A marked Boston Police Department cruiser was intentionally set on fire and completely destroyed in a brazen attack directly outside the city's courthouse, authorities have confirmed.
The shocking incident occurred on Thursday afternoon while a 17-year-old male was being processed inside the courthouse building. Dramatic CCTV footage captured the moment flames engulfed the emergency vehicle as thick black smoke billowed into the air.
Targeted Attack on Law Enforcement
Investigators believe the police car was specifically targeted in what appears to be a deliberate act of arson against law enforcement property. The vehicle, parked in what should have been a secure area near the courthouse entrance, was rapidly consumed by the intense fire.
Emergency services rushed to the scene after multiple 999 calls reported the blazing police car. Fire crews managed to extinguish the flames, but not before the cruiser was reduced to a charred shell.
Teenager in Custody
The 17-year-old suspect, whose identity remains protected due to his age, now faces serious arson charges in connection with the incident. He was already in police custody for separate matters when the attack occurred just metres from where he was being held.
"This was a dangerous and reckless act that put public safety at risk," a police spokesperson stated. "Attacking emergency service vehicles is completely unacceptable and we're treating this with the utmost seriousness."
Investigation Underway
Detectives from the Boston Police Department have launched a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fire. They're examining CCTV footage from multiple angles and speaking with witnesses who were in the courthouse area at the time.
The incident has raised questions about security arrangements around the courthouse, particularly regarding vehicles parked in supposedly protected zones. No police officers or court staff were injured during the incident, though the destruction of the cruiser represents a significant cost to taxpayers.
The teenager remains in custody and is expected to appear before magistrates in the coming days to face the arson charges alongside his original offences.
