Crime & Safety
JP Citizens Urged to Contact Police with Info on Gun-Toting Robber
Over 60 citizens attended a neighborhood meeting Friday night. The meeting was in response to two incidents in which victims were robbed at gunpoint in the Eliot Street area.
Police are asking citizens to help them locate an armed man who committed two robberies in the Eliot Street area last week.
“The suspect is described as a black non-Hispanic male, about 20 years of age, 6’1”, 200 lbs, slim built, slight beard, gray hoodie and blue jeans in possession of a handgun. The robberies occurred during the evening hours between 5:30 pm and 8:00 pm, on February 27th & 28th,” according to a Boston Police news blog post Friday. “Anyone with information regarding these incidents is advised to please contact District E-13 Detectives at 617-343-5628.”
The blog also informs community members wishing to assist this investigation anonymously can do so by calling the CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 1(800) 494-TIPS or texting the word ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463). The Boston Police Department will stringently guard and protect the identities of those who wish to remain anonymous.
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In the Wednesday incident, police say the suspect was in the school for about an hour making conversation with several people including the victim. As the victim was talking on his cell phone, the suspect drew the gun from his pants and said "give me what you got," according to a police report. The victim handed the suspect a wallet and the cell phone.
Eliot School Director Abigail Norman has been providing information for residents since the incidents have been reported – one of which took place at the Eliot School.
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In an email to citizens in the area, she wrote: Keep your car and house locked. Keep your front porch light on.
If you are accosted by the robber, get a good look at him, give him your stuff, and remember that your safety is paramount.
While calling 911 takes you first to State Police and thus takes some time, it also locates you, which gives the police important information. If you want a quicker response, you can call 617.343.4911, but that will not track your location.
Police provided the following tips via the blog:
• Always be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.
• When parking, walking or returning to your car, remain in well-lit and populated areas. Wear sneakers or shoes that allow for added mobility.
• Be watchful and aware. Keep your head up. Make quick eye contact with those around you and be observant of passing vehicles. Don’t become distracted by talking on a cell phone or listening to an iPod/similar device.
• Avoid walking alone late at night. Walk with friends and people you know.
• If you think that someone is following you, switch direction or cross the street. Walk toward an open store, restaurant or residence and call police.
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