Boston, September 21, 2025
News Summary
Christopher Polanco, a 26-year-old man from Lowell, has been sentenced to six months in jail for larceny related to a tragic trolley incident in Boston. After a May incident in which a 30-year-old man was fatally struck by a Green Line trolley, Polanco was found guilty of stealing a gold chain and crucifix from the scene. This sentencing highlights issues of public safety and crime in the area, as police continue to address ongoing crimes in Boston.
Boston — A Lowell man has been sentenced to jail after being convicted in connection with larceny following a fatal incident on Boston’s Green Line.
What happened and legal outcome
Christopher Polanco, 26, from Lowell, was convicted by a Boston Municipal Court jury on one count of larceny under $1,200. Polanco was sentenced to six months in the House of Correction and six months of probation. The conviction followed an investigation into items taken from the site of a deadly trolley incident at North Station.
Incident summary
The incident occurred on May 30, 2023, involving a 30-year-old man who was struck and dragged by a Green Line trolley at North Station. According to the facts developed during the case, the victim was running late, missed the trolley, and attempted to kick it as it left the Lechmore platform. After losing his balance, the victim was struck by the next trolley and dragged approximately 200 feet, ultimately dying from his injuries.
Evidence and investigators’ findings
Transit Police reviewed video footage showing Polanco removing a gold chain and crucifix from the ground near the tracks after the incident. Authorities noted Polanco displayed “forethought & awareness of the situation” while taking the items, which were said to have “high sentimental value to the family.”
Related public safety and enforcement activity
Local police activity reported across the city during a recent 48-hour span included multiple violent and property crime reports and a series of arrests. From Wednesday 10 a.m. to Friday 10 a.m., Boston Police reported eight aggravated assaults, four robberies, seven residential burglaries, one commercial burglary, and 36 instances of uncategorized larceny. Multiple arrests were made during this period, including individuals charged with attempted larceny, trespassing, breaking and entering, assault and battery, and possessing stolen property.
Police also continue to seek a female suspect in a recent larceny incident in Boston; she is described as around 35 years old, weighing about 190 lbs, wearing a red and blue dress, and carrying a gray shoulder bag. Separately, police are investigating the theft of a French bulldog named Bodega in Dorchester, allegedly taken by two individuals on a scooter.
Additional arrests in the region
Outside Boston, two brothers were arrested in Quincy on charges tied to broader identity and mail theft activity. Qiangqiang Chen and Liuliu Chen, brothers in their 30s, were arrested in Quincy on charges of mail theft and identity theft linked to a larger criminal network. The Quincy Police Department recovered around $200,000 in stolen checks and other identity documents from the Chen brothers’ home. Investigators believe there are more charges to come, indicating a “vast criminal network” associated with the brothers.
Context and next steps
The larceny conviction in Boston Municipal Court addresses the taking of items found at the scene rather than the cause of the trolley incident itself. Prosecutors pursued the theft charge after reviewing video evidence and other investigative materials. The transportation authority and police continue to examine operational and safety procedures around platform areas and trolley movements; any separate inquiries into transit operations are being handled independently from the criminal case against Polanco.
What the sentence covers
The sentence ordered is a six-month term in the House of Correction followed by six months of probation. The conviction was for a single count of larceny under $1,200 under Massachusetts law.
FAQ
Who was convicted?
Christopher Polanco, 26, from Lowell, was convicted by a Boston Municipal Court jury on one count of larceny under $1,200.
What sentence was imposed?
Polanco was sentenced to six months in the House of Correction and six months of probation.
When and where did the incident occur?
The incident occurred on May 30, 2023, involving a 30-year-old man who was struck and dragged by a Green Line trolley at North Station.
How did the victim come to be struck?
The victim was running late, missed the trolley, and attempted to kick it as it left the Lechmore platform.
What were the consequences of the victim’s actions?
After losing his balance, the victim was struck by the next trolley and dragged approximately 200 feet, ultimately dying from his injuries.
What evidence linked Polanco to the larceny?
Transit Police reviewed video footage showing Polanco removing a gold chain and crucifix from the ground near the tracks after the incident.
How did authorities describe Polanco’s actions?
Authorities noted Polanco displayed “forethought & awareness of the situation” while taking the items, which were said to have “high sentimental value to the family.”
What recent crime reports did Boston Police provide?
From Wednesday 10 a.m. to Friday 10 a.m., Boston Police reported eight aggravated assaults, four robberies, seven residential burglaries, one commercial burglary, and 36 instances of uncategorized larceny.
Were arrests made during that reporting period?
Multiple arrests were made during this period, including individuals charged with attempted larceny, trespassing, breaking and entering, assault and battery, and possessing stolen property.
Is there a suspect description in a recent larceny?
A female suspect in a recent larceny incident in Boston is being sought by police; she is described as around 35 years old, weighing about 190 lbs, wearing a red and blue dress, and carrying a gray shoulder bag.
Are police investigating any pet thefts?
Police are also investigating the theft of a French bulldog named Bodega in Dorchester, allegedly taken by two individuals on a scooter.
What happened in Quincy related to mail and identity theft?
Qiangqiang Chen and Liuliu Chen, brothers in their 30s, were arrested in Quincy on charges of mail theft and identity theft linked to a larger criminal network.
What was recovered from the Chen brothers’ home?
The Quincy Police Department recovered around $200,000 in stolen checks and other identity documents from the Chen brothers’ home.
Are more charges expected in the Quincy case?
Investigators believe there are more charges to come, indicating a “vast criminal network” associated with the brothers.
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Quick reference table
| Topic | Detail |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Christopher Polanco, 26, from Lowell |
| Conviction | One count of larceny under $1,200 |
| Sentence | Six months in the House of Correction; six months probation |
| Incident date | May 30, 2023 |
| Location of incident | North Station (Green Line), Boston |
| Victim | 30-year-old man; struck and dragged approximately 200 feet; died from injuries |
| Items taken | Gold chain and crucifix |
| Recent Boston crime report (48 hrs) | 8 aggravated assaults; 4 robberies; 7 residential burglaries; 1 commercial burglary; 36 uncategorized larcenies |
| Quincy arrests | Qiangqiang Chen and Liuliu Chen — mail theft and identity theft; ~ $200,000 recovered |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Boston Police Respond to 142 Incidents in 24 Hours
Multiple Arrests and Violence Reported in Lynn
Two Arrested in Brighton Handicap Parking Placard Thefts
Lynn Man Arrested on Drug Trafficking Charges
Hyde Park Ultrasound Technician Falls Victim to Identity Theft
Additional Resources
- Boston 25 News: Woman Sought in Relation to Larceny
- Wikipedia: Larceny
- WSET: South Boston Police Searching for Grand Larceny Suspects
- Google Search: Grand Larceny
- MassLive: Shoplifting Increase in Boston
- Google Scholar: Shoplifting Statistics
- NBC Boston: Men Charged in Identity Theft Scheme
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Identity Theft
- Boston.com: Police Seeking Suspects in Dog Larceny
- Google News: Dog Larceny
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
