City Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson was reportedly robbed during a walkthrough of the city’s troubled Mass and Cass area Saturday evening, according to multiple sources.
At about 7:43 p.m., a redacted Boston Police report reads, an unnamed victim approached a police officer on Southampton Street and reported that an unknown white man stole her phone.
Three sources confirmed to the Herald that Fernandes Anderson was the victim who’s name was redacted in the police report.
The Mass and Cass area, known for homeless encampments and increasingly rampant drug activity, is largely concentrated around Southampton and Atkinson Streets. Fernandes Anderson’s reported walkthrough of the area comes in the wake of an updated city plan to address issues in the area and ahead of the council’s planned discussion on related legislation next week.
The phone was snatched from the councilor’s hands while she was taking pictures around 112 Southampton Street, the report states of Fernandes Anderson’s recount of the incident
“The officer observed a white male wearing a red shirt and black pants running into the crowd on Atkinson Street,” the report continues. “The suspect made good his escape.”
Officers conducted a search for the suspect, the report states. Not finding the man, the report said they yelled into the crowd that tents would be searched if the phone was not returned.
Another man, reportedly known to the victim, appeared with the phone, returning it to the owner. No arrests were noted in the report, and Boston police did not note any ongoing investigation into the incident.
“We are glad that everyone is safe and thankful to the Boston Police officers who were present on Atkinson Street yesterday evening and who everyday help ensure the safety of all in an increasingly difficult situation,” a City spokesperson said in response to the events. “This incident underscores the need for an ordinance to support public safety so we can eliminate the violence and dangerous activity that undermines our continued outreach for public health, housing, and recovery services.”
Fernandes Anderson did not respond to request for comment by Sunday evening.
As head of the City Council’s budget process, Fernandes Anderson previously advocated for reductions in the police budget and approved $31 million cuts to the department budget, a move which was ultimately vetoed by the mayor.
Mayor Michelle Wu on Monday is due to file an ordinance with the City Council to facilitate increased a clean up of the Mass and Cass area, including removal of tents and creation of an alternate sleeping area.
Joe Dwinell contributed to this article.
