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BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — A Dorchester man was arraigned on Monday on charges including assault and reckless operation after police say he allegedly drove through barricades at the Puerto Rican Festival Parade, injuring two Boston Police officers in the process over the weekend.
According to the Suffolk County District Attorney's Office, 28-year-old Jamauree Haygood appeared in the West Roxbury Division of Boston Municipal Court on charges of reckless operation of a motor vehicle, two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and civil infractions for a marked lanes violation and failure to stop or yield.
Officials say that at around noon on Sunday, officers allegedly spotted Haygood weaving through traffic on Green and Washington Streets, committing multiple traffic violations like crossing solid double yellow lines and refusing to stop at red lights. Later, police say Haygood refused to comply with numerous commands at a barricade meant to protect participants at the Puerto Rican Festival Parade, ultimately plowing through and knocking officials to the ground.
According to a statement from the BPD, Haygood's sedan hit two police officers, hospitalizing them for non-life-threatening injuries.
Prosecutors requested the suspect be held on bail of $15,000 and be ordered to stay away from the location of the incident, at the intersection of Walnut Avenue and Peter Parley Road.
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Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, who was at the parade, said she is glad the incident didn't cause any serious injuries.
"I’m relieved that our two officers are safe with only minor injuries, but this was too close of a call. 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," Wu said.
“This incident demonstrates the dangers our officers face on a daily basis while striving to protect the communities we serve. I’m grateful the officers' injuries are non-life-threatening and that they will be able to return to their families," Superintendent-in-Chief Gregory Long said.
“This weekend’s Puerto Rican parade was an opportunity to come together and celebrate a beautiful culture. The actions of this individual not only put at risk the safety of the officers who were struck, but potentially threatened the lives of those who gathered to take part in the festivities. ‘Reckless’ seems too weak a term to describe the potentially catastrophic harm that could have resulted,” Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden said in a statement to WBZ NewsRadio.
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