is a proven modern management model; once implemented, it presents the CEO, on a continuing basis, with a blueprint that promotes the efficient use of resources and improves service delivery—regardless of the size, type, or geographic location of the academy. The CALEA standards upon which the Public Safety Training Academy Accreditation Program is based reflect the current thinking and experience of training academy practitioners and accreditation experts. CALEA’s Standards for Public Safety Training Academies© and its Accreditation Program are seen as benchmarks for today’s public safety training programs.
  • CALEA Accreditation requires an academy to develop a comprehensive, well thought out, uniform set of written directives. This is one of the most successful methods for reaching administrative and operational goals, while also providing direction to personnel.
  • CALEA Accreditation standards provide the necessary reports and analyses a CEO needs to make fact-based, informed management and administrative decisions.
  • CALEA Accreditation is a means for developing or improving upon an academy’s relationship with the community it serves.
  • CALEA Accreditation strengthens an academy’s accountability through a continuum of standards that clearly define authority, performance, and responsibilities.
  • Being CALEA Accredited can limit an academy’s liability and risk exposure because it demonstrates that recognized standards for public safety training academies have been met, as verified by a team of independent outside CALEA-trained assessors.
  • CALEA Accreditation facilitates an academy’s pursuit of professional excellence 
tpdnews.

 

Monday, December 17, 2012

Identity Sought-Update Arrest made.

UPDATE************************************************UPDATE 12/19/2012

Transit Police Detectives acting on a tip received via our Anonymous Tip Text Line (873873) did arrest John Wintersteiner, 30 of Newton, MA. for Open and Gross early this morning at his residence. Wintersteiner will appear in Brookline District Court sometime today.

This arrest is an example of how the Transit Police Department works collaboratively with our MBTA community to hold those individuals, who conduct such criminal acts, responsible and how together we maintain a safe transportation system for all to enjoy. Superintendent-in-Chief Joseph O'Connor encourages "all passengers to report criminal or suspicious behavior by utilizing phone, texting (873873) or our SeeSay app". In the event of an emergency please call 617-222-1212 or 911.
tpdnews.

Transit Police Detectives are seeking the identity of the male subject depicted within:


On Monday, December 3, 2012,  at approximately 7:10pm, a 25 year old female was the victim of Open & Gross while on the Beaconsfield  Green Line MBTA Station in Brookline.  The victim was standing on the inbound platform when she observed the suspect masturbating inside the hut on the outbound platform. 



Transit Police photo
The suspect is described as a white or Hispanic male, in his early to mid 20’s, at the time of the incident he was wearing short pants and a red shirt.


If you know the identity or the whereabouts of the subject depicted within please contact the Crminal Investigations unit at 617-222-1050. If you would like to assist investigators anonymously on this case or any other matter involving the MBTA you can do so by simply texting your message to 873873 or by downloading our MBTA SeeSay app which has an anonymous feature.
tpdnews.







TPD Activity

On December 16th, 2012 at approximately 6pm Transit Police officers assigned to Area 3 were patrolling Andrew Sq. MBTA station when their attention was drawn to a male, later identified as Jason Fonseca, 29 of Quincy, MA. Fonseca was loitering about the station and busway area for at least 45 minutes NOT utilizing a bus and/or train. This area has been targeted recently by TPD officers for drug related activity. Officers approached Fonseca to engage him conversation, Fonseca furnished multiple answers to questions that were inconsistent with one another. A subsequent investigation revealed Fonseca had 3 outstanding warrants in existence for his arrest issued by the following courts; Malden District Court- Assault & Battery, Brighton District Court- Assault & Battery and Threats to Commit a Crime and Quincy District Court- Possession of a Controlled Substance Class A, Assault & Battery by means of a Dang. Weapon and Assault & Battery. Officers attempted to place Fonseca under arrest for the warrants, however Fonseca had other ideas as he fled out onto Dorchester Avenue. Officers gave chase and apprehended Fonseca a short distance later. Fonseca was transorted to TPD HQ for the booking process and will appear in the respective courts.

