Javier Breitling was arrested in downtown Boston on Tuesday after he allegedly refused to move his vehicle while blocking traffic and nearly struck a pedestrian, the Boston Globe reported.
The 27-year-old driver was taken into custody around 8:30 p.m. near the corner of Beacon and Tremont streets, police said. He was charged with reckless operation of a motor vehicle, refusing to identify himself, and failing to stop for police.
Officers first approached Breitling because his car was idling and blocking traffic on Tremont Street while he waited to pick up a fare. When police signaled for him to move, he drove forward slowly while continuing to obstruct the roadway, according to police.
He then pulled into a clearly marked tow zone. When officers informed him that parking was prohibited there, Breitling rolled down his window and argued that it was acceptable because he was an Uber driver awaiting a pickup, police said.
Police told Breitling that he was blocking an emergency vehicle access point and ordered him to move, to which he allegedly replied “No.” Officers warned him that he would receive a citation if he refused to comply.
As officers pulled their cruiser in front of his vehicle to initiate a traffic stop, Breitling reversed quickly and nearly struck an elderly pedestrian, police said. He then accelerated toward Beacon Street before getting stuck in traffic.
Officers caught up to him on foot and removed him from the vehicle. In addition to his criminal charges, he received a citation for violating motor vehicle laws, police said.
Breitling is expected to be arraigned in Boston Municipal Court on Thursday. A spokesperson for Uber did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Breitling faces criminal charges including reckless operation of a motor vehicle, refusing to identify himself, and failing to stop for police. He was also issued a citation for violating auto laws.
He is expected to be arraigned in Boston Municipal Court on Thursday.
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