Shooting suspect arraigned
Jeff Anilus makes court appearance from hospital bed
The man severely injured in an alleged shootout with Boston police following an attempted traffic stop in Jamaica Plain early Thursday morning was ordered held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing.
Jeff Anilus, 31, of Randolph, made his court appearance from his hospital bed at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, according to the label on his blank video feed, in the virtual arraignment hearing held at 3:30 p.m. Friday.
A not guilty plea was entered for a slew of charges: two counts of assault with intent to murder, two counts of assault with a deadly weapon, possession of an illegal firearm and ammunition, driving with a suspended license and failure to stop.
Judge John Garland, from a courtroom in the West Roxbury division of Boston Municipal Court, set a dangerousness hearing for Wednesday at 9 a.m. upon the request of prosecutor Nathan McGregor, an assistant district attorney for Suffolk County.
Garland stated that, to the court’s understanding, Anilus, who suffered lifethreatening injuries in the alleged shootout with the police, was only able to nod or shake his head in communication. Anilus’ courtappointed defense attorney Frank Sacco said that Anilus still appeared to be heavily medicated.
When reached after the hearing, Sacco said that he saw his client only by video feed and that his client is getting private counsel as the case moves forward.
“Boston police have pulled more than 150 illegal guns off the streets so far this year,” said Suffolk DA Kevin Hayden in a statement, “and here we have yet another case of a gun-toting individual assaulting not only officers, but the essence of community safety itself.”
Hayden’s statement also said his office created a “rapid indictment program for firearm offenses aimed at moving serious cases involving guns into Superior Court for disposition more quickly” last month.
Boston police attempted a traffic stop in the area of Lemuel Shattuck Hospital on Morton Street, Boston Police Superintendent Gregory Long told media shortly before 4 a.m. Thursday, the Herald previously reported.
Long added that a “short foot pursuit ensued” when Anilus allegedly fled his vehicle. In that chase, police say, Anilus shot at officers, who returned fire “striking the suspect multiple times.”