Boston, September 30, 2025
News Summary
The Boston Police Department reported 226 incidents in a 24-hour period, including 10 aggravated assaults and a rise in scams targeting older residents. Authorities seek public assistance in identifying suspects related to assaults and are warning seniors about home improvement fraud and cryptocurrency scams. A former police officer has been charged with serious offenses involving a minor. Police are conducting ongoing investigations and expanding outreach to educate residents about current crime trends and protective measures.
Boston — The Boston Police Department reported a total of 226 incidents between 10 a.m. on September 28 and 10 a.m. on September 29, including a rise in aggravated assaults and a confirmed pattern of scams targeting older residents.
Key incident totals and immediate concerns
The department logged 10 aggravated assaults, 22 cases of larceny and two reported auto thefts during the 24-hour period. There were no reported homicides or burglaries and no instances of larceny from a vehicle recorded within that timeframe.
Notable aggravated assault and suspect appeals
An aggravated assault occurred around 7:45 p.m. on September 13 near 550 River Street in Mattapan. Boston police are seeking assistance from the public to identify several men wanted in connection with this assault. Separately, police released photos of suspects connected to a homophobic attack on a gay couple. That incident began after a group reportedly shouted homophobic comments, which led one victim to approach the group, escalating into an argument and a fight that spilled onto River Street. The partner of the first victim was attacked with a baseball bat, was found injured and was taken to Beth Israel Hospital. Authorities are pursuing leads and asking anyone with information to come forward.
Former officer charged in sexual abuse case
A former Boston police sergeant, Paul Downey, 58, pleaded not guilty to multiple charges including aggravated rape of a minor and paying for sex with a child under 18. Authorities allege Downey communicated with a 14-year-old boy via Snapchat to arrange sexual encounters and committed rape during at least one of those encounters. Evidence cited by investigators includes a Snapchat conversation photo, Downey’s license plate details, and surveillance video capturing a vehicle with distinctive taillights. Downey was placed on administrative leave after the charges surfaced in June and has since retired. Records indicate he earned approximately $378,849.25 in the last year.
Scams targeting older residents and citywide losses
BPD is warning about scams targeting older residents, particularly related to home improvement fraud and cryptocurrency schemes. In 2024, Boston residents reportedly lost over $9 million to cryptocurrency scams. The department also reports a 400% increase in imposter scams affecting seniors since 2020, where victims lost $10,000 or more. Investigators note that elderly individuals are being unwittingly recruited as “money mules” for criminal activities through online ads and social media. Seniors are being urged to be cautious of unsolicited investment offers and high-pressure sales tactics for home repairs. BPD encourages reporting any suspicious activity and provides a contact for victims to report scams.
What authorities are doing now
Police continue active investigations on the aggravated assault in Mattapan, the homophobic attack on the gay couple, and the criminal charges involving the former sergeant. The department is also expanding outreach to older residents to warn about current fraud trends and to provide guidance on how to report suspected scams.
Background and context
The recent 24-hour incident count reflects a snapshot of activity citywide and highlights both violent and non-violent crime concerns: aggravated assaults are notable among the reported incidents, while larceny and auto theft remain present. At the same time, financial crimes directed at older residents—particularly cryptocurrency fraud and home improvement scams—have produced significant monetary losses and a marked increase in large-loss imposter scams since 2020.
How residents can respond
- Report suspicious activity to Boston Police through official channels.
- Older residents should verify contractors and investment offers independently and avoid high-pressure sales tactics.
- Avoid responding to unsolicited requests to transfer funds or to accept employment that involves handling or moving money for others.
- Provide any tips or evidence to investigators regarding the Mattapan assault, the homophobic attack, or the Downey case.
FAQ
How many incidents were reported in the 24-hour period?
226 incidents between 10 a.m. on September 28 and 10 a.m. on September 29.
How many aggravated assaults were reported during that period?
10 aggravated assaults.
How many cases of larceny were reported?
22 cases of larceny.
How many auto thefts were reported?
Two reported auto thefts.
Were there any homicides, burglaries, or larcenies from vehicles reported in that period?
No reported homicides or burglaries. No instances of larceny from a vehicle.
Where and when did the notable aggravated assault occur?
An aggravated assault occurred around 7:45 p.m. on September 13 near 550 River Street in Mattapan.
What charges did Paul Downey face and what is his status?
Paul Downey, 58, pleaded not guilty to multiple charges including aggravated rape of a minor and paying for sex with a child under 18.
What evidence is mentioned in the Downey case?
Evidence includes a Snapchat conversation photo, Downey’s license plate details, and surveillance video with distinctive taillights.
What is the city’s warning about scams?
BPD is warning about scams targeting older residents, particularly related to home improvement fraud and cryptocurrency schemes.
How much did Boston residents reportedly lose to cryptocurrency scams in 2024?
In 2024, Boston residents reportedly lost over $9 million to cryptocurrency scams.
What increase in imposter scams affecting seniors has been reported?
The police report a 400% increase in imposter scams affecting seniors since 2020, where victims lost $10,000 or more.
How are elderly individuals being used in criminal schemes?
Elderly individuals are being unwittingly recruited as “money mules” for criminal activities through online ads and social media.
Quick reference table
| Topic | Details | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|
| 24-hour incident count | 226 incidents between 10 a.m. on September 28 and 10 a.m. on September 29 | Report tips to police; share information about suspicious activity |
| Violent incidents highlighted | 10 aggravated assaults; assault near 550 River Street in Mattapan on September 13 | Provide witness information to investigators |
| Former officer case | Paul Downey, 58, pleaded not guilty to multiple charges including aggravated rape of a minor and paying for sex with a child under 18 | Allow legal process to proceed; submit evidence to authorities if available |
| Scam trends | BPD is warning about scams targeting older residents, particularly related to home improvement fraud and cryptocurrency schemes; In 2024, Boston residents reportedly lost over $9 million to cryptocurrency scams | Verify offers independently; do not send funds in response to unsolicited requests |
| Senior-targeted fraud increase | The police report a 400% increase in imposter scams affecting seniors since 2020, where victims lost $10,000 or more | Educate seniors on common scam tactics; report large-loss scams to police |
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Additional Resources
- Boston.com: Ex-Boston police sergeant pleads not guilty to child rape
- Boston Herald: Boston police blotter
- NBC Boston: Police investigation in Hyde Park
- MassLive: Boston police release photos of suspects in attack
- Boston Herald: Police warn of scams targeting older Bostonians
- Wikipedia: Crime in Boston
- Google Search: Scams against elderly residents
- Google Scholar: Boston police statistics
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Crime
- Google News: Boston police news
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.
