Quincy, Massachusetts — A morning rush-hour drive through the Boston area turned into a terrifying police pursuit Wednesday after authorities received a report that an armed man was allegedly holding a pregnant woman hostage inside an SUV.
The suspect reportedly refused to stop when Massachusetts State Police located the vehicle, triggering a chase that sent drivers scrambling as the SUV struck eight other vehicles before finally coming to a stop in Milton.
Police Receive Hostage Report During Morning Rush Hour
The incident began at approximately 7:20 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 12, when Massachusetts State Police received a report of a possible hostage situation on Interstate 93 northbound in Quincy.
According to authorities, the caller reported that a woman was being held inside an SUV by a person with a firearm.
When troopers located the vehicle, police said the driver failed to stop, leading officers into a pursuit during one of the busiest periods of the morning commute.
The suspect’s vehicle reportedly traveled at speeds of around 30 mph, but the chase remained dangerous because it unfolded through heavy traffic.
SUV Crashed Into Eight Vehicles
Police said the suspect continued driving despite the congested highway conditions and struck eight vehicles during the pursuit. The crashes created a chaotic scene as motorists encountered the fleeing SUV and police vehicles moving through traffic.
The chase eventually reached Milton, where the suspect stopped the vehicle and allegedly attempted to escape on foot. Troopers quickly apprehended him before he could get away. Authorities also recovered a firearm from the suspect vehicle.
Pregnant Woman Receives Medical Care
Massachusetts State Police said officers immediately worked to make sure the woman inside the SUV received medical attention. The victim was identified as a pregnant woman, but authorities have not released her name or provided a detailed update about her condition.
Police said troopers facilitated medical care for the woman after the suspect was taken into custody. Her current condition remains unknown.
Suspect Identified as Dorchester Man
State Police identified the suspect as Dominic Hampton-Boyd, 31, of Dorchester, Massachusetts. He is expected to be arraigned in Quincy District Court on Thursday, Aug. 13.
The allegations remain part of an active criminal investigation, and Hampton-Boyd is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
The Norfolk District Attorney’s Office is investigating the circumstances surrounding the alleged hostage situation, the crashes and the subsequent arrest.
Witness Calls Chase ‘Like a James Bond Movie’
The dramatic pursuit was witnessed by Kristen Eck, a traffic reporter for WBZ NewsRadio 1030, who later shared footage of the chase.
Eck described the scene as “like something out of a James Bond movie”, saying she had never witnessed anything comparable during her nearly three decades working for WBZ Radio.
She said the suspect appeared extremely determined to escape despite the heavy morning traffic.
The incident left drivers navigating a frightening situation as police attempted to stop the SUV and protect the woman allegedly being held inside.
Investigation Into Hostage Situation Continues
Authorities have not publicly explained the relationship between Hampton-Boyd and the pregnant woman or what allegedly led to the reported hostage situation.
Investigators are also examining the eight crashes that occurred during the pursuit and the circumstances surrounding the firearm recovered from the vehicle.
The woman remains at the center of the investigation as authorities work to establish exactly what happened before police first received the emergency call.
What do you think about the dangers of high-speed or high-risk police pursuits during rush hour?
Should suspects accused of holding someone hostage face additional penalties when their escape puts other drivers in danger? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
