Two men from Rhode Island were arrested early Sunday following an overnight attack on several Boston Police cruisers, the Boston Police Department said in a statement.
Julian Bowers, 18, of Cumberland, R.I., and William Cantwell, 19, of Warwick, R.I., each face several charges in connection with the incident, which took place at the intersection of Massachusetts Ave. and Tremont Street.
At 2:12 a.m., Boston Police officers assigned to the South End D-4 district responded to reports of a large-scale vehicle takeover, the statement said. Upon arriving at the scene, officers found a crowd of over 100 people, who began attacking marked police cruisers by throwing fireworks, cones, and poles at the vehicles.
According to the statement, one police cruiser suffered extensive smoke and fire damage. At one point, police say, several attackers began jumping on the hood of the vehicle.
“Do not come into Boston to disrespect our community and cause harm and disorder. You’re not welcome here,” Mayor Michelle Wu told reporters ahead of an unrelated event on Sunday.
“We will spare no expense, nor resources, making sure we hold people accountable,” said Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox.
Cox said people doing “illegal street racing” will not be tolerated, and he encouraged the public to share videos or other information with the police department.
No police officer was injured, Cox said.
Additionally, the crowd used several vehicles to block the intersection, disrupting the normal flow of traffic.
After requesting additional units, Boston Police were able to secure the scene using department-issued equipment. The Boston Fire Department also responded to the incident and was able to extinguish a cruiser that had been engulfed in flames. The vehicle was left inoperable due to the damage caused by the crowd.
Following the incident, Bowers faces several charges, including malicious destruction of property over $1,200, disorderly conduct, assault and battery on a police officer, and resisting arrest.
Cantwell faces charges including malicious destruction of property over $1,200, disorderly conduct, assault and battery on a police officer, resisting arrest, and possession of Class D, marijuana, after a search yielded two packages of marijuana edibles in his bag, the statement said.
Both men are expected to be arraigned in Roxbury District Court and the incident remains under investigation, police said.
Katie Cressman can be reached at katherine.cressman@globe.com.
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