Increased police presence remains at Revere Beach after shootings and fights
REVERE - State Police will keep increased patrols at Revere Beach on Memorial Day after two people were shot Sunday night and several fights broke out among the large crowds.
Extra officers were seen around the beach, with State Police arresting a man Monday afternoon, apparently for having an open container of alcohol.
"These apartments that are being built, tourism that's being brought in, high-end restaurants. They're all great to have but if you don't feel safe in your community, then none of that matters in my mind," said Stephen Fiore of Revere.
The first shooting happened near Shirley and Centennial avenues at 7:11 p.m. Sunday. A 17-year-old girl was shot in the lower body and was taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. State Police said the shooting occurred during a large fight and shots were fired into a crowd.
"Then they congregate here and then they get together and then one group has their group and then they're mouthing off," said Warren Johnson.
Less than an hour later, a 51-year-old woman was shot in the legs on Revere Beach Boulevard near one of the bathhouses. She was also taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. A 17-year-old boy was grazed by a bullet but declined to be taken to the hospital. State Police believe the woman was not the intended target.
"I just feel bad for the elderly people that lived here so long. They can't sit here on a hot evening night and don't worry about gunfire," said Johnson.
State Police said there's no evidence to suggest the shootings were related.
"This type of violence will not be tolerated and we will continue to work with our partners to create a family-friendly environment at America's first public beach this summer," said acting Revere Mayor Patrick Keefe in a statement.
No arrests have been made in either shooting. State Police said a minor was arrested Sunday night for illegal possession of a firearm after the second shooting but it's not yet known if he was involved.
