By: Laura Soukkavong
Boston – A Saugus man and a woman are facing charges following an early-morning incident outside a downtown Boston nightclub in which three people were struck by a vehicle, according to Suffolk District Attorney Kevin Hayden.
Authorities say the incident occurred around 2:00 a.m. on February 28 near the W Boston Hotel on Stuart Street, outside a nearby nightclub. Three victims reported that a blue Jeep Wrangler drove toward a crowd and struck them at a low rate of speed before stopping.
Investigators allege the driver, identified as 45-year-old Darius Boyce of Saugus, exited the vehicle along with a female passenger and attempted to engage in a physical altercation with the victims. During the confrontation, a third individual in the vehicle allegedly displayed a firearm and made threats before fleeing the scene with the group.
The victims told police that personal items, including a cellphone and purse, were taken before the suspects drove away. Using a license plate number provided by the victims, officers were able to locate the vehicle within minutes near Kneeland and Albany streets.
Police identified Boyce as the driver and Maria Moraes, 25, as the front-seat passenger. Officers reported finding a loaded Smith & Wesson .380 firearm in the glove compartment, along with an empty holster in the center console.
Boyce faces multiple charges, including three counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, reckless operation of a motor vehicle, and improper storage of a firearm. Moraes is charged with interfering with police and disorderly conduct after allegedly attempting to interfere with officers during the investigation.
A judge set Boyce’s bail at $2,400 and ordered him to stay away from the victims and the location of the incident. Moraes was released on personal recognizance under similar conditions.
Both are scheduled to return to court for pre-trial hearings in April and May.
Officials credited the victims with providing key information that allowed officers to quickly identify and apprehend the suspects.
All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.