Boston, September 7, 2025
News Summary
Several violent incidents have occurred in Boston’s South End and South Boston, resulting in multiple arrests and hospitalizations. A 62-year-old man was charged with assault after attacking a woman, while an 82-year-old man was arrested for a stabbing. Journalists faced threats while covering drug activity, prompting calls for increased police presence in the area. Ongoing investigations are underway for additional incidents, highlighting growing concerns over public safety.
Boston
Multiple assaults and acts of violence were reported across Boston neighborhoods, including the South End, South Boston and areas near Mass and Cass, resulting in arrests, hospitalizations and calls for increased police attention.
Key incidents and immediate facts
In the South End, a 62-year-old man, Jose Miranda-Martinez, was arrested and charged with one count each of Assault and Battery and Disorderly Conduct after an incident that occurred at approximately 12:14 p.m. near 190 W. Canton Street. Responding officers found a crying woman on the sidewalk with ice against her cheek. The woman reported being punched in the face about three to four times while walking on W. Canton Street. Witnesses confirmed that Miranda-Martinez wrapped his arm around the victim, punched her and urged her to call police. Miranda-Martinez was taken into custody and processed for booking.
Also in the South End, two journalists, Niki Griswold and Barry Chin, were threatened while covering open-air drug use near the area commonly referred to as Mass and Cass. The threat involved an individual wielding a metal rod with nails while the journalists attempted to photograph the scene. The journalists’ editorial staff is reported to be considering additional security measures, and Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn has called for an investigation into the attack and for an increased police presence in the area.
At roughly 9:20 p.m. on a Monday, an 82-year-old man, Williams Mells, was arrested outside 444 Harrison Ave and charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon after an alleged stabbing using nail clippers. The victim was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
In Peter’s Park, a Boston man, David Goldman, sustained serious hand injuries while intervening in a fight between his dog, Cosmo, and another dog. The other dog bit his hand, requiring stitches. Goldman reported concerns about the other dog’s rabies vaccination status and said the owner indicated use of a shock collar and did not apologize for the incident.
In South Boston, a man was found unconscious at the intersection of Ellery Street and Southampton Street and transported to a local hospital with serious injuries. The police are investigating that assault; no arrests have been reported in that case to date.
Supporting details and law enforcement actions
Arrests have been made in several incidents: Miranda-Martinez in the South End and Mells near Harrison Avenue. Both suspects were taken into custody and processed. Victims in the reported incidents have received medical attention; one was treated for non-life-threatening injuries following the nail-clipper stabbing and another required stitches after a dog bite. The unconscious man in South Boston was transported to hospital and remains the subject of an ongoing investigation.
Witness accounts contributed to the arrest in the W. Canton Street incident. In the dog attack, the injured party expressed concern about the other dog’s vaccination status and the owner’s conduct at the scene. The attack on the two journalists prompted local elected officials to request an inquiry and consider public safety responses for the affected area.
Background and context
These incidents come amid heightened concern about public safety in parts of the city where assaults, open-air drug activity and animal-related confrontations have been reported. City officials and local representatives are being asked to review patrol patterns and safety measures, particularly in areas where reporters and residents have faced threats while conducting routine activities. Multiple victims across these events required medical attention, and community members and officials are calling for increased police presence and investigations into violent incidents.
What to expect next
Investigations remain active for several of the reported events. Arrests have been made in two cases and processing is complete for those suspects. Authorities continue to investigate the unconscious man found in South Boston and the circumstances surrounding the assaults. Local officials have publicly requested further review of threats made against journalists and increased enforcement in areas identified as high risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
What arrests have been made?
Two arrests have been reported: Jose Miranda-Martinez was arrested and charged with assault and battery and disorderly conduct after an incident near 190 W. Canton Street; Williams Mells was arrested and charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon in an incident near 444 Harrison Ave.
Where did these incidents occur?
Reported incidents occurred in the South End (near W. Canton Street and around Mass and Cass), Peter’s Park, and South Boston (Ellery Street and Southampton Street). One incident occurred near 444 Harrison Ave.
Were there any serious injuries?
Yes. One man was found unconscious and transported to a hospital with serious injuries. Another victim required stitches after a dog bite. The victim of the nail-clipper stabbing sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to a local hospital. The woman assaulted on W. Canton Street was treated at the scene.
Have charges been filed?
Yes. Charges mentioned include assault and battery, disorderly conduct, and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. Investigations are ongoing in additional cases.
What actions are officials taking?
Local officials have called for investigations into threats against journalists and for increased police presence in affected areas. Law enforcement is investigating the various incidents and has made arrests where probable cause was established.
Incident Summary Table
| Incident | Date/Time (approx.) | Location | Suspect | Charges / Status | Victim Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault on woman | Around 12:14 p.m. | 190 W. Canton Street, South End | Jose Miranda-Martinez, 62 | Assault and Battery; Disorderly Conduct; arrested and processed | Facial injuries; treated at scene with ice |
| Nail-clipper stabbing | Around 9:20 p.m. (Monday) | 444 Harrison Ave | Williams Mells, 82 | Assault and Battery with a Dangerous Weapon; arrested | Non-life-threatening; hospitalized |
| Dog bite during intervention | Time not specified | Peter’s Park | Owner of second dog (identified by victim) | No arrest reported in summary | Severe hand injuries; required stitches |
| Threat against journalists | Time not specified | Area near Mass and Cass, South End | Individual wielding metal rod with nails | Incident reported; investigation requested | No physical injuries reported in summary |
| Unconscious man found | Time not specified | Ellery St & Southampton St, South Boston | Unknown | Police investigating; no arrests reported | Serious injuries; hospitalized |
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Additional Resources
- NBC Boston: Man Injured in South End Dog Attack
- Wikipedia: Dog Attack
- WCVB: South End Assault with Nail Clippers
- Google Search: South End Assault Nail Clippers
- Boston Herald: Reporters Attacked in Mass and Cass
- Google Scholar: Mass and Cass Violence
- CBS News: Uber Driver Sexual Assault in South Boston
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Uber Driver Assault
- WHDH: Uber Driver Arrested for Sexual Assault
- Google News: Uber Driver Sexual Assault
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.
