Boston, December 26, 2025
Two teenagers from Rhode Island have been charged following a violent vehicle takeover incident in Boston’s South End. The early morning event involved over 100 individuals attacking police cruisers, with severe damages reported, including a cruiser set on fire. Julian Bowers and William Cantwell, both 18 and 19 years old respectively, face multiple charges including assault on a police officer and malicious destruction of property. Bail was set low, and the broader implications of such events have sparked discussions regarding public safety and community relations.
Boston
Two Rhode Island teenagers are facing serious charges in connection with a violent “vehicle takeover” incident that occurred in Boston’s South End in the early hours of Sunday, October 5, 2025. During the incident, a crowd of over 100 individuals reportedly attacked Boston Police cruisers, leading to one vehicle being severely damaged and ultimately destroyed by fire.
Julian Bowers, 18, of Cumberland, Rhode Island, and William Cantwell, 19, of Warwick, Rhode Island, were arrested following the chaotic scene at the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and Tremont Street. They were arraigned on Monday, October 6, 2025, in Roxbury District Court. Both individuals entered not guilty pleas to the charges.
Details of the Incident and Charges
According to reports, at approximately 2:12 AM on October 5, Boston police officers responded to a large-scale vehicle takeover. Upon arrival, they encountered a crowd exceeding 100 people who immediately began assaulting marked police cruisers by throwing fireworks, traffic cones, poles, and other objects. Vehicles were also used to block the intersection, obstructing the normal flow of traffic.
One marked Boston Police cruiser sustained extensive damage after being repeatedly struck with fireworks, which ignited a fire inside the vehicle. Witnesses described the scene as “like a riot” with fire observed everywhere. Some members of the crowd reportedly jumped onto the hood of the cruiser, further endangering the officers.
Julian Bowers was arrested after being observed throwing objects at officers and their cruiser. Following a foot pursuit, he was taken into custody. William Cantwell was arrested after allegedly being seen repeatedly striking a cruiser with an orange pole. Following a brief struggle, Cantwell was apprehended, and a search of his bag revealed two packages of marijuana edibles.
Bowers faces charges including malicious destruction of property over $1,200, disorderly conduct, assault and battery on a police officer, and resisting arrest. Cantwell faces the same charges, with an additional charge of possession of Class D, marijuana, as the legal age for cannabis possession in Massachusetts is 21.
Court Proceedings and Bail
During their arraignment, prosecutors sought cash bail of $15,000 for Bowers and $20,000 for Cantwell, citing the severe nature of the incident and the defendants’ “lack of ties” to the community outside of Rhode Island. However, the judge set bail at $500 for Bowers and $1,000 for Cantwell. Both individuals reportedly fist-bumped after the bail amounts were announced. They were ordered to stay out of Boston except for legal proceedings and meetings with their attorneys, and to wear GPS monitoring bracelets if they made bail. Both suspects posted bail.
The individuals are due back in court for a pretrial hearing on November 5, 2025.
Broader Context: Nationwide Trend and Official Responses
This incident in Boston is considered part of a larger, nationwide trend of “large-scale vehicle takeovers” that are often coordinated through social media. These events involve large crowds and vehicles blocking roadways, engaging in activities such as illegal street racing, burnouts, and donuts, and are designed to overwhelm law enforcement. The Boston Police Department noted that groups involved in these takeovers often come from out of state and move quickly to target multiple locations.
Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox stated that no officers were injured during the incident, and pledged to “spare no expense” to hold those responsible accountable. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu also condemned the violence, stating that individuals who brought dangerous conduct into the city would be prosecuted and held fully accountable. A similar incident occurred in Randolph, Massachusetts, approximately 45 minutes before the Boston attack, where police cruisers were also targeted by a crowd of over 100 people. It remains unclear whether these incidents were connected.
The swiftness with which civic order can be disrupted by such concerted actions, even by a relatively small number of individuals, offers a sobering glimpse into the vulnerabilities that exist within the public sphere. The events invite a quiet consideration of the delicate balance between individual expression and communal safety, and the expectations placed upon law enforcement when faced with orchestrated disorder. While the legal process unfolds for those charged, the broader societal currents that contribute to such brazen disregard for public property and safety continue to warrant reflection. The pursuit of accountability remains a vital aspect of restoring a sense of order and ensuring that public spaces remain safe and accessible for all citizens.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in Boston’s South End on October 5, 2025?
On Sunday, October 5, 2025, in the early hours, a violent “vehicle takeover” incident occurred in Boston’s South End where a crowd of over 100 individuals attacked Boston Police cruisers. One cruiser was severely damaged and destroyed by fire.
Who was arrested in connection with the Boston police cruiser attack?
Julian Bowers, 18, of Cumberland, Rhode Island, and William Cantwell, 19, of Warwick, Rhode Island, were arrested following the incident.
What charges are Julian Bowers and William Cantwell facing?
Julian Bowers faces charges including malicious destruction of property over $1,200, disorderly conduct, assault and battery on a police officer, and resisting arrest. William Cantwell faces the same charges, with an additional charge of possession of Class D, marijuana, due to two packages of marijuana edibles found in his bag.
When were Bowers and Cantwell arraigned?
Julian Bowers and William Cantwell were arraigned on Monday, October 6, 2025, in Roxbury District Court.
What bail was set for the arrested teenagers?
The judge set bail at $500 for Julian Bowers and $1,000 for William Cantwell.
Is this incident part of a broader trend?
Yes, this incident in Boston is considered part of a larger, nationwide trend of “large-scale vehicle takeovers” often coordinated through social media.
Key Features of the Boston Vehicle Takeover Incident
| Feature | Description | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Date of Incident | Sunday, October 5, 2025, approximately 2:12 AM | Local |
| Location | Intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and Tremont Street, Boston’s South End | Local |
| Individuals Charged | Julian Bowers (18, Cumberland, RI), William Cantwell (19, Warwick, RI) | State-level |
| Key Charges (Bowers & Cantwell) | Malicious destruction of property over $1,200, disorderly conduct, assault and battery on a police officer, resisting arrest | State-level |
| Additional Charge (Cantwell) | Possession of Class D, marijuana | State-level |
| Crowd Size | Over 100 individuals | Local |
| Police Cruiser Damage | One marked cruiser destroyed by fire after being struck with fireworks | Local |
| Broader Context | Part of a nationwide trend of large-scale vehicle takeovers coordinated via social media | Nationwide |
| Arraignment Date | Monday, October 6, 2025 | Local |
| Bail Set | $500 for Bowers, $1,000 for Cantwell | State-level |
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Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
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