By Pete Stidman
News Editor

Bats, knives, clubs and a pit bull were weapons in a fight between seven or more people on Morton Street last Tuesday, Aug. 28, according to a police report. One victim told police officers he was hit in the face with a hammer.

It might be just another incident, two juveniles arrested for trespassing and disturbing the peace, one for assault with a deadly weapon (the dog), four victims treated at Caritas Carney Hospital, one for "profuse swelling and bleeding to the eyes and face," but for one thing: neighbors and others familiar with the case say one or more of the alleged attackers live at 28 Sanford St., a house the city's assessing website identifies as a tax-exempt parsonage belonging to the Shawmut Community Church of God. Since May 2006, the church has rented the property out.

"This family of renegades is just reeking havoc," said City Councillor Maureen Feeney about the tenants in a hearing about churches in residential areas Aug. 27. "I cannot continue to face these [other] families knowing that their neighborhood has been tipped upside down because a church many miles away has [rented out its parsonage]."

Feeney also brought up a possible connection to the murder of Michael Hansbury, 41, who lived in the neighborhood and died July 13. The autopsy report said head injuries were the cause of death, possibly from striking his head on the street or sidewalk, and police at the time said Hansbury's injuries indicated an assault. They also told residents they were investigating a possible connection to residents of 28 Sanford St.

"When he finally died, they were break-dancing outside of the house that had just lost their son," said Feeney.

The current residents at 28 Sanford St. are paying a portion of their rent with a Section 8 voucher supplied by the Boston Housing Authority.

"Both the BHA and the landlord are moving as aggressively as possible to resolve the situation," said BHA spokesperson Lydia Agro. Agro would not confirm a rumor in the neighborhood that the Section 8 voucher had been revoked earlier this year.

The church and Kevin Chin, the church's property manager, did not return multiple calls seeking comment.

Last week's altercation began with an argument on the corner of Old Morton and Sanford streets, according to the police report. The victims told police that the suspects "returned" in a green van with bats, knives, clubs and a pit bull and gave chase toward Morton. One victim was hit with a hammer in the back, and a second in the face.

One suspect, holding a pit bull used as a weapon in the fight, was arrested on the scene for assault and battery with a deadly weapon. Officers found a second suspect hiding in a bush, and a third running through a series of backyards. Both were arrested for disturbing the peace and trespassing.

"Suspects actions caused residents of Old Morton Street to become afraid and concerned for their safety," read the report, "and also numerous residents to exit their homes."

The four victims were treated at Caritas Carney Hospital and released.

The next morning, officers returned to 28 Sanford St. with an Animal Control officer to remove the pit bull, according to the police report. After consulting with an attorney, the dog's owner gave the 9-year-old red-colored dog to Animal Control.