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Teens Climb Old John Hancock Weather Beacon and Flee After Alleged Assault

Investigators found no signs of forced entry at rooftop access, leaving questions about how the climbers reached the 65-foot beacon.

Overview

  • Three unidentified teenagers climbed the illuminated weather beacon atop the Berkeley Building’s tower and later came down and ran from the scene, police said.
  • Officers, Boston Fire and building security searched the rooftop after a report of the climb but did not find anyone and saw no damage to access points.
  • Police say the trio fled on foot toward Stuart Street and Clarendon Street and that one of the teens allegedly knocked a security guard to the ground; the guard declined medical attention.
  • No arrests have been made and the Boston Police Department is actively investigating how the climbers gained access and the circumstances of the alleged assault.
  • The 26-story Berkeley Building’s weather beacon, installed in 1950, broadcasts color-coded forecasts and the incident has raised questions about security and public-safety protections for the landmark.