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West Cambridge Crime Log
Aggravated Assault
7.1.09, 1:00-1:13 AM
Eliot St.
Matthew Kraus of Allston, Ma was arrested after assaulting a Cambridge resident. An argument took place and soon escalated to a physical fight. Arresting party kicked the victim in the face with a shod foot.
Aggravated Assault
6.12.09, 1:15 PM – 1:25 PM
Palmer St.
According to witnesses, the victim was walking down the street when Matthew Mawson approached him and punched him in the face for no apparent reason.
Housebreak
5/22/09, 12:00 PM – 5/24/09, 12:00 PM
Coolidge Hill
The victim stated that an unknown suspect entered the garage attached to his residence and stole a bicycle. There were no signs of forced entry.
Housebreak
5.26.09, 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Brattle St.
Unknown suspect(s) broke a first floor rear window with a rock to gain entry and stole three laptops and very expensive jewelry. The suspect(s) also smashed a rear deck door, but could not gain entry there.
Housebreak
5.15.09, 9:00 Am - 4:00 PM
Sparks Pl.
The victim stated that an unknown suspect(s) gained entry to her residence by smashing the sliding glass door. SP(s) stole a laptop and jewelry.
Housebreak
4.17.09, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Gibson St.
The victim stated that while staying at her father’s residence, an unknown suspect broke in and stole her laptop and printer. There were no signs of forced entry.
Commercial Break
4.11.09, 10:00 PM - 4.12.09, 7:30 AM
Concord Ave. (St. Peter Parish)
The reporting party stated that an unknown suspect(s) broke into the lower level of the church and stole a projector. The method of entry is unknown, but the reporting party stated that the suspect was able to get past two locked doors.
Commercial Break
3.3.09, 7:00 AM - 6:15 PM
Phillips Place (Lesley College)
A security guard stated that an unknown suspect broke into an unoccupied building owned by the college. The suspect gained entry by forcing an outside bulkhead. Nothing was reported missing.
Aggravated Assault
1.31.09, 1:07 PM
Mount Auburn St.
The reporting party stated that a patient at the hospital attacked two employees. The suspect became angry when a male security guard was called in to monitor him, insisting that female nurses attend to him instead. When the suspect tried to leave the room, the security guard blocked the exit and the suspect punched him in the nose. Another security guard arrived to help restrain the suspect. The suspect also kicked the second security guard in the face with his foot.
Larceny from Building
1.5.09, 10:25 AM
University Rd.
The victim reported that she left three gold rings in a locker at Wellbridge Athletic Club while using the facility. After her workout she showered and left the area. She returned a few hours later when she realized she did not have her rings, but they were missing from the locker.
Commercial Break
12.20.08, 1:00 PM -- 12.26.08, 10:00 AM
Concord Ave. (St. Peter's Church)
A reporting party stated that an unknown person gained entrance into an office at St. Peter's Church by forcing the door. Taken from the office was a used computer. Several new computers were left untouched.
Commercial Robbery
12.25.08, 1:00 PM -- 4:00 PM
Concord Ave. (Sarah's Market and Cafe
A victim stated that he was working at the cafe when he noticed a tall Hispanic male walking behind the counter. He confronted the suspect who inquired about the store hours and then fled the store. The victim noticed money was missing from the register and called 911. Officers were informed by witnesses that a suspect had run into St. Peter's Church. Officers conducted a search of the building and found the suspect hiding in a men's bathroom. He was identified as the suspect from the robbery at the market by the victim and placed under arrest.
Street Robbery
12/8/08, 5:45 PM
Brattle St.
A victim reported that while walking, a white male approached her and demanded her purse. When the victim was hesitant to give up the bag, the suspect raised what appeared to be a tire iron and demanded the bag again. The victim handed over the bag and suspect fled. The suspect was described as a white male, in his mid 20's, heavy set, unshaven, wearing dark clothing and a flannel ski cap and sunglasses.
Shoplifting/Drugs
11.24.08, 12:05 PM
Brattle St.
An employee of The Tannery approached an officer on detail and informed him that they had a person who had ran out of the store with a pair of jeans. The suspect had warrants out of Ayer D.C. for Possession of a Class D Substance. He was also found to be in possession of a substance consistent with Marijuana. He was subsequently placed under arrest. Officers performed a second search and found a small bag containing 9 green pills believed to be Oxycontin.
