BPD Officer Accused Of Taking Cruiser Checks Into Substance Abuse Treatment
BOSTON (CBS/AP) – A Boston police officer already on administrative leave was released on personal recognizance and checked into a substance abuse treatment program after being arraigned on charges of taking a police cruiser without permission and driving it to Revere.
Officer Patrick Donovan, 38, of Dorchester allegedly took the cruiser Friday between 5 p.m. and midnight from District C-11 in Dorchester where he was last assigned as a patrol officer.
According to police, Donovan took the cruiser to Revere where he was involved in a domestic altercation with his domestic partner that Revere police are investigating.
The cruiser was found near Donovan's home in Dorchester. He faces charges of using a motor vehicle without authority and operating with a suspended license.
Donovan was placed on administrative leave in September after a BPD internal affairs investigation related to charges that he placed a stolen license plate and stolen registration sticker on his personal vehicle.
According to the Suffolk District Attorney's office, Judge James Coffey released Donovan on his own recognizance on the condition that by the end of the day he provides verification he had entered a substance abuse treatment program, stay away from witnesses in the case, remain free of drugs and alcohol, and submit to random drug tests.
Donovan's lawyer said his client is a decorated officer and Marine Corps veteran who has suffered injuries on the job.
Donovan's next court date is July 31.
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