NEWTON, Mass. — As a construction crew pulls up to the intersection of Grant and Beacon streets in Newton, a chaotic scene erupted right on camera.
On Wednesday, the driver of the red SUV blew through a red light on Beacon. An unmarked police car was at the light. They followed the SUV as it drove erratically toward Newton Center, passing cars and even crossing the double yellow lines and driving into oncoming traffic
“Just the way he was operating the vehicle, people’s lives were endangered,” said Newton Police Lt. Bruce Apotheker.
Then the man, now identified as Timothy Davis, 48, of Westwood, ran around the car and started to punch the uniformed officer in the face several times. He squared off with him again ready to go. As the second officer jumped out of the car, Davis tried to take off running up onto the sidewalk but he tripped.
The SUV driver then tried to make a U-turn but when he couldn’t, he jumped out and ran toward the police car, slamming the passenger side shut on an officer.
“There was a scuffle… He turned and ran down Beacon but tripped and that’s when the officers were finally able to subdue the subject,” said Lt. Apotheker.
Luckily, Newton Police were in the right place at the right time and were able to stop a man who made dangerous decisions.
“What it goes to show the public is that there is no routine day in police work. In a split second, an officer’s life can change,” said Lt. Apotheker. He said both officers will be OK.
Davis was arraigned on charges of assault and battery on a police officer and several motor vehicle violations.
He was sent to Bridgewater State Hospital for observation. Davis is due back in court on Aug. 10.
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