PD: Repeat drunken driver nearly hit officers, pedestrians outside Fenway Park

BOSTON — A 58-year-old man is under arrest for allegedly driving drunk and nearly striking a police officer.

Around 11 p.m. Wednesday night, an officer on patrol near Fenway Park saw a green Ford Explorer driving erratically.

Police say that while speeding, the driver tried to turn onto Brookline Avenue from Beacon Street and lost control, jumping the sidewalk near the Buckminster Hotel. Police say the area was very busy with pedestrians leaving the Red Sox game.

The officer followed the suspect until he caught up with him outside of Cask n' Flagon. He told the man to stop the car and take the keys out of the ignition, but the suspect shook his head, mumbled something, then tried to hit the officer while driving away.

Another officer patrolling near Fenway arrived to help. Worried the driver may hit one of the many pedestrians in the area, the officer tried to break the car window, but the driver sped forward.

Police say the driver then put the car in reverse and sped back toward the officers before trying to flee for the second time. He jumped the sidewalk in front of Boston Beer Works and drove on the sidewalk, causing several pedestrians to have to jump out of the way.

Police say he continued to drive on the sidewalk heading toward Brookline and ran several red lights.

Finally, additional units were able to stop the driver, identified as John Jumper, and took him into custody.

The Ford Explorer was towed and Jumper was taken to the station for booking, which police say he repeatedly refused. Police say he also refused a breathalyzer.

Inside the vehicle, police found a partially consumed 42 ounce plastic bottle of liquor. They also found a travel mug filled with more liquor.

Police also learned the vehicle did not belong to Jumper, the plates were canceled and he had a suspended license.

Jumper's brother, Brian, said the whole situation was likely caused by panic, rather than an intent to harm.

"He called me from the police station to let me know he was under arrest and in a lot of trouble," Brian said. "He was just supposed to be sleeping in it, not operating it. My guess is he saw the lights, he was afraid, he tried to speed off."

Brian said his brother was dealing with alcohol addiction issues, and was using the SUV as shelter after being released from prison.

He hopes his brother will now get help, and said the system has failed him in the past.

"He served all of his time and no pre-release, no halfway house, no minimum," Brian said. "Just flushed to the street and do the best you can."

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Jumper has been charged with assault by means dangerous weapon on a police officer, driving under the influence 7th and subsequent offense, operating to endanger, open alcohol container while driving, malicious destruction of property, and leaving the scene of accident with property damage.

He was also charged with driving with suspended license, attaching plates, driving unregistered vehicle, operating uninsured vehicle, refusal to submit, failure to slow for pedestrians, marked land violations, red light violations, unsafe passing of motor vehicle and speeding.

Cox Media Group