Take a picture in Revere and somebody might punch you in the head
By adamg - Wed, 06/11/2008 - 10:54am.
A Beach Street resident was arrested yesterday after allegedly punching a city councilor in the head, according to the Suffolk County District Attorney's office.
City Councilor Ira Novoselsky, 61, was taking photographs of a wall at Andrew Alves's house and Alves, 19, took exception. According to the DA's office:
"Some old man was taking pictures of my house," Alves allegedly told the responding officers unprompted. "He got in my face, so I hit him."
Alves now face up to 10 years in jail for assault and bail on a person over 60; police say they found Novoselsky leaning against a wall, bleeding from his head. Alves pleaded innocent yesterday at his arraignment in Chelsea District Court, ordered held in lieu of $200 bail.
it's true!
My Southie friend is fond of telling people engaged in a wide variety of transgressive behavior, "You'll get your head punched in."
This appears to be the case.
Why the picture taking in someone's private yard?
I live in Revere but not in this neighborhood. Believe me I would never even think of going into someone's yard to take pictures of something. I read in the local paper that the father of this young man gave him permission but who really knows. I don't think that the council members should be running around town taking picturs of anything. He put himself in danger. Who only knows what could happen to someone on a strangers property - invading someone's privacy. Why didn't he get pics from the complaining party next door? I mind my business and I have no trouble in this city. But this is NOT the city I grew up in. Revere can be a dangerous to place to be just like anyother urban city and you have to be cautious about things.
Even if he was in the wrong, and even if this is Revere
Punching an old guy in the head so hard he cracks his skull on the sidewalk just seems so, I don't know, what's the word I'm looking for?
Oh, yeah: Stupid-assed two-bit thuggery.
After I saw him on TV
I concur on your assessment. The kid was a punk who was clearly twisting his words to make it seem like he was defending himself.
The guy thought that the
The guy thought that the photographer was stealing his wall's soul.
Over 60?
Is there a different assault charge if the victim is over 60? New to me.
A&B on Person Over 60
Chapter 265, Sect. 13K, of the Massachusetts General Laws (http://www.mass.gov/legis/laws/mgl/265-13k.htm) provides a variety of penalties for attacking -- or allowing an attack upon -- a person over 60. For an assault causing "serious bodily injury," the max is 10 years in state prison.
I would dearly, dearly love
I would dearly, dearly love to see this guy get the full 10--but I bet he won't. Let's see?
19 vs. 61
Pretty tough kid, huh?
This is one of those times I wish I were a very large, intimidating sort of person - think offensive lineman. Drive to Revere and start taking pictures of the very same wall. See what happens. Just for fun.
Just some info. I'm a
Just some info.
I'm a Revere local and friend of Andrews.
He's a good kid. He's no "thug". He doesn't go around sluggin people.. He's a criminal law student.
The coucilman was investing the NEIGHBORS house.. But it just so happen in doing so it involved some pictures of Andrews house. Andew stepped outside to ask what he was doing. (I know I'd be concerned)
The councilman looked Andrew over.. A young minority who doesn't give off the look of an educated young man. The councilman told Andrew, "I can take pictures of whatever I want. Go back inside and mind your bussiness."
At that point an argument insued.. The Councilman NEVER identified himself, nor his intentions, NOR did he say he was on official city bussiness..
Andrew, thinking he had a reason to defend his home and family, push the camera away and told the councilman to keep walking.
The councilman pushed Andrew (really mature for a 60+ yr old city worker) so Andrew retaliated and hit him.
Councilman Ira saw a young minority and thought some punk and did not act as a city official.. On bussiness.. Should have acted.
And before someone decides I'm just playing "the race card" I'm full blooded irish.
I would have done the same.
And I'm sure most of you would have too..
Please make sure you look into the full story before you jump to a conclusion..
Criminal Law Student
Gee, when faced with somebody getting confrontational, you would think he'd call the cops if he's such a good kid and not a thug. Criminal law students ought to know better than to escalate a confrontation over what they should know is a non-illegal act, rather than go inside and let the police know about the issue.
This additional information makes things worse, not better. If he wanted to defend his home and family, as a criminal justice major, he should have known to call in the professionals.
Same Page
When SwirlyGrrl and I are on the same page, you're probably in the wrong.
Time for a refund,...
Any reasonable law student would understand that getting arrested for battery is much much more trouble than just letting some old guy take photos of the side of your house.
I would not have done the same
I would have asked the man for some identification, and I would have asked him to explain himself, and if the explanation weren't good enough, I would have asked him to wait there for the police, and ensured that he did so.
Punch an old man because he shoved me? I don't think so. Punches can kill (just ask Thomas Junta). Restrain him, maybe, punch him never, not unless I felt my safety was truly in danger.
Oh Noes! Now He's Gonna Punch My Little Yeller Man!
If the google street view people photograph the entire street, can you sue them (or hunt them down and kill them) for taking pictures that besmirch your family honor?
Let's ask Boston City Councilor Sal LaMattina
I understand he has an issue or two with Google.
Criminal law student? I hope
Criminal law student?
I hope he learns a lot about it in prison...
I hate young people and I
I hate young people and I hate old people
Good show
Mid-life non-crisis?
You love yourself now, but you hated yourself before and will later?
damn straight
damn straight
Ouch
City councilor in the hospital with a fractured skull.
But
Do we get to find out why the guy was taking pictures of some dude's house?
Responding to complaints from the neighbors
About something going on at the house (involving the construction of the wall, I think).
neighbor dispute
I read in the local paper (reliability ??) that there was an ongoing dispute from the next door neighbor about the wall's height. This neighbor evidently went to multiple city officials and departments about the problem as he perceived it. However, this member of the city council to investigate on his own and subsequently the incident occured.
WTF
isn't 60 the new 40?