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The attack took place around 6:30 p.m., Sunday, July 4, when Worcester Police officers were dispatched to the area of Bell Pond for a report of several males attacking the lifeguard on duty.
When they arrived on the scene, the officers were brought to the 17-year-old male lifeguard, who had been stabbed. Officers rendered medical aid, and the victim was transported to the hospital by ambulance.
Officers investigated and discovered that a small group of males were smoking and drinking in the park, and were advised that they had to stop or would be asked to leave the park, Worcester Police said.
Several members of the group left without incident, but one person was verbally aggressive and threatening. This man left the park but came back later with a small group and attacked the victim.
During the confrontation, the victim was hit with a stick and stabbed, police said.
Officers sent out an alert for the suspects as they checked the immediate area.
Shortly after, officers called over the radio with a foot pursuit in the area of Wilson Street.
Officers eventually caught up with the suspect, identified as Celestine Bigirimana, twenty-two-year-old of Worcester, and placed him under arrest.
He was charged with:
- Assault and battery with a dangerous weapon
- Disturbing the peace
- Disorderly conduct
- Trespassing
- Resisting arrest
- Possession of an open container.
Other officers in the area observed three men emerge from the woods and enter East Park. These three were detained, and officers developed probable cause they were the men who attacked the lifeguard.
Mohamed Abdullahi, 19, of Worcester was charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and disturbing the peace.
A seventeen-year-old juvenile was arrested and charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, disorderly conduct, and disturbing the peace.
A third man was arrested on the scene but was released without charges when additional information was discovered.
All were held to be arraigned in court.
“After the shocking stabbing of a city lifeguard yesterday, the Worcester Police Department will be increasing patrols at our beaches and parks," said Chief Steven Sargent. "We will not tolerate those who would use violence to take away the peace of our public spaces. I pray for the recovery of the victim and thank the officers for their swift response that led to the perpetrators being held accountable.”
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