Angry men whip out knives in Dorchester, Roxbury parks, one after having his request to join a basketball game denied, police say

Boston Police report arresting two men for knife-related incidents at Roberts Playground in Dorchester and Malcolm X Park in Roxbury.

Police report officers responding to a report of a man with a knife at Roberts Playground around 5:20 p.m. arrested Omar Stephenson, 37, of Dorchester - after first stopping two men they spotted running down Dunbar Avenue:

Officers were advised that the individuals were being chased by a person with a knife.

Officers were told that the victims were playing basketball and were approached by the suspect who asked if he could play. The suspect began to become overly aggressive, and was asked to leave. The suspect put one of the victims in a headlock, and then released him. At this time, the suspect pulled out a knife and began to chase the victims.

Officers were provided a description of the suspect, and responding officers immediately observed the suspect screaming at the basketball court. Officers quickly apprehended the suspect and conducted a pat frisk. Officers recovered a 12-inch hunting knife in a sheath, in the suspect’s waistband under his coat.

Stephenson was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and assault and battery, police say.

Police also report arresting Shawn Marsh, 32, of Dorchester, for a morning incident at Malcolm X Park - after returning to the park a couple hours later:

A about 11:49 AM, officers responded to the area of 150 Martin Luther King Boulevard for a report of a person with a knife. Officers were advised that the suspect randomly became aggressive towards a victim, pulled out a knife and pointed it at him. The suspect stole an item from the victim and fled the scene.

At about 1:11 PM, officers responded to the same address for another call for a person with a knife. Officers were provided a description from detectives of the earlier suspect. Upon arrival, officers observed a suspect matching the description and immediately placed him into handcuffs. Officers searched the suspect and recovered a knife with brass knuckles.

He was charged with armed robbery and carrying a dangerous weapon (the brass knuckles), police say.

Innocent, etc.