Three Charged in Attack on Boston EMTs, Firefighters

Three people are facing charges after Boston police say they attacked firefighters and emergency medical technicians who were trying to help a woman who was hit by a car late Friday night.

Shaquel Nelson, 21, and Jarien Miller, 24, both of Cambridge, and Devon Roachford, 28, of Hyde Park face charges of hindering a firefighter and assault and battery on an EMT, said Boston police spokesman James Kenneally.

The melee ensued after Boston EMS and Boston firefighters responded to a report of a pedestrian hit by a car at 11:30 p.m. at Harvard and Brighton avenues. While they were treating the woman who had non-life-threatening injuries, two EMTs and four firefighters were assaulted by the three suspects, police said.

‘Several EMTs and firefighters responded to this call to perform to their duties but while attending to the victim, the three individuals known to the victim or in the company of the victim became aggressive towards the EMTs,’ said Kenneally, adding that one of the suspects is the victim’s boyfriend. ‘They became combative and aggressive and began attacking the EMTs and firefighters on the scene.’

Boston Fire Department spokesman Steve MacDonald said one firefighter was transported to the hospital as a precaution and is expected to be OK.

‘All our firefighters are doing is showing up to help someone, but I guess there are knuckleheads out there that aren’t thinking straight,’ he said. ‘It’s rare that people assault first responders that are coming to help them but it does happen from time to time.’

Nelson, Miller and Roachford will be arraigned tomorrow at Brighton District Court.