An incident involving a moped and a police officer has led to the arrest of an 18-year-old in Downtown Boston. Kwest Howard, a Dorchester resident, is facing multiple charges after reportedly striking an officer with his moped during a traffic stop on Washington Street.
Boston Police Department's report states the event occurred around 4:38 p.m. on Monday, when officers noticed a moped driving the wrong way. After they attempted to conduct a traffic stop, Howard allegedly accelerated towards one of the officers, struck them, and his vehicle ended up crashing into a pole. The incident took place on Franklin Street, scattering debris from the collision site.
Howard attempted to escape on foot but was quickly apprehended, partly with the help of a bystander. The arrest was not straightforward; Howard resisted and made threats to shoot the officers, attracting a growing crowd. The charged offenses include assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, resisting arrest, threats to commit a crime, and disorderly conduct, in addition to several motor vehicle violations.
Despite the violent nature of the encounter, the officer involved in the moped collision did not sustain injuries. In light of this event and other similar occurrences, the Boston Police are emphasizing their focus on tackling the unlawful and unsafe use of mopeds and scooters in the downtown area, a move that seems to resonate among safety advocates and residents alike. Howard's arraignment took place in Boston Municipal Court following the incident.
