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Boston cop accused of assaulting Uber driver

BOSTON -- A longtime Boston police officer is facing charges he attacked an Uber driver after the driver allegedly dropped him off at the wrong location, reports CBS Boston.

Investigators say Michael Doherty, a 16-year veteran of the Boston police force, was off-duty Sunday morning when he allegedly beat the Uber driver during a trip with the ride-sharing service in South Boston. They say the officer yelled at the driver and hit him after claiming he'd been taken to the wrong place.

Investigators say the victim got out of his car, but that Doherty allegedly continued to beat the driver until a passing motorist intervened to help.

Doherty, 40, then jumped into the Uber car and drove away, officials told the station. They say the motorist and the victim followed Doherty until he ditched the car and fled on foot. The officer was later arrested at his home.

His defense lawyer said in court Monday that Doherty was the victim of the attack, not the Uber driver.

Doherty is facing charges of assault and battery and operating a motor vehicle without authorization. He was arraigned Monday and released after posting $500 bond.

Doherty was reportedly already on desk duty because of a prior assault on June 8, reports the station. He was placed on administrative leave after the latest incident.

A spokesperson for Uber told CBS Boston that Doherty has been permanently blocked as a rider.

"Our thoughts are with our valued partner during his recovery and we are supporting him in any way we can during this time," Uber's spokesperson said.

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