On Friday, April 30, 2010, at approximately 8:14pm, Boston Police Officers assigned to the Youth Violence Strike Force were patrolling the area of Mozart Park (Mozart Street / Centre Street) due to an increase in violent activity. Within recent time, Officer’s responded to this general area for a report of a person shot. As officers entered the park several youths ran out. Ballistic evidence was located immediately after this incident. As of this time, no arrests have been made.

On Today’s date, the officers observed a large group of youths loitering in the park and sitting on park benches. Based on the recent illegal activities, the officers decided to approach the group in order to speak with them.

While approaching, one individual, upon noticing the oncoming police presence, abruptly stood up and walked away from the oncoming officers. He approached another individual who was sitting on a bike and took it from him and attempted to leave the park. The officers noticed this individual continued to clutch at his waistband as if he was possibly holding and concealing a firearm. Individuals that carry firearms concealed in their waistband often have to hold on to them to keep them from falling. Based on the officers training & experience, coupled with the recent gun violence within the general area and the individual apparently attempting to flee, it was the officer’s opinion that he may be armed with a firearm.

Officers’ caught up to the individual and took hold of him for their safety. A struggle ensued and the suspect reached into his waistband and removed a loaded 9mm firearm. Upon noticing the gun, an officer pushed the suspect into a fence which caused him to drop the firearm.

If it were not for the officer’s attention to detail and positioning themselves in the right location, a tragic incident may have taken place. The officers should also be commended on showing great restraint by only pushing the suspect into the fence opposed to the action that they may have taken.

Officers arrested Yerri Perez, 18, of Parker Street, Jamaica Plain on the charges of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, Unlawful Carrying of a Loaded Firearm, Unlawful Possession of Ammunition, Assault & Battery by Means of a Dangerous Weapon (firearm) and Resisting Arrest.