Former BPD officer indicted for alleged assault after St. Patricks Day parade

Christopher Cunniff, a retired Boston police officer, has been indicted on two felony charges of aggravated assault and battery following an incident on March 16. Cunniff allegedly attacked an intoxicated man after the St. Patrick's Day parade and left him bleeding in a South Boston driveway. The victim was found with serious injuries, including facial contusions and a swollen left eye, and required hospitalization for treatment. The Suffolk District Attorney's office, led by Kevin Hayden, is prosecuting the case, highlighting issues of police accountability.

Cunniff has a history of disciplinary actions, including a reprimand in 2022 for violating the BPD's substance abuse policy. He retired shortly after being informed of the investigation by the DA's office and the BPD's anti-corruption division. His arraignment, originally set for Wednesday, has been postponed to July 10. The case raises concerns about the conduct of law enforcement officers and their accountability in the community.