Cops probe park attacks
The first of two stabbings on Boston Common started when one man hit another with a skateboard, prosecutors said yesterday as two men were charged in the two incidents.
Wednesday about 5:20 p.m., cops found two men stabbed on Boston Common. Later, about 9:30 p.m., another man was stabbed. None of the victims’ injuries were life-threatening. Police have made arrests in both of those attacks, and the investigation is ongoing.
George Moustakis, 30, of Danvers — one of the two victims in the first incident — was charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon for hitting a man with a skateboard shortly before he was stabbed. He was held on $3,500 bail and ordered to stay away from the Common. Police are still investigating the stabbings.
Later Wednesday night, Alexis Concepcion Garcia, 42, was charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, accused of slashing a 51-year-old man, leaving him with injuries that were not life-threatening.
Garcia’s bail was set at $10,000. He was also ordered to stay off of Boston Common if he makes bail.
Five Boston police officers assigned to the bicycle unit kept a walking beat around the fountain yesterday, near where the stabbing happened. Some visitors to the Common voiced concern while others dismissed the stabbings as part of life in the city.
Jesus Castero, 36, of East Boston said he avoids the area where the stabbings happened, though he said he personally has never been threatened.
“There’s always too many things going on over there,” Castero said. “There’s always people asking for stuff or just hanging around, doing nothing. Around there you have to have your eyes wide open.”
Janet Lee, 20, who works at Government Center, said, “I mean, its a city,” said “I’m sure it happens. The Common is generally pretty safe. I’ve never had any issue with it. I go to school at BC. I’ve definitely been down here quite a bit.”
A Coolidge Corner man who gave his name only as Holden said he walks along the Tremont Street side of the Common, past where the stabbings happened, just about every day going to and from work.
“I wouldn’t say violence is on the rise,” Holden said. “I see the same people out here all the time. I can’t imagine its more or less threatening than its ever been. What’s the probability that’s going to happen again soon? I don’t know. Keep your head up.”