Scott J. Croteau
MassLive.com
BOSTON — A 40-year-old Boston man is facing several charges after authorities said he threw a burning American flag on a Boston police vehicle Sunday night.
The man, Daniel Lucey, told officers he burned the flag and threw it on the Boston police prisoner transport wagon as a form of protest, according to police.
Officers were in the area of the Boston Common and arrested Lucey around 7:10 p.m. Sunday.
“Officers were approached by several concerned citizens who stated that they had observed the suspect lighting fire to an American flag and throwing it onto the roof of an unoccupied Boston police prisoner transport wagon which was parked near the fountain inside the park,” police said.
Police stopped Lucey, who then told the officers about burning the flag as a form of protest.
“Officers noted that the suspect was in possession of several other flags which appeared to be similar to the ones which are planted in front of the Soldiers and Sailors Monument over Memorial Day weekend to commemorate the Massachusetts service members who have given their lives in defense of the United States of America,” Boston police said.
Lucey is accused of spitting at one of the officers.
He was charged with disorderly conduct, assault and battery on a police officer, malicious destruction of property and malicious destruction of historical monuments.