Police Make Numerous Arrests in North End

By David Marx

Boston Police made several arrests on Friday night in the North End, including neighborhood parks and playgrounds used as gathering places for teenagers. Initial reports by police for just the one night were 21 arrests in total, 19 of which were juveniles and two others for an unrelated incident. Charges included public and/or underage drinking and trespassing.

I spent over an hour on Friday evening riding along with Boston Police Captain Fong and Sgt. Doris in their squad car here in the North End.

Those arrested (both males and females) were between the ages of 15 and 18 years old. The majority said they were from Wakefield, Saugus, etc. One of the arrested males was carrying a pocket knife with about a five-inch blade.

Just after I met up with the police at the Gassy / DeFilippo Playground on Prince Street, the call came over the radio for us to head back there, where more arrests were made. Throughout the evening, the police were stationed on Commercial Street and on Hanover Street by the Prado.

The police made it very clear to those whom they arrested that they should spread the word to their friends not to come to the North End to engage in underage drinking and other illegal activities.

BPD Cpt. Fong had a solid team out on the streets (both uniformed and

plainclothes officers) on bikes and in squad cars.

David Marx, host of the monthly North End Public Safety Meetings.

North End Public Safety Meetings with Boston Police are open to all residents on the first Thursday of the month, 6:00 p.m. at the Nazzaro Center, 30 North Bennet Street.