Boston South End Vehicle Takeover Burns Police Cruiser, Two RI Teens Arrested

In Boston's South End early Sunday, a crowd of over 100 people engaged in a "vehicle takeover," blocking an intersection and attacking police cruisers with fireworks, traffic cones, poles, and other objects. One cruiser caught fire and was destroyed after repeated hits by fireworks, requiring intervention from the Boston Fire Department. Two Rhode Island teenagers, Julian Bowers, 18, and William Cantwell, 19, were arrested for their active roles in the attack, facing multiple charges including assault and battery of a police officer, malicious destruction of property, disorderly conduct, and resisting arrest. Cantwell also faces an additional charge for possession of marijuana edibles found during his arrest. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu condemned the violent incident, emphasizing that such disruptive behavior is unwelcome and promising serious consequences for those involved. Authorities have stated their commitment to prosecuting the offenders and holding them accountable for the night's chaos.