Last night, chaos erupted outside the MGM Music Hall in Boston as two men were arrested following a violent incident that began around 9:50 PM. According to the Boston Police Department's official statement, what started as security attempting to remove a man from the venue quickly escalated into a confrontation with the police.
30-year-old Edwin Rivera, from Mashpee, MA, resisted the officers' efforts to peacefully escort him out, throwing a drink and trying to punch an officer, and reaching for the officer's gun. During the chaos, Rivera also managed to disconnect the officer’s radio. After repeated resistance, officers were finally able to subdue and handcuff him. Meanwhile, 27-year-old Steven Costa of Hyannis, MA, became confrontational, trying to hit another officer and ignoring verbal commands. Costa's refusal ultimately led to officers deploying a Taser to bring him under control.
One of the officers involved was injured during the struggle and was transported by Boston EMS to a local hospital for treatment. Both Rivera and Costa were evaluated by EMS at the scene but did not require hospitalization. They were taken to a police facility for booking, where Rivera continued to exhibit combative behavior and refused to participate in the booking process.
The charges against Rivera include assault and battery with a dangerous weapon on a police officer and attempting to disarm a police officer, among others. Costa faces multiple charges which include assault and battery on a police officer and resisting arrest. According to the Boston Police Department, both suspects are slated to be arraigned in Roxbury District Court. As disturbances go, the fallout from this one will definitely to be sorted out by the legal system in due time.
