A driver has been arrested after police say they struck a striking Verizon worker on a picket line in Boylston, Massachusetts, Tuesday.
A driver has been arrested after police say his vehicle struck a striking Verizon worker on a picket line in Boylston, Massachusetts, Tuesday.
Police say the worker, 48-year-old Anthony P. Davenport of Holden, was struck by a truck being driven by replacement worker, later identified as 37-year-old Kevin S. Goodale of Bethel, Vermont. The truck allegedly stopped in front of a picket line and lurched forward, striking the worker.
Police are investigating if the incident was intentional.
Verizon workers have been striking since April after contract talks failed.
Goodale, who police say left the scene in a coworker's vehicle and then returned, is being held on $5,000 bail after being charged with leaving the scene of an accident, driving with a suspended license and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.
It's not clear if Goodale has an attorney. His next court date is June 2.
Davenport was transported to a hospital for injuries to his hand, hip and leg.
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In a statement, Verizon said its initial review showed that the picketing workers were too close to the vehicle, creating unsafe conditions.
"Dangerous picketing activities put our employees and others in harm's way and must stop immediately," a representative said.
This is the second time in seven days when a striking worker in Massachusetts has been struck by a replacement worker.
Another replacement worker is facing drunken driving and assault and battery charges after he allegedly hit a picketing Verizon worker and a police officer with his pickup truck in Westborough last week.
