Cambridge Man Arrested After Reportedly Assaulting 2 Boston Police Officers

According to police, the man attacked both civilians and police officers.

By Benjamin Pierce, Patch Staff

Oct 13, 2026 11:41 AM EDT

BOSTON, MA — A man is facing multiple charges after assaulting several people and two Boston Police officers at a South End park Monday afternoon, according to police.

Sharkell Tariq Matthews, 26, of Cambridge, was arrested at approximately 5:34 p.m. near Blackstone Square at 1535 Washington St. after officers responded to a report of an assault and battery in progress. While responding, officers received additional information that a man wearing a mask was assaulting people and attempting to kick multiple dogs inside the park.

Upon arrival, several witnesses directed officers toward Matthews, who reportedly began walking away and ignored multiple commands to stop and show his hands. As a second officer arrived, Matthews rolled up his sleeves and took a fighting stance outside 35 West Newton St. before attempting to enter the building.

Officers attempted to prevent Matthews from entering the building, at which point he punched one officer in the face. The initial responding officer deployed his Taser, temporarily incapacitating Matthews. A struggle ensued as officers attempted to place him under arrest, and he was eventually taken into custody with assistance from additional responding officers and civilians.

Following the arrest, officers spoke with three people who reported being assaulted or threatened by Matthews inside the park. One victim told police that Matthews knocked a cellphone out of his hand before picking it up and fleeing with it. Officers recovered the phone from Matthews and returned it to the victim.

A second victim reported that Matthews approached him, grabbed his wrist, and demanded his watch. When the victim refused, Matthews reportedly followed him farther into the park, shoved him to the ground, and punched him in the face. A third victim, who was walking her dog, told officers that Matthews threatened to kill her.

The two initial responding officers suffered non-life-threatening injuries during the incident and were transported to a local hospital for treatment.

Matthews is expected to be arraigned in Boston Municipal Court on charges of unarmed assault with intent to rob, two counts of assault and battery on a police officer, assault and battery on an elderly person, assault, and resisting arrest.