CAPE COP-SHOOT SUSPECT CHARGED
Pleads not guilty from Hub hospital room
An 11th-grade dropout from Cape Cod, shackled by his ankle to a Boston hospital bed, pleaded not guilty yesterday to the attempted murders of Falmouth police officers Donald DeMiranda and Ryan Moore.
Flashing a hand gesture at the start of his televised arraignment that he said was “not a gang sign,” Malik Antonio Koval, 21, was ordered held without bail by Falmouth District Court Judge Christopher D. Welch pending his being medically fit for a dangerousness hearing.
Koval sat upright in a chair for the proceeding wearing only a gray hospital gown, his eyes occasionally drooping shut.
Koval has been recovering from gunshots he sustained Friday afternoon on the lawn of his mother’s house on Ashley Drive in Falmouth when officers returned fire after Cape and Islands Assistant District Attorney Dan Higgins said Koval began shooting a handgun inside his home, then went outside and “indiscriminately” peppered police with bullets.
Moore suffered a graze wound to his neck. DeMiranda was struck in his protective vest and underwent surgery Monday to remove a second bullet from his shoulder.
“On a positive note, my officers are in recovery right now,” said Falmouth police Chief Edward Dunne, who stood by as four department members were briefly allowed to replace the Boston and state police who’ve had Koval under guard.
“I am so proud of the two officers that were involved in this incident,” he said. “They’re so brave for everything they’ve been through.”
Boston police Superintendent-in-Chief William G. Gross, who next week will ascend to the office of commissioner, expressed gratitude that DeMiranda and Moore pulled through.
“Folks, we’re human, too,” Gross said at Dunne’s side. “We have a job to do every day. Our officers have the expectation to go home after their tour of duty, safe and secure.
“When that doesn’t happen, it’s always nice to know that we have the citizens of the commonwealth in support of us and that they have our back.
“For those of ill intent, we will not waver. We will continue to do our job. We are not going anywhere,” he said. “It’s a battle between good and evil.”
Koval pleaded not guilty today to charges of assault with intent to murder, assault and battery on a police officer, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, carrying a loaded firearm without a license and disorderly conduct.
He was allegedly smashing bottles in the street when DeMiranda and Moore responded.
Hyannis defense attorney Ruth McLaughlin said the events that began Friday have been “very overwhelming” for her client. “He’s a very young man.”
Koval’s mother, Kimberly Koval, 38, and his brother Marcus Maseda, 18, pleaded not guilty Monday in Falmouth District Court to charges they obstructed justice and interfered with police in the chaotic aftermath of the shootings.
Each was released yesterday on $7,500 cash bail.