Salem PD: Man shot by police leads officers on chase, jumps into water

SALEM, Mass. — One person was shot by police in Salem early Wednesday after allegedly trying to run over two police officers who approached his parked car, according to an arrest report.

Salem Police Sgt. Michael Dunn said officers on routine patrol on Congress Street around 1 a.m., near Shetland Park, approached a car in the parking lot and the driver attempted to run the officers over.

One officer, identified as Officer Daniel Musto, fired his gun and hit the car, grazing the suspect in the arm, according to court documents.

The man, later identified as 25-year-old Austin Boga, then drove away, before eventually crashing his car on Peabody Street and then fleeing on foot along the Salem Harbor waterfront, Dunn said.

Boga was then cornered by other officers and jumped into the harbor to evade them, Dunn said, before eventually surrendering to police.

He was taken to a local hospital for the wound on his arm, but was released in time for arraignment.

Two police officers were also transported to a local hospital to be checked for injuries, Dunn said, but will be OK.

According to court documents, the officers who initially approached Boga in his car said they thought he was overdosing.

State police detectives were at the scene early Wednesday as is standard in officer-involved shootings.

Dunn said Salem police do not wear body cameras.

Boga has been charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, assault with a dangerous weapon, failure to stop for police, resisting arrest, disorderly conduct, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, leaving the scene, speeding, stop sign violation and marked lanes violation.

Boston 25 News has learned Boga has a lengthy criminal record. He's been convicted of drug crimes, assaults, breaking and entering, and more.

Boga is being held pending a dangerousness hearing. He's due back in court on Monday.

Cox Media Group