Boston

Corrections Officer Beaten in His Car Near Jail in Boston; Arrest Made

Boston police executed 'Operation Clean Sweep' later Thursday evening in the same area where the beating took place

A corrections officer was beaten by a group of people as he was arriving to his job at the Suffolk County House of Correction in Boston Thursday morning, officials said.

One person is under arrest in connection with the attack, in which a metal pipe was used to hit the officer, according to Boston police. The incident was caught on camera, and a top corrections union official said it's not the first incident involving a member of the union in the area.

Outside the vehicle, the street, Atkinson at Southhampton Street, is crowded with people. There is a high concentration of recovery and shelter services in the area, and Mayor Marty Walsh has already increased police patrols there.

Thursday evening, Boston police were back in the same area, flooding the long-troubled street in a show of force as they made multiple arrests as part of "Operation Clean Sweep." 

The county sheriff's office says the officer was not in his uniform at the time of what police suspect was an attempted robbery. He recieved medical treatment after the attack and is out of the hospital.

The assault began when someone reached into the open window of the officer's car, according to surveillance video of the incident. Officials said the officer was hit.

The officer, who has not yet been identified, can be seen confronting the man who hit him and appears to throw a punch. That is immediately countered by the first man, who seems to have an object in his hand. 

Bystanders who had gathered around the car as the confrontation unfolded begin to attack the officer on the ground. Others appear to reach in the car, and one person is seen getting in the vehicle.

The officer told police his watch, cellphone and glasses were stolen.

Torre Jenkins, 45-year-old Bostonian, was arrested in the same area on suspicion of trying to steal the vehicle, according to Boston police. It wasn't immediately clear if Kenkins had an attorney who could speak to the charges.

The incident highlights the dangers corrections officers have been facing near the House of Correction, Union Local 419 President Jonathan Corey said in a statement.

"Our local is outraged that the mecca of crime within the city of Boston has been brought to our front door with disregard for anyone's safety," Corey said, adding the "area has become a haven for crime ... bsaed off neglect from this city."

Walsh said in a statement that he trusts police to investigate the incident and wished the victim "a quick recovery."

"The safety and well-being of the people in this city is my highest priority," Mayor Walsh said.

As police cleaned the streets Thursday night, people were seen being taken away in handcuffs and on stretchers. At least 15 arrests were made, including two for disorderly conduct, two for possession of heroin, and 11 on outstanding warrants. Two people had overdosed when police arrived to clear out the area. Needles could be seen scattered all over, and officials brought in a street sweeper to assist with cleaning.

A Boston police commander says their Thursday night operation was intended to send a message hours after the brutal beating of a corrections officer. Authorities are hoping to take back a street that one official said at times can be "lawless."

As police investigate, anyone with information about the incident is asked to call 617-343-4742 to reach detectives or speak anonymously at 1-800-494-TIPS.

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