Man Arrested After Car Collides With Police Cruiser In Boston

The man reportedly tried to escape from officers as they attempted to stop his vehicle.

By Benjamin Pierce, Patch Staff

Sep 24, 2026 1:11 PM EDT

The incident took place in the Mattapan neighborhood. (Jenna Fisher/Patch)

BOSTON, MA — A man is facing multiple charges after Boston Police recovered a loaded ghost gun during a traffic stop Wednesday evening, according to the department.

Hericles De Pina, 26, of Taunton, was arrested at approximately 6:35 p.m. near 10 Hosmer St. in the Mattapan neighborhood after officers saw a vehicle traveling near Blue Hill Avenue and Clarkwood Street. Police said the driver was using a cell phone and not paying attention to the road, prompting officers to initiate a traffic stop.

After speaking with De Pina, officers conducted a check of the driver and vehicle and learned that he had an active warrant issued out of Salem, New Hampshire. Police returned to the vehicle and ordered De Pina to get out, but he refused before shifting the vehicle into drive and attempting to flee.

A struggle ensued as officers attempted to stop De Pina, who reportedly accelerated and swerved while nearly striking officers. Police said he drove onto a sidewalk before becoming unable to continue forward and then shifted into reverse and accelerated toward officers. The vehicle eventually collided with a police cruiser.

Officers removed De Pina from the vehicle and attempted to take him into custody, but he resisted while holding his right hand against his waistband, according to police. Police eventually gained control of De Pina and reportedly recovered a firearm from his waistband. The firearm was determined to be a 9mm Polymer80 ghost gun with three rounds of ammunition inside the magazine.

De Pina is expected to be arraigned in Dorchester District Court on charges of carrying a loaded firearm without a license, carrying a firearm without a license, possession of ammunition without an FID card, assault with a dangerous weapon, failure to stop for police, and being a fugitive from justice. He was also issued a Massachusetts uniform citation for violating auto laws.