Police Briefs 12-13-2017

District 7 Officer Russo honored

By John Lynds

District A-7 Officer Derek Russo was recently honored by the Boston Police for apprehending an armed and dangerous suspect back in November.

Russo was honored with the Commissioner’s Commendation for a violent incident that happened on November 1 on Gove Street.

On that day Russo responded to a radio call for a robbery in progress in the area of 142 Gove St. Russo performed a search of the area and located a person matching the suspect description and approached to speak with him.

When Russo approached the suspect the man took a bladed stance and while turning, placed his hand at his waist and extended his left hand to keep Russo away. Based on these actions Russo believed the suspect was attempting to conceal a weapon and tried to conduct a pat frisk for his safety, but the suspect pushed away while holding an object in his waist area.

Russo observed a firearm in the suspects waistband and was able to disarm him. Russo recovered a loaded .380 caliber Bersa handgun from the suspect’s pants.

However, after disarming the suspect a violent struggle ensued.

While restraining the suspect Russo called for additional units who quickly arrived on scene and placed the suspect in custody. The suspect, later identified as Juan Martinez, 21, of East Boston, was arrested and charged with Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, Unlawful Possession of Ammunition, Assault and Battery on a Police Officer and Resisting Arrest. Later, the suspect was found not to be the one involved in the robbery but was identified as a member of a violent street gang.

“Officer Russo is a hard-working, conscientious officer who has a working knowledge of the problems facing East Boston and works tirelessly to address them. For his efforts, he is awarded a Commissioner’s Commendation,” said Police Commissioner William Evans.

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