News Summary
An 18-year-old from Dorchester, Kwest Howard, was arrested after hitting a Boston police officer with a moped during an attempted traffic stop. Howard fled the scene but was apprehended with help from a bystander. Authorities reported he resisted arrest and made threats against the officers. He faces multiple charges, including assault with a dangerous weapon and several motor vehicle violations. The incident highlights ongoing safety concerns regarding moped use in urban areas.
Boston – An 18-year-old teen from Dorchester, named Kwest Howard, was arrested on Monday following an incident in downtown Boston where he struck a police officer with a moped and made threats against authorities.
The event unfolded at approximately 4:38 p.m. on Washington Street when police noticed Howard riding his moped in the wrong direction. After stopping near 367 Washington Street, police officers approached him to conduct a traffic stop. However, Howard allegedly accelerated away from the officers and made a left turn onto Franklin Street. During this attempt to evade police, Howard struck one of the officers, causing the officer to be thrown backward. The moped subsequently crashed into a nearby pole, scattering debris across Franklin Street.
After the collision, Howard fled the scene on foot but was detained shortly after with assistance from a bystander. Authorities reported that Howard actively resisted arrest while creating a disturbance that drew the attention of onlookers. Additionally, during the arrest, he allegedly threatened to shoot the officers involved in the incident. Fortunately, the officer who was hit by the moped sustained no injuries.
Following the incident, Howard was charged with multiple offenses, including:
- Assault and battery with a dangerous weapon (moped)
- Resisting arrest
- Threatening to commit a crime
- Disorderly conduct
In addition to these charges, Howard received several citations related to motor vehicle violations, which included:
- Failure to stop for police
- Reckless operation of a motor vehicle
- Unlicensed operation
- Helmet violation
- Improper operation of a motor vehicle
- Operating an unregistered motor vehicle
Following his arrest, Howard was arraigned in Boston Municipal Court, where the charges were formally addressed. The incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding the unsafe and unlawful operation of mopeds and scooters in the downtown area. The Boston Police Department has reiterated its commitment to tackling these issues and ensuring public safety on the streets.
This incident comes amid increased scrutiny of moped and scooter operations in urban environments, with law enforcement agencies nationwide taking action against illegal riding practices. As more residents and visitors opt for alternative modes of transportation, authorities are prioritizing safety regulations to mitigate risks for both riders and pedestrians.
The Boston Police Department encourages residents to report any unlawful or reckless behavior involving mopeds and scooters in the area and emphasizes the importance of adhering to traffic rules to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
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Additional Resources
- Boston 25 News
- Wikipedia: Moped
- The Boston Globe
- Google Search: moped safety regulations Boston
- MassLive
- Google Scholar: moped operation safety
- NBC Boston
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Moped
- Hoodline
- Google News: moped incidents Boston
