State Trooper Accused Of Breaking Woman's Leg During Off-Duty Altercation
BOSTON (CBS) – A Massachusetts State Police trooper was arraigned on Thursday, charged with kicking a woman and breaking her leg outside a Dorchester bar earlier this month.
Matthew Hickey, 30, of Quincy is charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon as well as assault and battery following a December 1 incident. Hickey was previously summonsed following the altercation outside Dorset Hall on Neponset Ave.
Prosecutors say a 24-year-old woman suffered a broken leg. State Police suspended Hickey with pay after learning of the charges, but on Monday held another duty status hearing and suspended him without pay indefinitely.
"We have no tolerance for the type of conduct that is alleged in the complaint. We have opened an internal affairs investigation and will closely monitor the judicial proceedings," said Dave Procopio in a statement earlier this month.
The Boston Globe reported that the victim told police Hickey attacked her from behind, grabbing her neck and kicking her right leg. The incident allegedly began with an altercation inside the bar. Hickey and his girlfriend followed the victim and her friend outside, the victim told Boston Police.
Hickey pleaded not guilty to the charges. His attorney said "Our position is that my client has done nothing wrong."
Prosecutors recommended Hickey be held on $1,000 cash bail. The judge ordered him released on personal recognizance with orders to stay away from the victim and Dorset Hall. He is next scheduled to appear in court on February 13.