Rhode Island men arraigned after street ‘takeover’ event left Boston police cruiser burning

BOSTON, Mass. (WLNE) — Two Rhode Island men were arraigned on Monday after a street “takeover” event resulted in a destroyed Boston police cruiser on Oct. 5, according to the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office.

19-year-old William Cantwell, of Warwick, and 18-year-old Julian Bowers, of Cumberland, were both charged with malicious destruction of property over $1,200, disorderly conduct, assault and battery on a police officer, and resisting arrest.

Cantwell was also charged with possessing a Class D substance.

Boston police said that officers responded to Massachusetts Avenue and Tremont Street around 2 a.m. to find a crowd of more than 100 people and vehicles blocking the intersection.

Police alleged that the crowd began throwing objects at the cruisers, and that one caught fire after being hit by fireworks.

Officers then took the two suspects into custody while firefighters extinguished the flames.

The department alleged that a search of Cantwell found two packages of marijuana edibles.

Governor Maura Healey released the following statement on the “takeover” event:

“Let me be perfectly clear.

Anyone who targets police and destroys police property – or who comes to Massachusetts and engages in dangerous and destructive conduct – should be punished to the fullest extent of the law.

I’m grateful for the work of law enforcement who responded to the scene, and the Mass State Police and my administration will assist in any way to hold accountable those responsible.”

Cantwell’s bail was set at $1,000 and Bowers’ bail was set at $500.

The suspects are expected to return to court on Nov. 5 for a pre-trial hearing.

The incident remains under investigation.