Man Accused of Assaulting 7 Police Officers, Knocking One Out

A man who authorities say went on an unprovoked rampage against police officers after he was stopped in a construction zone pleaded not guilty Tuesday to multiple counts of assault and battery on a police officer.

Joseph Parker, 34, of Wakefield, assaulted seven officers in all, sending one to a hospital with a concussion and another to a hospital with a leg injury, prosecutors said at his arraignment in Chelsea District Court.

Prosecutors said Parker was asked to slow down at the work site on Revere Beach Parkway shortly after midnight and climbed out of his car, swore at officers and referenced events in Ferguson, Missouri. He punched one officer, who was left briefly unconscious when his head hit the ground, authorities said.

He scuffled with several other officers at the work site and later at the police station, where he also damaged department equipment, prosecutors said.

His attorney, Dan Fitzgerald, said his client does not have a violent history and his behavior may have been influenced by medication he was taking.

Parker, who in his booking photo is shirtless and saluting the camera, was restrained at the work site with a stun gun and with the help of two passengers in his vehicle.

He is being held on $25,000 bail.