Crime & Safety

Boston Police Arrest Reckless Hammer-Wielding Man

The suspect charged at police with the hammer in hand and smashed windows.

A reckless hammer-wielding man threatened to harm people and police, and to smash up cars and windows, before a Boston Police sergeant forced the individual to surrender his weapon Sunday, according to the city’s police department.

John Connolly, 52, was spotted swimming a hammer and yelling in an erratic fashion in front of many local residents on Boston’s East Broadway Street, according to officers who witnessed his unusual behavior.

Police officers surrounded Connolly in an attempt to get him to drop the hammer. Connolly, who was bleeding from the head, charged at officers with the hammer in hand. Police say they were forced to take cover behind their cruisers in order to avoid the attack.

Find out what's happening in Jamaica Plainfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Police say they again ordered the man to drop the hammer, but he instead decided to smash a nearby store window. At that point, a police sergeant pulled out a non-lethal shotgun. Connolly immediately dropped the hammer after catching a glimpse of the gun, police say.

Connolly was arraigned Monday in South Boston Municipal Court. A judge set his bail at $10,000 cash. In court, he pleaded not guilty to multiple charges, including assault with a dangerous weapon and destruction of property.

Find out what's happening in Jamaica Plainfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

More from Jamaica Plain