BOSTON (AP) – A motorist who was shot by police after allegedly fleeing a traffic stop in a stolen vehicle pleaded not guilty to a variety of charges on Thursday.

Mark Botelho, 31, of Arlington, was arraigned from Boston Medical Center, authorities said. He’s recovering from a gunshot wound to the abdomen, and being held on $25,000 cash bail.

Charges include five counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, the vehicle; four counts of leaving the scene of an accident that caused personal injury, and receiving a stolen motor vehicle.

Boston and MBTA transit police officers shot at Botelho on Tuesday after he fled a traffic stop and smashed into several cars, including one containing four police officers, authorities said.

The chase ended outside a Registry of Motor Vehicles office and the Chinatown MBTA subway station. Among the cars struck was an unmarked MBTA transit police vehicle containing three MBTA transit police officers and one Plymouth police officer, according to Boston police.

Police cornered the vehicle and several officers fired their guns, authorities said.

The Suffolk District Attorney’s office is investigating whether the shooting was justified.

Botelho’s next court date related to Tuesday’s incident is May 16.


Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.

Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.