Driver Facing Several Charges After Boston Police Officers Dragged By SUV
BOSTON (CBS) – The driver accused of dragging two Boston Police officers with an SUV over the weekend has been identified.
Bryant Gilbert, 45, of Dorchester is expected to be arraigned in Dorchester Municipal Court Monday on multiple charges, including assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, failure to stop for a police officer, and driving to endanger.
Police said Gilbert was driving an SUV erratically and speeding on Blue Hill Avenue in Mattapan around 7 p.m. Sunday, so Officers Cliff Davis and Chris Kennedy pulled him over at Stratton Street.
"When the vehicle finally came to a stop, officers approached and observed that the vehicle was still in gear," police said in a statement Monday.
"The officers requested the operator to place the vehicle in park and remove the keys from the ignition, but the operator adamantly refused. Fearing the operator's reckless driving was a danger to other citizens in the area, officers attempted to secure the driver and the vehicle when the operator stepped on the gas, dragging both officers with the vehicle."
The officers were pulled about 100 yards down the street. One hit his foot on a parked car. The other hurt his back and shoulder.
It ended when the vehicle hit a parked SUV. The impact pushed the parked vehicle over the sidewalk and into a tree. Police said Gilbert and his passenger tried to run away, but the officers caught Gilbert and arrested him after a "violent struggle."
The officers were taken to Brigham and Women's Hospital where they were treated for minor injuries and released.
"Thank God they're o.k. Again, it goes to the danger of this job. You never know what can happen when you go out on patrol," Boston Police Commissioner Bill Evans told reporters Monday.
Police said they found a large amount of money and several small bags of substance believed to be marijuana on Gilbert when he was captured. He was also charged with possession with intent to distribute drugs.