Larceny From Building
11.11.08, 3:00 PM -- 7:00 PM
Brattle Square
A reporting party was made aware of the theft of a laptop from his office when he received a call from an officer pertaining to a laptop found in the possession of an arrested person.
Aggravated Assault
11.17.08, 2:49 AM
Concord Ave.
Officers responded to Fresh Pond Gas for an assault in progress. Upon arrival, officers spoke with the victim who seemed visibly shaken. He stated that his co-worker grabbed him and punched him while holding knife in his hand. Officers recovered the folding knife and the victim was able to identify it. The co-workers were in an argument over locking the station door. The suspect was placed under arrests for Assault with a Dangerous Weapon.
Street Robbery
11.2.08, 12:20 PM
Eliot St.
A victim stated that while walking, a white male on a bike approached her and grabbed her purse that she was holding and got off the bike and then fled. The victim chased the suspect and watched him get into the passenger side of a motor vehicle that was parked on Dunster St. There was a white female operating the motor vehicle.
Street Robbery
10.26.08, 2:45 AM
Huron Ave.
A victim stated that a black male with a handgun robbed him of his wallet. The victim reported while walking on Huron Ave., the suspect came up behind him and pushed a gun against his back and said to give him everything. The victim handed over his wallet and the suspect fled.
Commercial Break
10.23.08, 2:45 AM -- 3:30 AM
JFK St. (Staples)
Officers responded to Staples for an alarm and when they arrived found all the doors to be secure. While standing by the front door, a male appeared. Officers asked the suspect if he was an employee and he stated no and appeared to be intoxicated. Officers spoke with employees from a business located next door who identified the suspect as a bar patron earlier on who forgot his credit card. The employees of Om showed officers a way to enter the building through a rear stairwell. Nothing was taken or out of place.
10/17/08: Community Advisory - Click Here to read more.
Aggravated Assault
10.16.08, 9:34 PM
Brattle St. & Mass. Ave.
A victim reported that a male appeared intoxicated and was aggressively asking for cigarettes when she told him to go away. The victim stated that the suspect then grabbed her and threw her to the ground and began punching her in the face repeatedly. Bystanders were able to pull the suspect off the victim but he grabbed her cell phone and took off. Witnesses and the victim were able to point out the suspect who was placed under arrest for unarmed robbery and assault and battery.
Malicious Destruction
10.14.08, 10:00 PM -- 10.15.08, 7:00 AM
Larch Road
There were four reported incidents of cars having their windows smashed. Three of the four cars were Hondas. Nothing was reported missing in any of the incidents.
Housebreak
10.4.08, 7:34 AM -- 9:35 PM
Larch Rd.
A victim stated that an unknown person(s) gained entry into his residence by breaking the lock off a rear window. Taken from the home was a substantial amount of jewelry.
Arrest
9.26.08, 4:08 PM
Mass. Ave. (Harvard Coop)
George Haynes was arrested for shoplifting and open and gross lewdness.
Aggravated Assault
9.25.08, 11:44 PM
JFK St. & Brattle St.
A couple visiting from Georgia reported being threatened and assaulted by a male in Harvard Sq. The victims were looking in a store window when the suspect came flying by on a bicycle and screamed profanities before almost hitting them. When the couple said something, the suspect who was later identified as David Powell, came back towards the victims with a small knife threatening to harm them. Powell fled when the victims called 911. Officers were able to stop Powell and performed a positive show-up identification by the victims. Powell was placed under arrest.
Larceny
9.15.08, 4:00 PM -- 9.19.08, 4:00 PM
Coolidge Ave. (Cambridge Cemetery)
A reporting party stated that an unknown person(s) removed three ornamental copper down spouts from the outside gutters of the main office.
Street Robbery
9.10.08, 8:56 PM
Garden St.
A Harvard Graduate student was robbed by four male teenagers while walking in the Cambridge Common. The victim was struck from behind and suffered several closed fist strikes to the face. He was knocked to the ground and the suspects took his gym bag that contained his shoes, pants, keys, credit card, iPod and cell phone. The victim described the suspects as two black males and two white males. One white male had a very long white t-shirt and a red and black cap, which he believed to be a Philadelphia 76ers hat.
Drug Arrest
8.27.08, 7:27 PM
Brewster St.
An officer observed a male who was passing what he believed to be a marijuana cigarette. He approached and could smell a pungent odor. The suspect, a resident of Dorchester MA, was placed under arrest. He was also found to have a RI Drivers License on him.