On December 15th, 2012 at approximately 3pm Transit Police officers assigned to Area 1 received a radio call for a person stabbed at the Chinatown MBTA station. Upon arrival officers located a male, later identified as Joseph Jones, 19 of Boston, MA. on the Northbound platform, suffering from what appeared to be a stab wound to the neck area. According witnesses present the male responsible for the stabbing, Anthony Bonner, 25 of Roxbury, was still present and standing on the platform. Officers placed Bonner into custody for Assault & Battery by means of  Dang. Weapon-Knife. Bonner was transported to Transit Police HQ for the booking process. Jones was transported to a local area hospital for a NON life threatening injury. Bonner and Jones, known to each other and involved in an ongoing dispute with one another, were engaged in a physical confrontation on the platform when the stabbing took place. After a subsequent investigation Transit Police detectives arrested Jones for Intimidation of a Witness. Both subjects will appear in Boston Municipal Court in the near future.

tpdnews.

Trespasser at North Quincy struck

On December 17th, 2012 at approximately 12:50am Transit Police officers were dispatched to the North Quincy MBTA station for a report of a trespasser struck by a Red Line train. Transit Police along with Quincy Police, Fire and Fallon EMS located a male sufferring from severe trama to the torso area. Transit Police Detectives are currently investigating the facts and circumstances surrounding the incident. TPD Detectives have released the following preliminary information: At approximately 12:15am on today's date an inbound MBTA Red Line train entering North Quincy station on the northbound side struck a trespasser who was underneath the overhang to the platform. The male, approximately 44 years of age who resides in Boston, was lying face down with his right arm extended onto the right of way/track bed area. The motorperson upon observing the male immediately put the train into emergency stop. The train made contact with the male and he had to be extricated from underneath the train by the Quincy Fire Department. The male party was transported to Boston Medical Center with severe upper torso trama and underwent surgery. Currently the male is listed in critical condition.

tpdnews.

Friday, December 14, 2012

Trespasser Struck in Concord, MA

*************Update***********

The deceased is a white female APPROX. age of 18-22 years. 

On December 14th, 2012 at approximately 8:15pm Transit Police officers assigned to Area 2 were dispatched to Concord, MA., for a report of a possible trespasser struck by a train. Transit Police officers on scene report the following preliminary information: An Eastbound MBTA Fitchburg Line train struck a trespasser on Track 1 approximately 200 yards east of the Route 2 Bridge in Concord, MA. The person struck was pronounced deceased. Transit Police Detectives are actively investigating the facts and circumstances surrounding the incident.

tpdnews.

Saturday, December 8, 2012

3rd time fare evader gets arrested.

On December 7th, 2012 at approximately 5:50pm Transit Police officers assigned to Area 3 were at Andrew Sq. MBTA station conducting fare evasion enforcement. While there they did observe a male, later identified as Robert Stone, 28 of Dorchester, MA., evade his fare by "piggybacking" in behind a paying customer. Officers approached Stone for the purpose of issuing a citation, Stone provided inconsistent answers as to his identity. Officers eventually determined his true name which revealed an outstanding warrant in existence for Stone's arrest issued from South Boston District Court for violating the Commonwealths's drug laws. Stone was placed into custody for the warrant, transported to Transit Police HQ for the booking process and issued a citation for fare evasion, which turned out to be his third offence.

tpdnews.

Thursday, December 6, 2012

Community/MBTA Red Line rider Alert

Transit and Boston Police are increasing patrols and alerting the public after several Dorchester area robberies. All of the robberies targeted women while they were walking home from MBTA Red Line stations, including JFK-UMass, Savin Hill, Shawmut and Ashmont.

The incidents have occurred between the hours of 7 pm. and 10:30 pm. In some of the incidents, the suspect, described as a black male with a thin build, age 20-30, wearing a grey hooded sweatshirt and showed a handgun. The male suspect has engaged victims in a brief conversation before demanding money.

