One Death, One Stolen Cell Phone: Mount Vernon Police

MOUNT VERNON, NY — Mount Vernon police found a dying 24-year-old on Washington Street at 1:30 a.m. Monday. He had been shot. Four hours later, they tracked down a stolen cellphone and arrested one person. They did not confirm the two incidents as related.

Members of the Mount Vernon Police Department found Trevon Boswell at 210 Washington St. Boswell was transported to an area hospital where he succumbed to his injuries, police said.

Then, at about 5:29 a.m the Mount Vernon Police Department responded to South 10th Avenue to reports of a stolen cellphone “pinging” its location.

The phone led the officers to a taxi cab with four male occupants. There, they observed a handgun in plain view on the floor of the cab, police said. Three of the occupants fled. One, a 20-year old from the Bronx, remained and was arrested without incident.

The stolen cellphone, an iPhone, was tracked down with location-tracing software within the phone as well as with the aid of New Rochelle Police Department from whose jurisdiction the phone was stolen, police said.

As of this time, the events are not confirmed to be related. Both incidents remain under investigation and further details will be released as they become available.

“The city mourns the loss of this young man’s life," Mayor Richard Thomas said. "We cannot allow violence to tear apart families and communities. Earlier today, I spoke with City Council President Roberta Apuzzo and shared with her my administration’s continued commitment to investments in public safety technology.

"Modern technology has made 21st century policing more efficient, more collaborative and given better results. The people of Mount Vernon deserve a police force that is equipped with the tools necessary to get the job done and, as Mayor, I will not rest until the department is fully supported."