Disorderly Conduct
8.18.08, 11:45 PM
Winthrop Street
Officers responded to a report of a disturbance on Winthrop Street. They could hear a man yelling at other patrons. When officers asked the defendant for ID, he refused. He began yelling at the officers calling them losers and other obscenities. He attempted to assault them before being placed into custody. While waiting for the wagon, the defendant continued to scream at officers and other patrons.
Larceny From Person
8.6.08, 11:56 PM
Mass. Ave.
Officers stopped when they saw a man attempting to steal items from a bag belonging to a homeless man. The suspect initially gave officers false information regarding his identity. A search of his person revealed a prescription pill. They also found his true identity, which revealed he had 2 outstanding arrest warrants. He was subsequently placed under arrest.
Aggravated Assault
8.2.08, 1:02 AM
Mass. Ave.
Three witnesses stated that as they were walking along Mass Ave. in Harvard Sq., they observed an argument ensue between two black males and the victim. They witnessed one suspect either slash the victim with a knife or strike him with some part of the knife that he had in his hand. He was taken to Mt. Auburn Hospital for a deep laceration to the head. The suspects were described as 2 black males, thin build, early 20s, wearing backpacks, approx. 6 foot 1 inch tall.
Unarmed Robbery
7.19.08, 2:13 AM
Mass. Ave.
A victim stated that as he was exiting the CVS pharmacy on Mass. Ave., a woman approached him and forcefully removed money from the victim's hand. The defendant then fled on foot from officers. After a short chase, officers were able to apprehend her and place her under arrest.
Larceny From Building
7.16.08, 12:45 PM
Mount Auburn Street
A victim reported that while her bag was in the back room of her job location, someone stole it. The suspect made charges on victim's credit cards at a Marshall's in Boston. There is video camera surveillance showing the larceny. The suspect is described as a black female, 5 foot 8 inches, with black hair, medium build, wearing a white hat with three buttons on the side, black tank top, white pants, and a white purse.
Housebreak
7.14.08, 1:00 PM -- 3:00 PM
Vassal Lane
A reporting party stated that when she returned home, she noticed that someone had gained entry into her apartment by breaking a small pane of glass and reaching inside to unlock the front door. Missing from the home were two laptop computers and three iPods.
Receiving Stolen Property
7.13.08, 8:00 AM
Lexington Avenue
Officers responded to a report of a suspect looking in windows on Lexington Avenue. They caught up with a man fitting the description, identified as James Faust, 44, of Boston MA. Faust had a warrant out of Boston for receiving stolen property. He was also in possession of a screwdriver and had a GPS in his pocket. He was placed under arrest and transferred to CPD.
Aggravated Assault
7.12.08, 4:01 AM
Elliot Street
An employee of IHOP reported being assaulted by a black male patron after a group walked out on their check. The victim states that he confronted four black males and persuaded them to come back inside because they forgot their keys. Once inside he refused to give the keys back. One suspect started punching him and was able to snatch the keys and flee. The victim was transferred to Mt. Auburn Hospital.
Housebreak
7.11.08, 12:30 PM
Mt. Auburn Street
A reporting party states that someone broke into her apartment on Mt. Auburn Street and stole three computers. The reporting party also states that it appears that the suspect also stole two additional computers from her roommates as well. The suspect gained access by breaking the front door.
Armed Street Robbery
7.3.08, 9:51 PM
Church St. & Brattle St., Harvard Square
A victim and his friend were walking in the Pit area when a man held them up at knifepoint and demanded all their stuff. The victim and his friend ran home and then called the police. The victims did not sustain any injuries.
6.18.08 - Community Alert - Housebreaks
Click here to read story.
Suspect Arrested for LMV in Sector 4
6.8.08, 4:17am
21 Berkeley St
Officers responded to a call of a B&E Motor Vehicle in progress on Berkeley St. A suspect description was given out, and when officers approached, he appeared to be very nervous and couldn't remember what street he lived on. A show-up ID was performed and the witness positively ID'd him as the man who she had seen break into a car, remove several objects, and place them into his car. Suspect was arrested for three counts of B&E MV and one count of Receiving Stolen Property.
Armed Bank Robbery in Harvard Square
Harvard Sq
4.30.08, 4:30 pm
At 4:30 on 4.30.08, a Hispanic male suspect entered the Wainwright Bank in Harvard Square, showed the teller a firearm, and passed a typewritten note demanding money to the teller. The suspect escaped with cash.
