Crime & Safety

Would-be Stabber Misses Victim in Boylston and Mozart Gang Beef at Dominican Festival

State Police say quick law enforcement response led to an attacker dropping his knife before he could inflict damage. Police say the incident is tied to the feud between the Boylston Street and Mozart Street Gangs.

If you saw or heard a helicopter buzzing the on Sunday evening, it was part of a search for a would-be stabber in the neighborhood's oldest gang rivalry.

State Police say someone tried — and failed — to stab another person in Stony Brook Park, adjacent to the .

"It was revealed that the suspect was waving the knife in a slashing movement at the victim but did not make contact," David Procopio, spokesman for the State Police, wrote in an email to Patch.

Find out what's happening in Jamaica Plainwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Procopio said the police response was so quick that the suspect wasn't able to injure the victim. He dropped the knife and fled.

The incident took place as hundreds of people enjoyed Sunday's , an outdoor festival that celebrates Boston's ties to the city of Baní in the Dominican Republic.

Find out what's happening in Jamaica Plainwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Leading figures in the Boylston and Mozart Street crews trace their roots back to Baní, according to police. It is important to mention, however, that the persons involved , police say.

The original call about a person with a knife came in about 4:20 p.m. Sunday afternoon. Initial reports had two men in custody. State Police confirm arrests were made. Names of those arrested may be available Tuesday.

Police presence was heavy at the festival. State Police units responding to news of the attack included the Troop H Community Action Team, troopers from three Troop H barracks, police dog units and one helicopter, according to Procopio. The Boston Police and Transit Police also sent units.

The Boylston Street Gang has been much in the news lately, as . "Operation Rodeo" aimed to take down the leadership of the Boylston Street Gang. According to prosecutors, the crew had evolved into a multi-million dollar international cocaine ring.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.

More from Jamaica Plain