1 facing felony charges for throwing firework at police car

PLYMOUTH — A Massachusetts resident is facing felony charges for allegedly throwing a firework at a police car, which detonated within feet of an officer and a civilian.

Kyle Martel, 22, of Littleton, Massachusetts, was charged as a fugitive from justice, after being arrested on warrant in his hometown on May 10, for an incident in the early morning hours of April 19, in Plymouth.

Martel allegedly threw a “large lit firework” at a marked Plymouth Police cruiser on Pearl Street. A Plymouth Police report states an officer was sitting in the cruiser, talking with someone standing outside the passenger-side window.

“The firework detonated within feet of both the officer and the civilian, creating a substantial risk of serious bodily injury,” Chief Nate Buffington wrote in a prepared statement. “The explosion also caused damage to a nearby residence.”

Martel was captured by Littleton Police on the Plymouth warrant. He was charged with felon arson, felony malicious explosion, and felony reckless conduct with a deadly weapon. He also faces two misdemeanor charges of reckless conduct and criminal mischief.

Buffington said there were thankfully no injuries from the explosion, but stressed how dangerous it was for all involved.

“This incident represents a reckless and dangerous act that placed both a police officer and a civilian at serious risk of injury,” Buffington said. “Throwing an explosive device toward anyone is not a prank or harmless behavior — it is criminal conduct that could have resulted in serious bodily injury or death.”

An affidavit provided by Ayer District Court, in Massachusetts, says several officers attempted to serve the warrant since receiving it.

Buffington praised the work of his officers, as well as the Littleton Police Department, in helping them identify and apprehend Martel.

“Acts of violence or reckless behavior directed toward members of the public or law enforcement officers will not be tolerated and will be thoroughly investigated and pursued through the criminal justice system,” said Buffington. “We are thankful that no one was seriously injured during this incident, and we remain committed to ensuring the safety of our community”.

Plymouth Police Department officers stressed they will “aggressively investigate and prosecute reckless acts,” and the incident is under investigation.

Martel was arraigned on May 11, in Ayer District Court, and entered a plea of not guilty to all charges.

The Plymouth Police Department requested Martel be transferred to New Hampshire. That request was granted, and Martel is expected to be picked up on Tuesday. Court documents show that “due to the seriousness of the charges,” Martel is being held in jail, without bail. If he has not been delivered by May 13, he will be due back in Ayer District Court that day.