A Boston police officer allegedly used racial slurs while assaulting an Uber driver on Sunday, The Boston Globe reported.
Officer Michael Doherty, a 16-year-veteran of the police force, was charged with assault and battery and using a vehicle without authority, according to a statement which the Globe obtained from the police department.
The Uber driver’s description of the alleged assault was included in the police report.
According to the report, Doherty pointed out that they were in the wrong place and then told the driver: “What, you think I’m stupid, you [expletive].” The driver said the expletive was followed by a racial slur about Latinos.
After telling the driver to keep going, Doherty allegedly began to hit him until he was able to escape from the car. According to the report, Doherty ran after him until he was able to flag down a passing car, at which point, Doherty allegedly got into the Uber car and drove away.
The Uber driver and the other motorist chased after Doherty. He allegedly also used the N-word when referring to the motorist who was black, the report said.
According to the report, Doherty got out of the car and again began to assault the Uber driver, knocking him to the ground, even as the second motorist attempted to intervene. Eventually, police arrived and Doherty was arrested.
Police told the Globe that Doherty was placed on administrative leave after his arrest. The Globe was unable to reach either Doherty or his union president for comment.
BeinG pOLICE is a TOUGH job and THEY put THEir lives ON THE LINE every DAY. I cOMMENd their BEAT down OF A minorITY that CLEARLy had a bad sense OF DIREction.
I can’t wait to see how the union defends this one…
The important thing is whether he was on duty or not. He might have just been freelancing.
After reading the Boston Globe story I assume he was off duty…and drunk.
Cop Goes Wild.
My son used to use Uber a lot until he figured out Zipcars were more to his liking. Uber tends to be more accessible and timely than some taxi services, especially if you live in the inner city and don’t own a car, and where some taxi drivers refuse to pick up.