Statement on Boston Globe Article

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The Cambridge Police Department conducted an internal review of an incident occurring on October 13, 2016 in the Porter Square area involving Sergeant Thomas Ahern and three defendants and determined that Sergeant Ahern’s actions were consistent with his duty obligations.

The Cambridge Police filed an application for criminal complaint against Cleon Hodge, 21, from Dorchester, for Disorderly Conduct and Assault and Battery. A criminal complaint was filed against two women: one for Interfering with a Police Officer and the other with Assault and Battery on a Police Officer and Interfering with a Police Officer.

The department refutes the defendant Hodge’s versions of the events published in the Boston Globe article and determined that the defendant made eye contact with the on-duty officer who was in plain clothes, was not on his phone, made no intention of avoiding a collision, and intentionally walked into and struck the officer with his shoulder. From there, Hodge demanded an apology from the officer who continued to walk away from the scene. As a result of those actions and the manner in which Hodge responded to the initial encounter with Sgt. Ahern, the two charges were sought.

One of the female defendants, a 25-year-old from Somerville, faces two criminal charges after she grabbed the right arm of Sergeant Ahern multiple times and attempted to interfere with the officer as he was addressing Hodge. Another defendant, a 52-year-old from Cambridge, faces one criminal charge for Interfering with a Police Officer after repeatedly encroaching on the personal space of Sergeant Ahern, while he addressed Hodge, even after being told multiple times to keep her distance while she video recorded the incident.

All three defendants were permitted to leave the scene without further incident and faced a preliminary clerks hearing for all misdemeanors on November 14. That hearing was continued at the request of the defendants. If probable cause is determined after a follow-up clerks hearing, the defendants would face the charges filed in the complaint.

The Cambridge Police Department has continually worked thoroughly and intimately with the community to build quality relationships and trust. It takes matters like this seriously and will continue to work closely with the community to address any concerns or questions that may arise from this incident.