A driver idling in the middle of Tremont Street touched off a chaotic scene in downtown Boston Tuesday night, when police say he refused to move his car, reversed into traffic nearly striking an elderly pedestrian, then sped off before officers tracked him down on foot and arrested him near 1 Beacon Street.
Officers Say Car Was Blocking Emergency Access
According to the Boston Police Department, officers on patrol on Tremont Street spotted a vehicle idling in the roadway and blocking traffic. Police said the car had been left in front of an emergency vehicle access point, as reported by Boston 25 News. When officers approached, police said the driver refused to move.
Instead, police said the driver, identified as Javier Breitling, put the car in reverse, nearly striking an elderly person in the process, according to the station's report. He then drove off, according to police, setting off a pursuit that ended with officers catching up to him on foot while his car was stuck in traffic near Beacon Street.
Arrest Made Near Beacon Street
Boston police said the on-site arrest took place at approximately 8:33 p.m. Tuesday in the area of 1 Beacon Street, within the department's District A-1 (Downtown). Per the same account, Breitling is facing charges of Failure to Stop for Police, Motor Vehicle Operator refusing to Identify, and Reckless Operation of a Motor Vehicle; he also received a citation for violating the auto laws.
The incident remains a developing story, and further details on the case have not yet been released.
