BOSTON — A disorderly gathering of more than 100 individuals turned violent early Sunday, as they launched an attack on police cruisers with fireworks and various projectiles, resulting in two arrests.
The chaos at the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and Tremont Street unfolded around 2 a.m. when law enforcement responded to reports of a “large-scale vehicle takeover.” Upon arrival, officers found the crowd hurling objects at marked police vehicles, creating a hazardous environment for both officers and civilians.
Participants had also used vehicles to obstruct traffic, effectively halting movement through the area. The situation mirrored another vehicle takeover incident occurring roughly 15 miles to the south in Randolph, highlighting an escalating trend in such confrontational gatherings in the region.
According to police, a vehicle takeover typically involves a significant number of cars and pedestrians blocking roadways, disrupting normal traffic flow and enabling illegal activities such as reckless driving. Officers reported extensive damage to one police cruiser, which sustained multiple impacts from fireworks, igniting a fire that could not be contained. Members of the crowd even leapt onto the hood of the vehicle during the mayhem.
In response to the escalating violence, additional police units were summoned to help disperse the crowd using unspecified equipment. Meanwhile, the fire department was called in to extinguish the blaze within the cruiser, which was subsequently destroyed and removed from the scene.
Two individuals from Rhode Island were taken into custody amid the turmoil. Eighteen-year-old Julian Bowers from Cumberland was arrested for allegedly throwing objects at police and the cruiser, facing charges that include malicious destruction of property, assault and battery on a police officer, and resisting arrest. Nineteen-year-old William Cantwell of West Warwick was also arrested after reportedly striking a cruiser multiple times with an orange pole; he was subsequently charged with similar offenses, including possession of marijuana edibles found in his bag.
Both suspects are slated for arraignment in Roxbury District Court in the near future.
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu expressed gratitude for the efforts of the police and first responders, condemning the outsiders who contributed to the disturbance. “Those who brought dangerous behavior to our city will be held accountable,” she stated. City Councilor Ed Flynn echoed her sentiments, emphasizing the necessity of prosecuting attacks against law enforcement and advocating for support for police officers and their families.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to reach out to detectives or provide anonymous tips through the Crime Stoppers Tip Line, highlighting the community’s role in maintaining order and safety. Photographic or video evidence related to the disturbances may also be submitted anonymously to assist in the investigation.