2 Boston Police Officers Struck with Car at Puerto Rican Parade
By Will Katcher
Source masslive.com
A Boston man was arrested Sunday after authorities said he drove through a police barricade in Jamaica Plain, striking a pair of officers with his car as they worked a traffic detail for the nearby Puerto Rican parade.
Jamauree Haygood, 28, faces multiple charges after hitting the two police officers, both of whom are expected to survive, the Boston Police Department said.
“I’m relieved that our two officers are safe with only minor injuries, but this was too close of a call,” Boston Mayor Michelle Wu said in a statement. “I’m wishing them a speedy recovery and grateful that they and all our officers were present with us in the community keeping residents safe during today’s festivities.”
The Jamaica Plain man ignored “numerous verbal commands” to stop when he approached the barricade near the corner of Peter Parley Road and Walnut Avenue around 12:20 p.m. Sunday, police said.
According to the department, Haygood instead drove through the wooden barrier and hit two officers before stopping.
The officers were brought to area hospitals with non-life threatening injuries.
Haygood will appear in West Roxbury District Court on charges including recklessly operating a motor vehicle and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.
“This incident demonstrates the dangers our officers face on a daily basis while striving to protect the communities we serve,” Boston Police Superintendent-in-Chief Gregory Long said in a statement Sunday. “I’m grateful the officers injuries are non-life threatening and that they will be able to return to their families tonight.”
The Puerto Rican parade and festival on Sunday was a proud display of culture and heritage after a two-year hiatus. Thousands lined Columbus Avenue, waving flags and blaring music, as the parade wound its way toward Franklin Park, the Boston Globe reported.
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