A Massachusetts woman was hit with multiple charges after she allegedly unleashed a swarm of bees on law enforcement.
According to ABC affiliate WCVB, the incident took place Oct. 12 in Hampden County, where officers were trying to enforce an eviction notice. Officers on the scene were reportedly confronted by protestors, including Rorie Susan Woods—a 55-year-old woman who allegedly drove up to the residence while hauling a flatbed of manufactured bee hives.
Police say Woods and her fellow demonstrators were attempting to stop deputies from taking the tenant’s property; however, the situation quickly escalated once Woods—who was wearing a beekeeper suit—began opening the bee hives. The Hampden County Sheriff’s Deputies said the woman was told some of the officers were allergic to bees, to which she replied: “Oh, you’re allergic? Good.”
“A Sheriff’s deputy tried to stop her, but as the agitated bees started getting out and circling the area, he pulled back,” Sheriff Nicholas Cocchi said in a statement. “She then smashed the lid, and flipped a hive off of the flatbed, making the bees extremely aggressive. They swarmed the area and stung several officers and other innocent bystanders who were nearby. This woman, who traveled here, put lives in danger as several of the staff on scene are allergic to bees.”
The sheriff claimed one staffer had to be hospitalized after the incident, but he was “luckily” alright, otherwise Woods “would be facing manslaughter charges.”
Cocchi went on to say that he supports the right for peaceful protests, but said Woods “crossed the line” when she put the public in danger. The woman was arrested and booked on four counts of assault and battery by means of a dangerous weapon, three counts of assault by means of a dangerous weapon, and one count of disorderly conduct.
“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,” Cocchi said. “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 longterm housing, employment, and mental health and substance use disorder treatment.”
