Roxbury man who allegedly hurt Boston cops with car before officer shot him was ordered held without bail
2024-07-23
Reckless Pursuit Ends in Violent Confrontation: Roxbury Man Faces Charges After Injuring Boston Police Officers
In a harrowing incident near the Forest Hills MBTA Station, a Roxbury man's alleged attempt to flee from police in a stolen vehicle resulted in a violent confrontation that left two Boston police officers injured, one of whom was forced to open fire. The suspect, Eyad Abbas, 23, now faces a slew of charges stemming from the incident, which has once again highlighted the dangers officers face in the line of duty.
On Thursday evening, Boston police officers responded to a report of a sighting of a stolen black BMW X7 near the Forest Hills MBTA Station. The vehicle had been reported stolen from an Abington auto body shop, and the officers quickly arrived on the scene to investigate.
Confrontation Turns Violent as Suspect Flees
Upon approaching the vehicle, the officers made contact with the driver, later identified as Eyad Abbas. After a brief conversation, Abbas allegedly put the car in reverse and attempted to flee, injuring the first officer who had placed his hands on the door handle and fender of the vehicle.
Suspect Strikes Second Officer, Prompting Gunfire
Abbas then reportedly drove forward, striking the second officer. In response, the officer discharged his service weapon, striking Abbas in the face. The impact caused Abbas to drive the stolen vehicle into a parked car, and the officer who had been struck was thrown to the ground, sustaining multiple broken bones and lacerations, including a severe head wound.
Suspect and Officer Transported for Medical Treatment
Both Abbas and the injured officer were transported to local hospitals for treatment. A female passenger in the BMW refused to cooperate with the police investigation and was not arrested.
Suspect's Extensive Criminal History Raises Concerns
Eyad Abbas, the alleged perpetrator of the incident, has a lengthy criminal record, with a seven-page history of arrests and arraignments dating back to 2019. This history of criminal behavior has only added to the gravity of the situation and the concerns surrounding the suspect's actions.
Prosecutors Emphasize the Dangers of Such Reckless Behavior
Suffolk District Attorney Kevin Hayden expressed the gravity of the situation, stating that the incident "could have turned out very differently for both the defendant and the officers involved." He further emphasized that the "extraordinarily dangerous behavior" exhibited by Abbas "can lead to the very worst of outcomes," and that the officers involved were fortunate to have survived the encounter.
Suspect Faces Numerous Charges, Held Without Bail
Abbas has been charged with a multitude of offenses, including two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon (the stolen car), receiving a stolen motor vehicle, reckless operation, operating with a suspended license, and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon resulting in serious bodily injury. A judge has ordered him held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing scheduled for July 29.The incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks and challenges faced by law enforcement officers in the line of duty, and the need for continued vigilance and responsible behavior from all members of the community to ensure the safety of both the public and those sworn to protect them.
