Aug 24, 2008 4:59 pm US/Eastern
Police Credit Caribbean Festival Success To Sweep
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
Boston police are crediting the success of this year's Caribbean Festival to the arrests made before the event.
Police teamed up with Operation PAWS, a citywide warrant program conducted to combat and prevent gang violence, and arrested 56 people during a sweep on Friday. Those arrested were wanted on outstanding warrants, ranging for shoplifting to rape of a child.
Police say the suspects include those they think might have used the festival Saturday to find rivals and settle old scores.
They say the sweep was prompted by lessons from past festivals, which have been marred by shootings and stabbings.
Police say most attendees wanted to enjoy themselves at the 35-year-old festival, known for its colorful parade. They say they targeted the minority who might cause problems.
"The crowd was not as big as it usually is but it was very peaceful, and I didn't see any rowdy behavior," said parade marcher Diana Peterkin. "I felt comfortable. I felt safe."
Festival organizers supported the sweep, saying they didn't want the festival to be ruined by a few criminals.
In addition to the 56 captured, police also arrested 23 other people. Four of those arrested face gun-related charges.
(© 2008 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
