News Summary
Former Boston Police Sergeant Christopher Cunniff has been indicted on two counts of assault and battery related to an incident during St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. The charges stem from accusations that he assaulted an intoxicated man, inflicting serious bodily injury. Following the indictment, Cunniff’s law enforcement certification was suspended. This case raises significant concerns about accountability within law enforcement and the public’s trust in the police.
Boston – Former Boston Police Sergeant Christopher Cunniff has been indicted on two counts of assault and battery following an incident during the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations on March 16. The indictment, issued on June 25, charges Cunniff with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon resulting in serious bodily injury, as well as assault and battery involving serious bodily injury. His arraignment, initially set for Wednesday, has now been postponed to July 10.
According to prosecutors, the 59-year-old Cunniff is accused of assaulting an intoxicated man in South Boston, leaving him in a driveway just after 11:00 p.m. on the day of the parade. The indictment specifically refers to Cunniff’s foot as a “shod foot,” categorizing it as the dangerous weapon involved in the alleged assault. This serious nature of the charges indicates the potential for substantial legal repercussions for Cunniff.
Cunniff, who retired from the Boston Police Department shortly after learning of the ongoing investigation by the District Attorney’s office and the Police Department’s Anti-Corruption Division, had his retirement coincide with the timing of his indictment on June 25. Following his indictment, the Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission acted swiftly, suspending Cunniff’s law enforcement certification on June 27. The particulars of this suspension remain partially redacted, sparking further interest in the case.
Cunniff previously worked in the domestic violence unit of the Boston Police Department, a role that placed him at the forefront of serious public safety issues. His career in law enforcement has now come under scrutiny due to the alleged actions during the St. Patrick’s Day incident. The Suffolk County District Attorney’s office is responsible for prosecuting Cunniff in this case.
The investigation into Cunniff’s conduct began following reports of the incident that took place during one of the city’s largest public celebrations. The St. Patrick’s Day parade in Boston draws significant crowds and is celebrated widely, making the alleged violence particularly noteworthy and concerning to the community. As authorities continue to gather information about the incident, additional details are being requested by NewsCenter 5, while the legal proceedings unfold.
The indictment of a former police sergeant on such serious charges has sparked discussions about accountability within law enforcement and the importance of upholding public trust. The consequences of this case will likely resonate beyond just the court proceedings, as they may impact perceptions of policing and officer conduct in Boston.
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Additional Resources
- Boston 25 News
- Wikipedia: Police Brutality in the United States
- WCVB News
- Google Search: Boston Police Sergeant Christopher Cunniff
- NBC Boston
- Google Scholar: Boston Police Accountability
- Boston Herald
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Law Enforcement
- Hoodline
- Google News: Boston Police Assault Case
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
