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Police identify man who they say assaulted officers near MGH
Elvis Haughton allegedly assaulted police officers working a construction detail Tuesday morning.
On Tuesday, much of the area around Massachusetts General Hospital was shut down as police responded to an incident where a man tried to steal a gun from a police officer and shot himself in the foot.
Officials identified that man Wednesday as Elvis Haughton, 46, of Boston. He is being charged with assault and battery of a police officer, unlawful possession of a firearm, drug possession, and resisting arrest, according to the Boston Police Department.
Haughton was arraigned in Boston Municipal Court Wednesday. He was ordered held without bail. A dangerousness hearing is scheduled for June 2.
Just before 9 a.m. Tuesday, officers working a construction detail near 265 Cambridge St. were approached by Haughton. He allegedly assaulted one of the officers, and a “violent physical altercation ensued.” A second officer intervened, and during the struggle, a department-issued gun was fired, according to BPD officials.
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BPD Commissioner Michael Cox said Tuesday that it appeared Haughton was experiencing a “mental health issue” and ended up shooting himself in the foot during the struggle with police.
Several bystanders helped police subdue Haughton. He was arrested and transported to a local hospital with nonlife-threatening injuries, officials said.
Before the arraignment Wednesday, Haughton underwent a mental health evaluation. The court clinician did not recommend further evaluation, according to Suffolk District Attorney Kevin Hayden’s office.
“The quick actions of police officers, assisted by bystanders, in a busy area on a busy morning helped ensure that this incident did not result in far worse outcomes for those involved and those nearby,” Hayden said in a statement.
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