 Due to the fact the robberies occurred on the city of Boston streets, the Boston Police Department is actively investigating the facts and circumstances surrounding these incidents. Anyone with information is asked to call Boston Police District-11 Detectives at (617) 343-4335.

As always if you have any information regarding crime on the MBTA please call us at 617-222-1050. If you wish to provide us information anonymously you may do so simply by texting your message to 873873 or by downloading our SeeSay app for smartphones.

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Woman arrested for Assault w/knife

On December 4th, 2012 at approximately 9:45pm Transit Police officers assigned to Area 4 received a radio call to respond to Brookline Hills MBTA station for a woman threatening passengers on board a trolley with a knife. Brookline Police also responded to assist. Upon arrival officers were met by a male victim and other witnesses who stated the following: male victim was seated on the trolley when a female, later identified as Madina Clayton, 52 of Boston, MA., sat across the aisle from him. Clayton removed a small folding knife, opening and closing it several times while staring at the victim. The victim became uncomfortable and stood up to change seats, Clayton also got up from her seat pointed the knife at the victim and stated "Are you looking at this M***** *****R !"
Another witness stated Clayton attempted to engage another male (separate from above) in conversation, when the male got up to change seats Clayton followed him with the knife opened. Other witnesses stated Clayton "haphazardly" swung the knife at yet another male victim as he was disemabrking the trolley. Thankfully no one was struck with the knife. Clayton was placed into custody for Assault by means of a Dangerous Weapon. There was also a warrant in existence for her arrest issued from Boston Municipal Court for A&B w/a Dangerous Weapon.  While back at Transit Police HQ for the booking process Clayton was found to be in possession of Marijuana, she was issued a citation. Clayton will appear in Brookline District Court sometime today.

tpdnews.

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Window smasher and a Computer grabber !

Transit Police/Robert Coveney
On December 4th, 2012 at approximately 1:20AM Transit Police officers received a radio call to respond to Forest Hills MBTA station for a report of a man who had just punched out a train car window. Upon arrival officers were met by an MBTA employee who informed them a male, later identified as Robert Coveney, 51 of Boston, MA. was verbally abusive towards MBTA employees and refusing to exit the train. When Coveney was told Transit Police would be called he responded by shouting more obscentities. Ultimately Coveney did get off the train, however as he was walking down the platform he decided to punch the window causing a spider web crack throughout. Two other witnesses present pointed out Coveney, who at this time was walking in the upper busway. Officers caught up to Coveney and placed him into custody for Malicious Destruction of Property. Coveney was transported to TPD HQ for the booking process. He will appear in West Roxbury District Court sometime today. The damage to the window was estimated to be worth 300 to 500 dollars.

Transit Police/Jason Plant
On December 3rd, 2012 at approximately 5:30PM Transit Police officers assigned to Area 1 were approached by a male victim at the Downtown Crossing MBTA station who informed the officers he inadvertently left his computer bag containing his MacBook Pro 9 computer on a Red Line train earlier in the day. The victim further stated he just received a phone call from a Boston "pawn shop" informing him someone was attempting to sell his laptop computer.  Plainclothes Transit Police officers responded to the business and observed a male, later identifed as Jason Plant, 39 of Abington,MA.,  standing at the counter waiting to receive payment for the laptop.  Earlier Plant signed an acknowledgement form, required from the pawn shop, indicating the laptop he was attempting to sell was in fact his and neither lost or stolen. Plant was placed under arrest for Receiving Stolen Property and transported to Transit Police HQ for the booking process. Plant admitted to officers he watched as the victim exited the train and forgot to bring his computer with him. Plant believes he simply took possession of it and that is not tantamount to stealing the laptop.  The officers went the extra mile for the victim and responded to Braintree,MA., to recover the computer bag and some accesserories from a residence Plant had been to after "taking possession" of the bag. The computer was returned to the victim at the pawn shop. Plant will appear in Boston Municipal Court sometime today.


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