A Massachusetts woman is accused of unleashing a group of bees on police officers who were trying to serve an eviction notice, authorities said.
As a Sheriff’s deputy attempted to stop the woman, he retreated after the “agitated bees started getting out and circling the area,” police said.
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During an arraignment on Oct. 12, the woman pled not guilty in Springfield District Court and was released without bail, according toMasslive.com,which cited court records.
Stephen H. Newman, a lawyer representing Woods, did not provide comment to PEOPLE when contacted.
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“We are always prepared for protests when it comes to evictions, but a majority of the groups who protest understand that we are just doing our statutory duty in accordance with state law,” said Sheriff Nick Cocchi. “And they appreciate how we go above and beyond to help the people being evicted with anything they need from food and temporary shelter, to long-term housing, employment, and mental health and substance use disorder treatment.”
“But this woman, who traveled here, put lives in danger as several of the staff on scene are allergic to bees,” he continued. “We had one staff member go the hospital and luckily, he was alright or she would be facing manslaughter charges.”
“Never in all my years of leading the Hampden County Sheriff’s Civil Process Division have I seen something like this,” added Chief Deputy of the Civil Process Office Robert Hoffman. “… I’m just thankful no one died because bee allergies are serious.”
source: people.com
