Boston Criminal Lawyer Blog
In Boston, Massachusetts, Damon Jamaal-Anthony Haley (The Boston Globe is reporting that his last name is Haley. The Boston Herald says his last name is Powell) has pled not guilty to assault and battery on a police officer and other charges related to a gang fight at Aria, a local hip-hop nightclub.
Boston police arrived at the club, hosting a “Girls Gone Wild Party,” before the shooting occurred because of a tip they received of a possible gang brawl that might happen.
A verbal argument after 1;30 am was followed by a brawl involving some 35 people, champagne bottles being smashed over people’s heads, and the sound of gun shots. Two people sustained gunshot wounds.
Police say they arrested Haley, a 24, because he had a 9mm Lugar in his hand. There was still one round in the chamber and five in the magazine. Haley reported told police that “They threw a drink so I had to come out with it.” One of the police officer that helped apprehend Haley sustained a broken arm.
Haley has no prior criminal convictions and his defense team says there was so much commotion during the shooting that positively identifying the gunman would have been impossible.
Haley is being held on $1 million cash bail-double the amount that prosecutors had recommended.
A conviction for assault and battery of a police officer in Massachusetts can be punishable by up to 2.5 years in prison. Any weapons-related charges are also considered serious criminal offenses in this state.
Boston nightclub melee ends in shooting, Boston.com, February 24, 2008
$1M bail for alleged shooter at ‘Girls Gone Wild’ Party, Boston Herald, February 25, 2008
Related Web Resources:
Massachusetts Police Brutality
It is important if you have been charged with this crime to contact our Boston, Massachusetts criminal defense law firm right away.
We can defend you against the charges. Sometimes, incidents of alleged assault and battery against a police officer can occur because the suspect was provoked or defending him or herself. One of our Massachusetts defense lawyers can determine if this is the case. Contact Altman & Altman LLP today.
