Two Boston police officers were hospitalized after authorities said a confrontation with the suspect escalated during his arrest at Blackstone Square.
BOSTON, MA — A 26-year-old Cambridge man was arrested after Boston police said he assaulted several people in Blackstone Square and fought with officers who tried to take him into custody Monday evening, leaving two officers with injuries that were not considered life-threatening.
Sharkell Tariq Matthews faces charges including unarmed assault to rob, two counts of assault and battery on a police officer, assault and battery on an elderly person, assault and resisting arrest, according to the Boston Police Department. A not guilty plea was entered for Matthews during a court appearance Tuesday. Authorities have not publicly identified a motive for the alleged attacks or said whether Matthews knew the people involved.
Police said officers assigned to the South End’s District D-4 were called at about 5:34 p.m. Oct. 12 to the area of 1535 Washington St., near Blackstone Square, for an assault and battery in progress. Dispatch information indicated that a masked man was assaulting people and attempting to kick several dogs inside the park. When the first officer arrived, several people pointed toward the man police later identified as Matthews.
According to police, Matthews began walking away as an officer approached and did not comply with commands. A second officer arrived, and police said Matthews continued to ignore instructions to show his hands. Authorities said he then rolled up his sleeves, took what officers described as a fighting stance near 35 West Newton St. and tried to enter a building.
Police allege Matthews punched one officer in the face as officers tried to stop him from entering the building. Another officer used a Taser, temporarily incapacitating him, according to the department. Police said Matthews began struggling again as officers attempted to handcuff him. Additional officers and civilians eventually helped take him into custody.
Investigators said officers later spoke with several people who described separate encounters with Matthews. One man told police the suspect knocked a cellphone from his hand, picked it up and ran away. Police said officers recovered the phone from Matthews and returned it to the man. Another person said Matthews grabbed his wrist and demanded his watch. When he refused, Matthews allegedly followed him farther into the park, pushed him down and punched him.
A woman who was walking her dog told officers that Matthews threatened to kill her, police said. Witnesses interviewed by NBC10 Boston also described a chaotic confrontation in and around the park. The accounts have not been independently proven in court, and authorities have not released evidence establishing that the encounters were connected by any specific motive.
The two officers who initially confronted Matthews were taken to a hospital with injuries police described as non-life-threatening. Matthews also was taken to a hospital for evaluation after his arrest. At his court appearance, his attorney said Matthews was unhoused. No additional information about the officers’ conditions was immediately released.
Boston police increased patrols in the area following the incident. City Councilor Ed Flynn, whose district includes the South End, said the assault allegations against officers were serious and called for strong consequences for attacks on first responders. Matthews remains accused of the offenses, and the charges have not been adjudicated.
Author note: Last updated October 14, 2026.