Boston, August 27, 2025
News Summary
A series of violent incidents across Dorchester, Mattapan, and Roxbury have led to a significant police response, resulting in arrests and public assistance requests for identifying suspects. Key events included a knife confrontation in Dorchester, a shooting and stabbing in Mattapan that left four injured, and a school stabbing incident. Community concerns have escalated due to these incidents, prompting ongoing investigations and public cooperation requests.
Boston — Multiple violent incidents across Dorchester, Mattapan and Roxbury on Tuesday prompted a large police response, several arrests and an ongoing request for public assistance in identifying a suspect from an earlier episode.
The most immediate response occurred in Dorchester late Tuesday evening after officers were called to Harambe Park on Blue Hill Avenue following a report of a person armed with a knife. The report arrived at approximately 7:47 p.m., multiple police cruisers responded, and one person was taken into custody at the scene. No further information about that arrest was immediately available.
Morning laundromat threat in Dorchester
Earlier the same day, around 10:40 a.m., police responded to a report from a laundromat at 471 Blue Hill Avenue where a woman confronted a man going through her laundry basket. The man allegedly threatened the woman with a knife before fleeing the area. There were no reported injuries in that incident.
Authorities provided a description of the laundromat suspect as a 5’7″ tall, light-skinned Hispanic man with a slim build and short black hair. He was reportedly wearing a black t-shirt and blue jeans, with visible tattoos on both forearms. Boston Police B-2 Detectives are asking anyone with information about this suspect to call (617) 343-4275. Investigators continue to seek public tips that could identify or locate the individual involved.
Mattapan shooting and stabbing: multiple victims and arrest
Separately, in Mattapan, a violent attack shortly after 11 p.m. Monday on Regis Road left four people seriously injured, including two children. The victims included a 47-year-old woman, a 16-year-old girl, a 4-year-old boy who sustained gunshot wounds, and an 18-year-old woman who suffered a stab wound. A teenager nearby reported hearing shots and said the suspect attempted to stab his wife; the teen intervened and sustained a hand injury.
Police arrested and arraigned Calvin Stokes, 46, of Mattapan on multiple charges including armed career criminal and four counts of assault with intent to murder. Stokes was ordered held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing scheduled for next week. Police initiated a citywide search after the incident based on information about the suspect and made the arrest the following morning.
Prosecutors noted that officers had previously responded to the couple’s home days earlier after a reported assault by Stokes on his wife, indicating a recent history of police involvement prior to the shooting and stabbing.
Roxbury conviction
In a separate legal development, a 45-year-old man, Raymond Castro, was convicted of voluntary manslaughter and also found guilty of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon for a fatal stabbing that occurred in Roxbury on January 26, 2022. The convictions relate to a dispute that escalated to physical violence and resulted in a death.
School stabbing in Dorchester — Jeremiah E. Burke High School
Shortly before 11 a.m. Tuesday, a 14-year-old girl was stabbed at Jeremiah E. Burke High School in Dorchester. A 15-year-old was arrested in connection with the incident and a knife was recovered at the scene. The 14-year-old victim was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The school underwent a lockdown that lasted about 35 minutes before resuming normal operations. School leadership informed families that the incident was considered isolated and that a district crisis response team would be available to provide support in the following days.
Ongoing police actions and public request
Investigations into the Dorchester laundromat threat and other incidents remain active. Detectives are asking members of the public who may have witnessed events, captured video, or have information about the whereabouts or identity of suspects to contact Boston Police B-2 Detectives at (617) 343-4275. For emergencies, residents are reminded to call 911.
Context and community impact
The cluster of violent incidents on the same day — including an armed confrontation in a public park, a threatened theft at a laundromat, a multi-victim shooting and stabbing involving children, a school stabbing, and an unrelated criminal conviction from a prior year — has heightened community concern. Local law enforcement has responded with arrests, searches and ongoing detective work. Schools and local officials have taken steps to secure campuses and offer crisis support where needed.
What authorities are offering and next steps
Police continue to develop cases, forward charges where applicable, and prepare for upcoming court proceedings, including the dangerousness hearing for the suspect held without bail in the Mattapan case. Investigators also continue to canvass neighborhoods, review available video, and request public cooperation to expedite identification and arrest of suspects in open cases.
FAQ
How can I report information about these incidents?
Call Boston Police B-2 Detectives at (617) 343-4275 with any tips related to the laundromat suspect or other Dorchester incidents. For emergencies, dial 911. Provide any details you can, including descriptions, times, and available video.
Were there any fatalities in the recent incidents?
The Tuesday incidents described included serious injuries in the Mattapan shooting and stabbing, but the case summary reports no fatalities from those events. The Roxbury matter involved a previous fatal stabbing from January 2022 for which a conviction was returned.
Is the school safe now after the Jeremiah E. Burke High School incident?
School officials reported the incident as isolated. The school lifted a brief lockdown and normal operations resumed. A district crisis response team has been made available to support students and staff.
What should community members do if they witness suspicious behavior?
Ensure personal safety first. If a crime is in progress or someone is in immediate danger, call 911. If the situation is not urgent, contact Boston Police detectives with detailed information, descriptions, and any video evidence that may assist investigations.
Useful Information Table
| Issue | What to do | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Report a tip about laundromat suspect | Provide descriptions, time, location, and any video | (617) 343-4275 (Boston Police B-2 Detectives) |
| Immediate danger or crime in progress | Call emergency services | 911 |
| School safety concern | Contact school administration and follow school safety notices | School main office (check local directory) |
| Witnessed suspicious behavior (non-emergency) | Note details (appearance, time, direction) and call detectives | (617) 343-4275 |
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Additional Resources
- Boston 25 News: Police Seeking Suspect in Dorchester Laundromat Incident
- MassLive: Dorchester Man Found Guilty of Manslaughter
- Live 5 News: Dorchester Deputies Arrest Man at School Grounds
- NBC Boston: Girl Stabbed in Dorchester
- WHDH: Mattapan Shooting and Stabbing Incident
- Wikipedia: Dorchester, Massachusetts
- Google Search: Dorchester Stabbing Incident
- Google Scholar: Violent Crime Dorchester
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Massachusetts
- Google News: Dorchester Crime
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.
