I-93 Protesters Plead Guilty to Blocking Ambulance

MILTON, MA - Two of the 11 protesters charged with blocking traffic during a protest on Route 93 in Milton have pleaded guilty to willfully obstructing an emergency vehicle.

Nelli Routsalainen, 26, of Finland, formerly of Roxbury, and Jeremy Bingham, 24, of West Virginia, formerly of Arlington were sentenced in Quincy District Court Friday to six months of probation with 60 hours of community service at a non-profit to be approved by the Quincy District Court probation department, according to the Norfolk County District Attorney’s office.

Norfolk District Attorney Michael W. Morrissey said in a statement that he asked the judge for 90 days in jail for both defendants.

The charge stems from a January 2015 incident that saw nine Black Lives Matters protesters handcuff themselves to barrels on Route 93 in Milton, blocking traffic into Boston. Two additional participants in the protest were also charged.

During the protest, an ambulance from Easton transporting a patient in need of emergency medical care was diverted because of the road blockade

The other co-defendants are due in court Feb. 4, at 9 a.m. for possible disposition.

Photo Credit: WHDH, 7-News