A Boston police officer was assaulted with thrown objects and liquids by a crowd of 100 to 150 people on Sunday, June 28, while attempting to apprehend a dirt bike suspect. The incident occurred around 9:24 p.m. near Old Road and Ellington Street in Dorchester during a street takeover.
According to a police report, Officer Jesse Kennedy spotted a dirt bike with no rear license plate and approached the rider. When Kennedy attempted to check the bike’s registration by grabbing the handlebars, the rider allegedly resisted and tried to flee. Video circulating on social media shows Kennedy surrounded by individuals who appeared to be throwing drinks, bottles, and other items as he struggled with the rider. The sound of smashing glass was also audible in the footage.
The Boston Police Patrolmen’s Association stated that the officer was alone and that his backup was delayed by traffic and the large crowd. "He was all alone, and he had to go," said union President Larry Calderone, describing the situation as indicative of the challenges officers face with thin staffing.
Calderone indicated that the Boston Police Department is facing a significant staffing shortage. He suggested that while Mayor Michelle Wu has funded new hires, retirements and internal promotions have depleted patrol ranks. The union estimates the department is approximately 600 rank-and-file officers short. Calderone also criticized the City Council's handling of police overtime, suggesting it contributed to the lack of additional officers being deployed for the event.
"The blame is not with the mayor," Calderone stated. "The blame is with the City Council."
He further alleged that some council members have shown an attitude of trying to "defund the police" while neighborhoods contend with issues like street takeovers and assaults on officers. The union president also noted that the department did not deploy extra personnel despite knowing about potential problem areas, leading to the department operating below its minimum staffing standards on the night of the incident.
Additional officers arrived at the scene later and dispersed the crowd. The dirt bike rider was not identified, and no arrests were reported in connection with the incident. The Boston Police Department, Mayor Wu's office, Police Commissioner Michael Cox, and City Commissioner for District Four Brian Worrell's office were contacted for comment.