South Boston Carjacking (crime, hotel, Home Depot)

[firefightermom]

Hi, I was wondering if anyone could tell me about the south Boston area, specifically by the Courtyard by Marriott where the carjacking occurred last night..the one with the retired cop. Thanks for any and all info!

[TomDot]

Originally Posted by firefightermom

Hi, I was wondering if anyone could tell me about the south Boston area, specifically by the Courtyard by Marriott where the carjacking occurred last night..the one with the retired cop. Thanks for any and all info!

Sure. That area is South Bay and it is an area where three different neighborhoods converge. Roxbury, South Boston, and Dorchester. Very busy, very heavily used area, and a very bad place to commit a crime because there are so many witnesses around.
I go there all the time, to the Home Depot or the Target and have never had any problems. It's a safe enough area.
From what I gather it was not one of those violent carjackings that people fear but more of a flim-flam that got out of control.
The suspect stood at the hotel and fooled the victim into thinking that he was a valet. It was what happened after that was scary. He then abandoned the vehicle, knocked on a neighborhood door and demanded car keys from the homeowner using the gun that the original victim had left in the car.

I would also have to add that I thank God that no one was killed due to the carelessness exhibited by this retired cop with regards to his weapon. It really could have ended badly!

[firefightermom]

The valet story is actually not true...the cop is my uncle, and as he , my aunt, and my two teenage cousins were unloading the back of the van the man jumped him and took off with the van. The man was wearing a hoodie, not a valet uniform. It was dark and raining...maybe he thought no one would see him. Another guest from the hotel saw it and called the police. I don't know who put out the valet story, but it is not true...

Thanks for the info about the area. I suspected it was pretty good if they were staying there. They were supposed to research colleges for my cousin, but don't know how that will go now! My cousins are traumatized, of course, and the van is a wreck. I guess it can only get better from here!
Thanks again, and have a great day.

[TomDot]

Originally Posted by firefightermom

The valet story is actually not true...the cop is my uncle, and as he , my aunt, and my two teenage cousins were unloading the back of the van the man jumped him and took off with the van. The man was wearing a hoodie, not a valet uniform. It was dark and raining...maybe he thought no one would see him. Another guest from the hotel saw it and called the police. I don't know who put out the valet story, but it is not true...

Thanks for the info about the area. I suspected it was pretty good if they were staying there. They were supposed to research colleges for my cousin, but don't know how that will go now! My cousins are traumatized, of course, and the van is a wreck. I guess it can only get better from here!
Thanks again, and have a great day.

Try to calm their fears, it is a fairly safe city and it would be ashame for your cousin to miss what would be an incredible experience of going to school here.

[firefightermom]

Thanks...my aunt will be taking my cousin to her interview today anyway...and then on to tour other schools...they realize it was just a fluke that it happened to them. Luckily they caught the guy almost right away...plus Marriott has moved them to a different hotel so they are away from the scene, which should help calm their nerves.
I would still consider visiting too...you just can't live your life dependant on what "might" happen!

[Bostonian08]

Frankly I think that Marriott location is a pretty good spot for crime. It's pretty well hidden behind a gas station, highway and storage warehouse out of sight from watchful eyes. Generally I agree that's a pretty safe area but I always hesitated to recommend tourists that little nook. It's in such a blind spot, and those South Bay back streets are so filthy and ugly - certainly no stroll down Newbury St.

[firefightermom]

Just found a news story with the correct info, and some video. I just didn't like how they made my uncle sound like a moron who would hand his keys over to anybody, plus leave his gun in plain site...which it wasn't. Here's the link if anyone's interested...wbztv.com - Ohio Cop Carjacked In South Boston

I'm remember not to recommend this Marriott to anyone, and thanks for the input!

[pharmrepny]

I am glad your uncle is doing well. All I've heard about this story is what I've seen on the news and I'm sure we can all agree that they're not the most truthful. I'm sure you uncle wouldnt just hand his keys over to anybody. I've stayed in this hotel plenty of times and have never seen anything like this. I even recomment the hotel to many of my friends and family that are travelling to the Boston area. This incident will not stop me from booking my regular travel here and I hope it doesnt stop your cousin from going to school in Boston. Boston is a great city and has even better people unlike this criminal that deserves to be in jail. This could have happened to anyone and I hope this guy stays behind bars.

[TomDot]

Just drove by South Bay plaza and saw hotel.
It's not hidden behind anything and it looks very nice.
I would recommend.

[firefightermom]

Thanks to everyone for all the kind thoughts...he is doing well, and even went to one interview with my cousin yesterday. My cousin loved the Conservatory of Music and is still considering it, luckily. One source has released a bit more correct info, but now they say my uncle is retired from the Univ of Dayton force, which is his current job. He is retired from the Dayton, OH force. Oh well! As said above, we all know the news can't get everything right.