SALEM

Man Shot by Police During Early Morning Chase in Salem Held Without Bail

Salem police say two officers and the suspect were injured in the incident

A Massachusetts man shot by police after he allegedly tried to run over two officers early Wednesday morning in Salem, is being held without bail.

Austin Boga, 25, of Peabody, appeared in Salem District Court where he pleaded not guilty to charges which included assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.

Police said two officers had approached a suspicious car at Shetland Park just after 1 a.m. where they thought the man sitting in the car may have been overdosing. When the officers walked toward the car, police said the man inside "slammed on the gas pedal" and drove towards them. In response, one officer shot at the vehicle four times and the driver sped down Congress Street.

The car crashed near a Wendy's restaurant after it tried to make a turn onto Peabody Street, police said. The driver, later identified as Boga, fled the car and jumped into the water at the Salem Harbor Walk.

Police removed Boga from the water and took him to an area hospital to be treated for an injury sustained when his arm was grazed by a bullet.

"When he was read his Miranda rights and asked if he understood his rights, he stated to Officer Sears, and I quote, 'No. Go (expletive) yourself you (expletive) pig," a prosecutor said in court.

The two officers were also hospitalized for minor injuries they sustained while trying to avoid being hit by the oncoming car. Authorities said one of the officers might have been hit.

Boga did not say much in court and was ordered held without bail. He's due back in court Monday for a dangerousness hearing.

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