Mass. man reached for cop’s gun outside Boston’s MGM track Hall, police say

Two men were arrested after a violent altercation outside Boston’s MGM track Hall at Fenway on Wednesday night, one of whom attempted to grab an officer’s gun, authorities said.

Security personnel at the venue called for police back-up to remove a man at about 9:50 p.m. who became “increasingly combative towards officers,” according to the Boston Police Department.

The man — later identified as Edwin Rivera, 30, of Mashpee — threw a beverage and swung at an officer, then grabbed onto an officer’s jacket and tried to pull him toward the sidewalk full of people, police said.

“During the struggle, Rivera reached for the officer’s department-issued firearm while also dislodging the officer’s radio,” police said. “Officers were eventually able to bring Rivera to the ground and place him in handcuffs after repeated resistance.”

At the same time, another man, identified as Steven Costa, 27, of Hyannis, got involved by yelling at police, and attempted to strike another officer who fell during the interaction, police said.

Police used a Taser on Costa to subdue him and arrest him after he ignored multiple verbal commands and warnings, they said.

Boston EMS arrived and brought one officer to a local hospital for treatment of injuries received during the altercation. EMS also evaluated the suspects, who did not need hospitalization.

The two men were brought to a police station for booking, but Rivera continued to be “combative” and refused to participate in the booking process, police said.

Rivera’s charges are:

• Assault and battery with a dangerous weapon on a police officer
• Attempt to disarm a police officer
• Assault and battery on a police officer
• Resisting arrest
• Intimidation of a police officer
• Disorderly conduct
• Disturbing the peace

Costa’s charges are:

• Assault and battery on a police officer
• Resisting arrest
• Intimidation of a police officer
• Interfering with a police officer
• Disorderly conduct
• Disturbing the peace

Both were due to be arraigned on Thursday. No attorneys were listed for either at the time of publishing.

The venue’s schedule listed Louisiana rapper Kevin Gates performing on Wednesday night as part of The Amilio Tour.