Two men were released on bail after a “large-scale vehicle takeover” ended with a police cruiser being torched early Sunday morning in Boston.
More than 100 people were involved in a street racing takeover just after 2 a.m. on Sunday, as reported by the Boston Police Department to CBS News. Upon arrival, officers encountered over 100 individuals attacking police cars using cones, fireworks, poles, and other objects.
Cars obstructed the intersection, blocking traffic flow through the area. The police cruiser was set ablaze and required towing away from the scene, according to the report.
Simran Nalhatra, who witnessed the street takeover, told 25News, “It was like a riot.”
Julian Bowers, 18, charged in relation to the street takeover, was seen walking out of court. (WFXT)
Bowers allegedly threw objects at police officers and the cruisers, while Cantwell was accused of using a pole to smash a police cruiser.
The two men entered not guilty pleas, with the judge setting bail at $500 for Bowers and $1,000 for Cantwell. Following the bail announcement, both men were observed sharing a fist bump, CBS News stated. Prosecutors had requested cash bail of $15,000 for Bowers and $20,000 for Cantwell.
Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox informed reporters that despite no officers being injured, the city would not tolerate such behavior as evidenced on Sunday.
Police in Boston say the street takeover resulted in a cruiser being torched. (WFXT)
“The reality is they could have been injured,” Cox remarked. “There are many people who come from various areas to engage in this illegal street racing, not only in our city but across the nation. This will simply not be accepted.”
Roughly an hour before the Boston street takeover, officers responded to a similar incident in nearby Randolph, Massachusetts, where police cars were also targeted by a crowd of over 100 individuals.
