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16 Arrests Following BPD Crackdown On Mass. Ave In Roxbury

Sixteen people were arrested in the area of Massachusetts Avenue and Southampton Street in Roxbury on Friday, according to the Boston Police Department.

The suspects ranged in age from 25 to 60. Police charged 13 out of the 16 arrested with possession of Class A or B drugs, and several with intent to distribute. Several of those arrested were also charged with assault, battery and disorderly conduct. Some face theft charges as well.

In a statement, Boston Police say the arrests are part of an "ongoing efforts to address general public safety issues in the area of Massachusetts Avenue and Southampton Street."

This is the second wave of arrests in that area in the past three days. On Thursday, Boston Police arrested 18 people on various charges connected to outstanding warrants, or on new charges connected to the police operation.

The recent efforts follow an attack on a corrections officer outside the Suffolk County House of Corrections, near the area of Atkinson Street and Southampton Street in Roxbury at about 7:30 a.m. Thursday. The area where the attack occurred is known for drug activity and crime.

Suffolk County Sheriff Steven Tompkins said he believes police have not done enough to ensure safety in the area. Suffolk County District Attorney Rachael Rollins agreed, and said the issue needs to be addressed. She said a meeting between herself, the sheriff, Police Commissioner William Gross and Boston Mayor Marty Walsh will occur early next week to discuss the issue.

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