BOSTON — A Boston firefighter has been put on paid administrative leave amid a criminal investigation into what happened after a political function in South Boston.
According to BPD, Boston firefighter Ryan Long has been charged with assault with a dangerous weapon after they say he tried running a scooter off the road in Southie.
Long and the victim, Joseph Baker, had just left Amrein's Restaurant, where there was a political function. It's unclear if they know each other.
Baker told police Long, who was driving a car matching the description and registration of the vehicle in the police report, was following him down West Broadway before turning into the housing complex by D Street.
While in the complex, Baker told police he tried making several turns to lose the vehicle, but the vehicle kept following him.
Near Dorchester Avenue, Baker told police Long “tried running him off the road.” At one point, he says Long "swerved and skidded in front of him, almost striking his scooter."
Baker told police he felt like Long was "attempting to kill him."
When police questioned Long, they say he said he did not follow Baker into the housing complex, but his passenger said they did go that way.
Firefighter Long has been on the department four years and according to the city's payroll database, earned more than $97,000 last year.
Long is on paid leave while the case is pending.
The department told Boston 25 they will be monitoring the criminal case. Long has been charged with assault with a deadly weapon.
Boston 25 News reached out to Long's attorney, but has not heard back at the time of this posting.
TOP STORIES:
[ Mass. House approves ban on 'bump stocks' ]
[ Red Sox fire manager John Farrell after back-to-back ALDS losses ]
[ New technology giving first responders another tool to help during disasters ]