Boston Man Charged After Attacking Woman, Setting Himself on Fire

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A Boston man was charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon after allegedly hitting a woman with a metal stove grate and then trying to set himself on fire inside their apartment. The victim told police that her friend, Adam Johnson, attacked her before she called for help. When officers arrived, they found heavy smoke in the apartment and Johnson unconscious in the bathtub with severe burns.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing issue of domestic violence and the potential for escalation when mental health and substance abuse issues are involved. It also raises questions about the availability of resources and support for individuals struggling with these challenges within their communities.

The details

According to prosecutors, on December 23, Boston police responded to reports of an injured woman screaming for help. They found the victim bleeding from the head and she told them that her friend, 55-year-old Adam Johnson, had hit her with a metal stove grate. The victim said Johnson was inside their apartment trying to light himself on fire. Police discovered heavy smoke in the apartment and found Johnson unconscious in the bathtub with severe burns. Johnson was taken to the hospital in critical condition.

• On December 23, Boston police responded to the incident.
• Johnson was arraigned on February 13 and pleaded not guilty.
• Johnson is scheduled to return to court on March 10 for a pre-trial hearing and to surrender for a probation violation.

What’s next

Johnson will return to court on March 10 for a pre-trial hearing and to surrender for a probation violation in a previous assault case.