BOSTON — An 18-year-old Dorchester resident was arrested Monday after allegedly striking a police officer with a moped during a traffic stop in downtown Boston.
Officers from District A-1 were conducting traffic enforcement at approximately 4:38 p.m. when they observed a moped traveling in the wrong direction on Washington Street.
When officers approached the stopped vehicle near 367 Washington Street, the operator, identified as Kwest Howard, suddenly accelerated the moped and turned left onto Franklin Street toward one of the officers.
The officer attempted to signal Howard to stop but was struck by the moped, which then crashed into a nearby pole, scattering debris across Franklin Street.
Howard fled on foot but was quickly detained with the assistance of a bystander.
During the arrest, Howard allegedly resisted officers and made threats to shoot them as a crowd gathered.
Howard was arraigned in Boston Municipal Court on charges including assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, resisting arrest, threats to commit a crime and disorderly conduct.
He also received multiple citations for motor vehicle violations, including failure to stop for police, reckless operation, unlicensed operation, helmet violation, improper operation and operating an unregistered motor vehicle.
The officer struck by the moped did not sustain injuries, according to police.
