Mattapan man wanted in connection with 2019 stabbing arrested near Roxbury Park

A 29-year-old man who was charged nearly five years ago in a non-fatal stabbing in Roxbury was arrested Saturday, Boston police said.

Adilson Tavares, of Mattapan, was charged with assault in connection with the July 2019 stabbing, Boston police said in a statement. Police then attempted to arrest Tavares, but learned he had fled the country.

On Saturday, officers patrolling the area of ​​Howard and Dewey streets in Roxbury recognized Tavares driving past them on a motorized scooter. Police immediately launched a search for the man, broadcasting his description to other officers and searching the area, according to the release.

Shortly after, police saw a small group of people inside the Denis Street park playground and spotted the scooter Tavares was riding leaning against a fence. The officers called for reinforcements to prevent any escape attempts by Tavares. Once additional officers arrived, police entered the park to find Tavares, according to the release.

When police entered the park, Tavares recognized them and “frantically attempted to flee on his motorized scooter” but was captured after a “brief struggle” and arrested around 12:05 p.m. During the arrest , police say officers found a gun in a fanny pack. Tavares had it strapped to his chest.

The weapon, a black semi-automatic 9mm Bersa “Thunder 9 Ultra Compact Pro,” was loaded with 13 live rounds, police said.

Tavares is expected to be arraigned in Roxbury District Court on outstanding arrest warrants charging him with armed assault with intent to kill, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon causing injury serious bodily injury, as well as assault and battery. He also faces charges of illegal possession of a firearm, illegal possession of ammunition, possession of a large caliber firearm, carrying a loaded firearm and resisting arrest.