Two Officers Hurt, Three Arrested, in New Year’s Eve Melee

-By Joseph Domelowicz

For the Transcript

Two adult males and a 15-year old juvenile male were Winthrop’s first arrested persons of the New Year, after a report of a domestic disturbance at 10 Wave Way on New Year’s Eve, resulted in two Winthrop Police officers needing medical treatment, including one officer who was taken by ambulance to Massachusetts General Hospital.

“According to the reports of the responding officers, the incident began at approximately 10:30 p.m. on New Year’s Eve when a victim at 10 Wave Way reported that she had been assaulted by her father, after he’d returned home with two cases of beer he’d intended to share with a 15-year old juvenile at the scene and the 19-year old male who was also charged,” explained Winthrop Lieutenant Detective Brian Perrin. “Responding officer Sean Hickey was the first to arrive and he saw two males fleeing the home. When he approached them to identify them, the older of the two males became combative, and began punching and kicking the officer, who called for immediate assistance.”

After an initial struggle the primary suspect and his companion were subdued by officers arriving on the scene to assist Officer Hickey, but not before Officer Michael Turner was also injured in the attack.

Roberto Flores, 43, of 10 Wave Way was taken into custody and charged with assault and battery in a domestic situation, resisting arrest, five counts of assault and battery on a police officer, procuring liquor for a person under 21 years of age, intimidation of a witness and disorderly conduct. The second adult male, 19-year-old John Hunter of 243 Bradstreet Avenue in Revere was charged with disorderly conduct.

“Officer Turner was taken by ambulance to Massachusetts General Hospital with a pretty serious hand injury,” said Lt. Perrin. “The reports I’ve gotten are that he may require surgery. Officer Hickey did receive medical attention at the scene, but did not need to be transported.”

Perrin went on to explain that the 15-year old juvenile, who was charged with assault and battery in a domestic situation, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon (beer bottle), resisting arrest and three counts of assault and battery on a police officer, was arrested inside of 10 Wave Way, after officers tried to enter the apartment to talk to the victim who had reported the incident.

“While officers were attempting to talk to the victim, the juvenile was throwing beer bottles at the victim and in the vicinity of police officers,” said Perrin. “The juvenile also became combative and resisted arrest as a result.”

According to Perrin, Flores and Hunter were arraigned in East Boston District Court and are currently out on bail. The 15-year old juvenile will be arraigned in Chelsea Juvenile Court.

“The entire Winthrop department is concerned about the health of Officer Turner and we are hoping for a speedy recovery for him,” said Chief Terrence Delehanty.