Rhode Island teens charged in Boston incident that left police cruiser burning

BOSTON, Mass. (WLNE) — The Boston Police Department said it arrested two Rhode Island men after an incident on the South End that left a police cruiser burning.

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

19-year-old William Cantwell, of Warwick, was charged with malicious destruction of property over $1,200, disorderly conduct, assault and battery on a police officer, resisting arrest and possession of Class D marijuana.

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 marijuana edibles.

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu said in a statement:

“Do not come into Boston to disrespect our community and cause harm and disorder. These outside groups are not welcome to come and treat our city this way. We will hold those individuals accountable.”