Boston Blotter: Body Found in Dorchester Park, Arrests Before, During Caribbean Festival

-- A man suspected of being homeless was found stabbed to death in a small Dorchester park this morning. [Globe]

-- After Friday's shooting on the Boston waterfront was linked to a reggae and hip-hop cruise, police feared escalated violence at this weekend's Caribbean Festival, which has seen bloodshed in the past. So, police rounded up the usual suspects before the event even started. 56 suspected gang members and alleged criminals were arrested in a proactive warrant service (PAWS) sweep. The results were encouraging, at least from a public safety perspective. 23 people were arrested during the festival itself, three on firearms charges, but no injuries were reported from assault, a great improvement over last year's festival, during which four were stabbed and a dozen were shot. [Globe; Herald; BPDNews]

-- A third woman has accused Peter Pearson, a Boston deputy fire chief, of rape. Pearson already stands trial for two rape allegations. [Globe]

-- A Newton firefighter was busted buying heroin in a Dorchester park on Thursday, according to authorities. [Waltham Daily News Tribune]

-- A drive-by shooting in Brockton left two injured last night. [Globe]

-- A pair of men were stabbed early Saturday morning in East Boston and taken to Mass. General Hospital, both with life-threatening injuries. During a traffic stop later in the morning, police discovered and arrested two suspects in the assaults. Police also arrested a man in connection with a shooting last Monday in Dorchester. [BPDNews]

All charges alleged until proven under law.