Mass. trooper struck by moped while trying to stop crowd from igniting fireworks

A Massachusetts State Police trooper was struck by a moped while trying to stop a large crowd in Revere from igniting illegal fireworks on the Fourth of July.

The incident happened at around 11 p.m. a few blocks from Revere Beach on Thornton Street. Police responded to a large crowd of several hundred people who gathered to light fireworks in the middle of the street, according to state police.

“As the crowd swelled and became aggressive, Police requested mutual aid from surrounding communities to de-escalate and maintain public safety,” the statement reads.

A short time later, a moped drove through the crowd and struck and injured the unnamed trooper on scene. He was driven by ambulance to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Police arrested Deshakraaun Abdullahmuhammud, 34, of Everett, and charged him with several offenses, including driving with a suspended license, assault with a dangerous weapon, negligent operation, failure to stop for police and operating an unregistered motor vehicle.

Massachusetts State Police Colonel Geoffrey Noble said the department “will not tolerate behavior that poses a danger to those living, working, and visiting Massachusetts” adding that this incident marks the second time in recent weeks that troopers have been seriously injured near Revere Beach due to “aggressive drivers on stolen and unregistered vehicles.”

Lt. Donald Bossi of the Massachusetts State Police was critically injured in a hit-and-run motorcycle crash in Revere in June.

“We share the serious public safety concerns and will continue our sustained, proactive enforcement efforts in the weeks ahead.” Noble wrote. “I wish the Trooper a full recovery, and we continue to support Lieutenant Donald Bossi who remains in critical condition.”