By Beth David, Editor
Fairhaven Harbormaster/Shellfish deputy Todd Cox was assaulted by an unruly boater last Thursday, 8/1 in New Bedford Harbor.
According to Harbormaster Tim Cox, who is Todd’s father, the two responded to a report of a flare outside the hurricane barrier (HB) at about 9:30 p.m. For several hours, the searched for the boater who sent the flare up, but could not find any sign of a boater in distress, although they did encounter other boats outside the HB that night.
After deciding no one was actually in danger, Mr. Cox headed back to the dock. When he got back inside the hurricane barrier, he encountered a small rubber raft that was moving very quickly, headed to the opening in the HB. The boat had no running lights.
Mr. Cox approached the boat and determined almost immediately that the operater, 60-year-old Christopher Karo of Lakeville, was operating under the influence of alcohol.
With the help of New Bedford police, the smaller boat was boxed in and Mr. Karo eventually got on board the Fairhaven HM boat.
According to Mr. Cox, a New Bedford police officer also boarded his boat and convinced Mr. Karo to allow police to take him into protective custody.
As they approached the dock, Mr. Karo, without warning, lunged at Todd Cox, presumably to knock him into the water. The younger Mr. Cox, however, w1as ready for the older man, and “met him halfway,” according to Tim Cox.
Todd managed to get the man to the deck and he was handcuffed by the police officer.
Instead of being PC’d, he was arrested and charge with a variety of offenses, including operating under the influence on a boat and assault and battery on a public employee.
Click to download the entire 9/1/16 issue: 09-08-16-issueweb
Click here to download the arborist’s report: arboristreport
Click here to download the BPW Update: bpw-update