Description: Hispanic male, around 40 years old, 5 foot 5 inches, medium build, unshaven with a small moustache, wearing a tan fishing cap with blue & red trim, wearing a dark trench coat, dark baggy pants, eye glasses and sneakers.
Bomb Scare
3.27.08, 2:27 pm
250 Fresh Pond Pky
A Fresh Pond Reservation Ranger noticed what appeared to be a hand grenade stuck in the fence that surrounds Fresh Pond. The CPD Bomb Squad was called in and an examination of the device revealed it to be a fake hand grenade.
Larceny from Person & Simple Assault
3.25.08, 12:10 am
96 Winthrop St
While investigating an alarm call, officers noticed a fight in progress across the street. After separating all the involved parties, it was found that one of them had stolen a digital camera and a backpack from another while inside Tommy Doyle's. The arrested suspect was booked for Larceny, Assault & Battery and other outstanding warrants.
Drug Arrest
3.24.08, 6:38 pm
Harvard Square
Information was received that someone had marijuana in their possession in Harvard Square. Cambridge Police responded and arrested two suspects on drug charges.
Driving Offenses & Drug Arrest
3/17/08, 4:30 PM
Brattle St & Kennedy Rd
An officer attempted to stop a motor vehicle after observing the driver take an illegal left-hand turn on Mt. Auburn St. The driver then fled at high speed, stopped on Brattle St., and exited the vehicle. The driver was arrested for multiple driving offenses, in addition to possession of Class D after he was found with marijuana.
Aggravated Assault
3/16/08, 2:21 am
6 Eliot St.
A 27-year-old male victim was walking with a group of friends when a female in his group was disrespected by a group of 4 males. After words were exchanged, the victim's group was jumped from behind. One victim was knocked to the ground and sustained face injuries. The male suspects were described as either Hispanic or white, all wearing white dress shirts.
Drug Arrest
2.15.08, 3:26 pm
1 Bennett St
Charles Hotel
Officers responded to a report of a strong smell of marijuana emanating from a hotel room at the Charles Hotel. Upon entering the room, they found many items of drug paraphernalia as well as a substantial quantity of marijuana, which the suspects were getting ready to put into small baggies for distribution. Two arrests were made.
Cambridge Trust Bank Robbery
Click here to read story.
Housebreak
1.27.08, 3:00-10:00 pm
Hutchinson St
Victim states that someone entered his home through a side window between the above hours. The suspect(s) only took $200 in cash and $50 in coins, even though a laptop was in plain sight. Two different sets of footprints were found outside the window and on a table near where entry was gained.
Simple Assault
1.11.08, 12:50 am
10 Eliot St
Charlie's Kitchen
Officers responded to a report of a fight in progress at Charlie's Kitchen. The arrested person was in a fight with two victims, one of whom was restraining the other. Both the arrested person and the victims received lacerations from the fight.
Larceny from a Building
1.6.08, 5:55 pm
100 Concord Ave
A male suspect may have taken the collection money after Sunday services at St. Peter's Church on Concord Ave. The victim set the bag down near the church organ while she was helping choir members clean up, was gone for 5-10 minutes, and when she returned it was gone. This suspect was present at the time for unclear reasons.
Suspect is 42 y.o., white male, 5 foot 8 inches, 185 lbs, with black curly hair and bad teeth.
Housebreak Arrest
1.6.08, 5:31 am
Channing St.
Click here to read story.
Multiple Offense Arrest
12/12/07 7:10 pm
Bennett St
The Charles Hotel was alerted by Orbitz Travel that a stolen credit card had been used to check in and that the guest had used two different names. The suspect allowed police to enter when they knocked and drug paraphernalia was immediately seen on a desk. There were baggies of crystal meth, over $2,000 dollars and the suspect was found to have multiple IDs and a few stolen credit cards in his possession.
Two Housebreaks
12/12/07, early morning
Buckingham St
Victim states that unknown suspects entered the home through an unlocked back door and stole a 42-inch TV, laptop, three cameras, house keys, car keys, and a wallet.
At another home down the street, suspects entered residence through an unlocked front door and stole a laptop, briefcase, and purse.
Housebreak
11/30/07, 9:40 pm
Washington Ave
The victim was upstairs when an unknown suspect entered the kitchen and stole her pocketbook. The pocketbook was found outside on the ground with over $250 dollars and two credit cards stolen. The kitchen of the home is visible from the driveway.
