Police cruiser torched during Boston street takeover.

Two teens from Rhode Island were faced with earlier this month after a “staged attack” in Boston’s South End left a police cruiser destroyed by fire early Sunday morning. Police said the incident was part of several coordinated street takeovers across Massachusetts.
According to Boston police, officers responded around 2:12 a.m. to the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and Tremont Street, where a crowd of more than 100 people had blocked the roadway. Objects like fireworks, cones, and poles were thrown at police cruisers, and one cruiser caught fire after being hit with fireworks. Fire crews put out the flames before the vehicle was towed away.
Police arrested Julian Bowers, 18, of Cumberland, and William Cantwell, 19, of Warwick. Both men were charged with destruction of property over $1,200, disorderly conduct, assault and battery on a police officer, and resisting arrest. Cantwell also faces a marijuana possession charge after police said they found two packages of edibles in his bag. Bowers posted $500 bail and Cantwell posted $1,000. Both have also been ordered to stay out of Boston, as well, except for court matters.
The city leaders responded quickly. Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox said they plan to review all videos and evidence to identify everyone who was involved. Mayor Michelle Wu warned that groups coming from outside the city to bring violence in will not be tolerated. “Do not come into Boston to disrespect our community and cause harm,” she said.
Similar incidents took place that same night in Randolph, Middleborough, and Fall River, where large crowds blocked roads, set off fireworks, and interfered with traffic. In Randolph, police reported fireworks and other objects thrown at cruisers. In Middleborough, state police said a white Dodge Charger tried to hit an officer before fleeing toward Rhode Island. Authorities said they are investigating whether the incidents are connected, describing the gatherings as pre-planned events that were organized on social media.