On Wednesday, 03/28/2018, I, Officer DiFava, was on duty for the Somerville Police operating marked cruiser 786.  At approximately 2346 hrs, I was dispatched to x College Avenue for a report of a robbery.  Officer Ducasse and Officer Jean-Jacques also responded to provide back up.  Somerville Control stated that the suspect had a crowbar in his possession.  Upon arrival, the victim, XXXX approached my cruiser and stated that the suspect, later identified as Evan Carpenito fled towards the MBTA train station on Holland street.  XXXX stated that the suspect was a white male wearing all dark clothing.  As I drove onto Buena Vista, I observed Officer Ducasse with his firearm drawn on Carpenito who was proned out on the ground.  I ran over to Carpenito and placed handcuffs on him for our safety until the crowbar was located.  Carpenito shouted that he was only trying to help the homeless guy with his bag.  At this time, Officer Jean-Jacques arrived on scene.  We did not locate a crowbar and believe that it was mistaken for the cane in which XXXX was using.  Officer Ducasse drove back over to Statue Park to speak with XXXX.  I called Officer Ducasse via cell phone and asked him what happened.  Officer Ducasse stated that Carpenito grabbed XXXX’s bag from him and that when XXXX said he was calling the Police, Carpenito knocked him to the ground.  A show up was conducted by Officer Ducasse where XXXX positively identified Carpentino.

I spoke to XXXX who stated that he was standing in Statue Park when he was approached by Carpenito.  Carpenito grabbed his bag and attempted to take it away from him.  XXXX asked him what he was doing and Carpenito grabbed the bag again, this time taking it from XXXX.  XXXX grabbed his bag back and stated that he was calling the Police.  Carpenito stated to him not to call and then knocked him to the ground.  Carpenito then got up and started to walk away and then ran.  I asked XXXX if he was injured and he stated that his shoulder hurt, but declined medical.

Respectfully submitted,

Officer Marc DiFava #289