Update: Boston police patrolman Michael Doherty pleaded not guilty in South Boston District Court Monday to charges he assaulted and violated the civil rights of an Uber driver. He appeared in court with his left arm in a sling and a black left eye, as reported by The Boston Globe.
The BPD chose not to comment on the allegations, when BostInno reached out Monday afternoon. We’ve also reached out to Doherty’s police union; this piece will be updated as necessary.
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A 16-year Boston Police Department veteran has been placed on administrative leave for allegedly assaulting an Uber driver early Sunday morning, according to officials.
Officer Michael Doherty, 40, of South Boston, was arrested and charged with assault and battery after the alleged incident, reported at 2:45 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 4, near E. 1st Street in South Boston. The BPD Anti-Corruption Unit is reviewing the facts and circumstances. Doherty was off duty at the time.
The victim, an unidentified Uber driver, told responding officers that, while in the process of dropping off a passenger near E. 2nd street, the passenger “began yelling at him and accusing him of trying to drop him off at the wrong location,” a BPD statement reports. The Uber driver added that, when he stopped his car near E. 2nd and M Streets, the passenger physically attacked him. After the victim fled the vehicle, Doherty allegedly got into the driver’s seat and drove away.
The police statement continues: “The victim, who was aided by a passing motorist, followed the victim (sic) to E. 1st Street and Farragut Road where the suspect stopped and exited the victim’s car.” The suspect had fled the scene before officers arrived.
Boston Police issued a statement about the incident hours after it was first reported by DigBoston. The Dig story quotes a police report on the incident, offering details not included in the police statement that followed. For example, the suspect, who wasn’t named in the original Dig story, allegedly punctuated his assault with racial epithets, including, “‘[You] think I’m stupid you fucking spic.”
Police later identified and located Doherty, according to the BPD statement, charging him with assault and battery and using a motor vehicle without authority. Doherty has been placed on administrative leave, pending the outcome of the investigation, and is scheduled to be arraigned Monday in South Boston District Court.
Photo via Boston Police Dept.
