Western Mass. man in critical condition after Celtics revelry arrest

By Globe Staff

A 22-year-old western Massachusetts man is in critical but stable condition today at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center after he struggled with officers who were attempting to handcuff him during street celebrations after the Celtics victory last night, Boston Police said.

Police said David Woodman, 22, of Southwick was among a group crossing a street in the Fenway area at about 12:47 a.m. who were drinking from an open container of what was believed to be alcohol.

Police attempted to talk to Woodman. He tried to flee. Officers subdued him and he then "began struggling with officers as they attempted to handcuff him," police said in a statement.

"At that time, officers realized he was in medical distress," police said. Officers performed CPR and called for an ambulance, which took him to the hospital.

Woodman faces charges of drinking in public and resisting arrest. The incident is being investigated by the Boston Police homicide and internal affairs units. The homicide unit is involved because of the seriousness of the case, Officer Eddy Chrispin, a police spokesman, said.

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