Housebreak Arrest
11/21 9:24 am Fresh Pond Pky
A Suspect was arrested after he was identified by a witness as the person she saw coming from a residence that had been broken into. The victim of the break returned home and found several items missing. When stopped, the suspect said he was coming from Porter Sq T stop and looking for a friend on Worthington St. Police found a stolen driver's license in his possession.
Attempted Store Robbery
11/19 9:31pm
27 Brattle St. Au Bon Pain
Employees were locking the store for the night and went to exit the backdoor when they were pushed inside by three masked suspects. The suspects instructed an employee to open the safe, however the employee fled to the front door and outside. The suspects then fled through the rear door without stealing anything. No employees were injured during the incident.
Larceny at 2 Longfellow Park
10/7/2007 3:30:00 PM
The victim states that she left her backpack on the sink while she used the bathroom and that when she exited someone had stolen it.
Suspect Information: Witnesses in the lobby saw a white male and a white female sitting down. The white female got up, entered the restroom and returned with a black book bag on her shoulder and looked at the male who then got up and followed her out. The female is described as 5 feet tall, shoulder length brown hair, wearing a dark grey sweat top and dark pants. The male is described as 5 foot 9 inches, beard, dark baseball hat, set of silver string beads (i.e. Mardi Gras beads).
History: This is the sixth incident of larceny from person within a few blocks and the third at this location on Longfellow Park this year.
Protecting Yourself: Never leave personal items of value unattended, especially in public places like restrooms. Many criminals will spend all day waiting for these crimes of opportunity as they are typically easy to commit undetected.
Crime Prevention Tips
This section contains tips on how to help protect yourself against the crimes listed in the log above.
Street Robberies
You are always at a higher risk for being robbed late at night and on dark streets. Try to avoid these areas. Avoid public parks and areas with excessive trees and bushes. Avoid deserted areas and shortcuts. Walk close to the curb, except where cars pull in. Always walk briskly and confidently. Be aware of who is around you and what is going on. Have your keys ready so you can unlock your car door, or the door to your home. If you ever feel threatened, draw attention to yourself by making plenty of noise.
If robbed, always treat any firearm displayed by a robber as being loaded. Follow the robber’s instructions. It is not worth being seriously hurt by resisting.
Study the robber as closely as possible. Take note of their race, age, height, sex, clothing, speech characteristics and scars. It may help to see if the robber resembles anyone famous that has similar features. Try to note which direction they flee after the robbery. Call 911 as soon as possible and relay this information.
When speaking to the Emergency Communication Center, give the exact address of where the robbery occurred. Describe exactly what happened as clearly as possible. Describe the robbers and let the dispatcher know if the person is still in view, how long ago they left and if any weapons were shown. Also state whether medical attention is needed.
Home Safety
Landscaping
Shrubbery should be 18 to 24 inches away from all exits or entrances. Shrubbery should be no higher than 18 inches. Make sure all possible entrances and exit points and windows are visible, not concealed by shrubbery.
Areas That Should be Well-Lit
- Doorways
- Garage Doors
- Bay Doors
- All other entrance of exits
- Windows for visibility and to detect breakage
- Alcoves or hidden areas
- Basement entries
Types of Lighting
Motion-Sensored Lighting/Automatic floodlights that use infrared sensors to detect any type of motion.
Drug Tip Hotline - Report Drug Activity in Your Neighborhood
You do not have to tolerate drug dealers and drug users in your neighborhood. You can be a parto f the sol.ution by offering information on suspected activity by contacting the 24-Hour Anonymous Drug Tip Hot Line:
617-349-3359
The 24-hour anonymous drug Tip Hot Line is a mechanism for citizens to provide the Special Investigations Unit with information relating to illicit drug use and distribution, as well as vice issues such as prostitution and gambling.
When a citizen calls the above number, he or she will generally hear a taped message asking the caller to speak as long as you like. Explain the activity in as much detail as possible, including the following information:
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Location of the Incident: Street address of building or house, names of nearest intersecting streets, landmarks near or at the scene.
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Description of Persons Involved: Height, sex, age, weight, clothing, hair color, eye color, skin color and any distinguishing marks.
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Description of vehicles involved: Make, model, color and license plate.
You do not have to provide your name, address, or telephone number.
Should you witness a drug crime that requires immediate police response, DIAL 9-1-1 and police will be dispatched to the area.
Click here to read about how to protect yourself from credit card fraud and identity theft.
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