After Worcester Lifeguard Stabbing, Police Boosting Patrols

WORCESTER, MA — Worcester police will step up patrols at city beaches and public parks following the July 4 weekend stabbing of a lifeguard at Bell Pond, according to Worcester police Chief Steven Sargent.

In a statement late Monday, Sargent called the stabbing "shocking." The beach was closed on Monday.

"We will not tolerate those who would use violence to take away the peace of our public spaces," he said. "I pray for the recovery of the victim and thank the officers for their swift response that led to the perpetrators being held accountable.”

Worcester police had on Thursday just started the annual "summer impact" patrols. That program includes sending more police to beaches and parks.

The stabbing happened near 6:30 p.m. Sunday at the Belmont Street beach. The 17-year-old lifeguard was stabbed and hit with a stick, police said. He had previously told a beach visitor to stop drinking and smoking in the park. That man returned with three others to exact revenge, police said.

That man, identified by police as Celestine Bigirimana, 22, was arrested on Sunday along Wilson Street. He was charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, disturbing the peace, disorderly conduct, trespassing, resisting arrest and possession of an open container of alcohol.

Soon after Bigirimana's arrest, police stopped three men at Cristoforo Colombo Park and arrested them in connection to the stabbing. Mohamed Abdullahi, 19, was arrested on charges of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and disturbing the peace. A 17-year-old was arrested on charges of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, disorderly conduct and disturbing the peace. The third person was released without being charged.