Boston, September 25, 2025
News Summary
In a recent report, the Boston Police Department documented a total of 278 incidents, including six robberies and six aggravated assaults, in a 24-hour span. Noteworthy ongoing investigations include a hate crime incident involving an assault and theft cases linked to local restaurants. Additionally, the city announced a $150,000 settlement for wrongful arrests tied to a historical case. As police continue to seek public assistance in solving these issues, the community grapples with safety concerns amid increasing crime rates.
Boston — The Boston Police Department reported at least 278 incidents in a 24-hour period, from 10 a.m. on Tuesday, September 23, to 10 a.m. on Wednesday, September 24. The police summary for that period lists multiple violent and property crimes, ongoing investigations—including a hate crime probe—and separate developments tied to a historical wrongful-arrest settlement.
Key incident totals and immediate public-safety items
During the stated 24-hour window, the report recorded six robberies and six aggravated assaults. There were no commercial burglaries reported and one residential burglary. Vehicle-related thefts included three instances of larceny from vehicles and one auto theft. Investigators also logged 15 other larcenies. No homicides were recorded within the time frame.
Ongoing investigations and requests for public assistance
Boston police are asking for help identifying individuals believed to be involved in a larceny and credit card theft incident at Lucca Restaurant on Hanover Street on September 14. The stolen credit cards were used in purchases at a CVS in Somerville and a Target in Everett. Separately, police are seeking information about a theft at the Canada Goose store in Prudential Center, where a woman allegedly stole expensive parkas. The allegedly stolen parkas retail for over $1,700 each. The suspect in that theft is described as a white female, approximately five-foot-seven, with strawberry-blond hair.
Hate crime investigation
An ongoing hate crime investigation was launched after a gay man was assaulted with a baseball bat in Mattapan on September 13. The attack followed an apparent confrontation involving a group of men who directed anti-gay slurs at the victims. The assault left one victim with a bleeding head injury that required hospitalization. Security footage captured the confrontation near a liquor store on River Street and police are reviewing that footage as part of the investigation. Neighbors raised concerns about safety and anti-social behavior linked to a commercial building near the location of the attack.
Arrests and related enforcement activity
In addition to the listed incidents, the department received reports regarding several arrests during a separate period from September 19 to 21. Those reports included arrests for charges such as disorderly conduct and possession of drugs. No further homicide-related incidents were reported in the specified 24-hour window.
Civil settlement tied to 1989 wrongful arrests
The city of Boston will pay $150,000 in a settlement to two men who were wrongfully arrested in 1989 in connection with the Carol Stuart case. As part of that settlement, Alan Swanson and Willie Bennett receive $100,000 and $50,000 respectively. The mayor issued a formal apology in 2023 to both men for their wrongful arrests. The original case involved false accusations and racial profiling that had a significant impact on Boston’s Black community. Court and civic officials have noted the deep trauma caused by the wrongful arrests and cited severe treatment of Swanson while in custody.
What this means now
Police continue to investigate the incidents described, request public assistance where identification or tips could help ongoing cases, and have maintained routine enforcement efforts that produced multiple arrests in related time frames. The settlement closes one long-running civil matter linked to a widely known wrongful-arrest episode while investigators pursue active leads in thefts, an assault identified as a potential hate crime, and other offenses logged in the 24-hour summary.
Background context
The Carol Stuart case in 1989 involved a high-profile false accusation that led to racial profiling and heightened tensions across Boston. The arrests that followed created lasting community harm. The recent settlement and formal apology are administrative steps addressing that historic wrong, while current policing actions focus on the immediate crimes and public safety concerns noted above.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many incidents did the Boston Police Department report in the 24-hour period?
BPD reported at least 278 incidents from 10 a.m. on Tuesday, September 23, to 10 a.m. on Wednesday, September 24.
What were the assault and robbery totals?
Six robberies and six aggravated assaults were recorded in the 24-hour period.
Were there any homicides recorded in that time frame?
No homicides were recorded within the time frame.
What burglary and larceny totals were reported?
There were no commercial burglaries reported. One residential burglary occurred during this period. There were three instances of larceny from vehicles and 15 other larcenies were reported. There was one reported auto theft.
What incident at Lucca Restaurant is police asking about?
BPD is seeking assistance to identify individuals involved in a larceny and credit card theft incident at Lucca Restaurant on Hanover Street on September 14.
Where were the stolen credit cards used?
The stolen credit cards were used in purchases at a CVS in Somerville and a Target in Everett.
What happened in the Mattapan assault investigation?
An ongoing hate crime investigation was launched after a gay man was assaulted with a baseball bat in Mattapan on September 13.
What is the settlement connected to the 1989 arrests?
The city of Boston will pay $150,000 in a settlement to two men wrongfully arrested in 1989 in connection with the Carol Stuart case.
Who received settlement payments and how much?
Alan Swanson and Willie Bennett receive $100,000 and $50,000 respectively as part of the settlement.
What are police seeking regarding the Canada Goose theft?
Police are seeking information about a theft that occurred at the Canada Goose store in Prudential Center, where a woman allegedly stole expensive parkas. The allegedly stolen parkas retail for over $1,700 each. The suspect in the theft is described as a white female, approximately five-foot-seven, with strawberry-blond hair.
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Quick reference table
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Report timeframe | 10 a.m. on Tuesday, September 23, to 10 a.m. on Wednesday, September 24 |
| Total incidents | 278 incidents reported |
| Robberies | 6 |
| Aggravated assaults | 6 |
| Commercial burglaries | None reported |
| Residential burglaries | 1 |
| Larceny from vehicles | 3 |
| Other larcenies | 15 |
| Auto thefts | 1 |
| Homicides | None recorded |
| Lucca Restaurant incident | Larceny and credit card theft on September 14; stolen cards used at a CVS in Somerville and a Target in Everett |
| Canada Goose theft | Parkas retail for over $1,700 each; suspect described as a white female, approx. five-foot-seven, with strawberry-blond hair |
| Hate crime investigation | Assault with a baseball bat in Mattapan on September 13; victim hospitalized with a head injury |
| Settlement | City will pay $150,000 to two men wrongfully arrested in 1989; Alan Swanson receives $100,000 and Willie Bennett receives $50,000 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Naked Man Armed with Knife Shot by Police in Boston’s Beacon Hill
Guilty Verdict in Attempted Assassination Case in Florida
Triple Shooting Leaves Lynn Community in Mourning
Gunfire and Vehicle Crash in Mattapan Neighborhood
Boston Police Conduct Human Trafficking Operation Arresting 13 Individuals
Mayor Michelle Wu Secures Reelection Victory in Boston
Massachusetts Cities Rank Among Best Places to Live
Boston Settles for $150,000 with Wrongly Accused Men
Additional Resources
- Boston Herald: Police Blotter September 24
- Wikipedia: Boston
- NBC Boston: Carol Stuart Case Settlement
- Google Search: Hate Crimes in Boston
- Boston Herald: Police Blotter September 21
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Crime
- Boston Herald: Police Blotter September 22
- Google News: Boston Police Department
- Boston Globe: Anti-Gay Hate Crime in Mattapan
- Google Scholar: Boston Hate 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.
