Speeding Off and Injuring a Police Officer in the Process Leaves One Drug Buying Suspect in Police Custody

At about 11:56am, on Sunday, January 13, 2013, members of the District B-2 Neighborhood Drug Control Unit were in the area of Devon Street and Vaughn Ave when officers observed an individual, operating a silver motor vehicle, pull over and purchase illegal narcotics. Given the officer’s observations, the decision was made to stop the motor vehicle. To assist in stopping the motor vehicle, members of the Drug Control Unit, who were acting in an undercover capacity, radioed the police dispatcher and requested a marked unit to help them in their efforts to stop the car. Once on scene, the marked unit activated its emergency equipment (lights & sirens) and stopped the motor vehicle. However, as officers were engaging the operator, the operator of the car gunned his engine and sped off. In deciding to speed off, the operator dragged one of the officers down Columbia Road. The injured officer was later transported to the Boston Medical Center for evaluation purposes and treatment of non-life threatening injuries.

A description of the motor vehicle was immediately broadcast over the police radio. In short time, officers were able to locate the suspect’s motor vehicle which was parked in the area of 37 Mt. Vernon Street. Once on scene, officers learned that the suspect was seen running into the above mentioned address. A search of the location enabled officers to locate an individual who matched the description of the suspect. Upon seeing the officers, the suspect stated, “You got me.”

Officers arrested Eric Nelson, 46, of Weymouth and charged him with Assault & Battery by Means of a Dangerous Weapon (motor vehicle), Assault & Battery on a Police Officer, Failure to Submit to a Police Officer, Resisting Arrest and Possession of Class A Drugs (heroin).