Police: Man arrested near flag display after allegedly setting fire to American Flag, spitting at officer

Police arrested a Massachusetts man Sunday after complaints from citizens.

According to Boston Police, at about 7:10 p.m., officers assigned to District A-1 (Downtown) arrested Daniel Lucey, 40, of Boston on multiple charges while on patrol in the area of the Boston Common. Officers were approached by several concerned citizens who stated that they had observed the suspect lighting fire to an American Flag and throwing it onto the roof of an unoccupied Boston Police prisoner transport wagon which was parked near the fountain inside the park.

Officers quickly responded and stopped the suspect who stated that he had burned the flag and thrown it atop the police vehicle as a form of protest. Officers noted that the suspect was in possession of several other flags which appeared to be similar to the ones which are planted in front of the Soldiers and Sailors Monument over Memorial Day weekend to commemorate the Massachusetts service members who have given their lives in defense of the United States of America. Police stated that while speaking to the officers, Lucey then proceeded to spit at one of them, with saliva striking the officer’s shoe. The suspect was then placed in custody on scene.

Daniel Lucey will appear in Boston Municipal Court on charges of Disorderly Conduct, Assault and Battery on a Police Officer, Malicious Destruction of Property and Malicious Destruction of Historical Monuments.