Police are considered some of the bravest people in the world. But one Boston cop had his reputation sullied during a child-slide-related injury. He was caught on video getting banged around after going down the City Hall Plaza slide on his stomach.
The Video
The video, which has since gone viral on social media, shows the slide emitting loud banging noises as the cop makes his descent. He finally emerges feet first, on his stomach. He straddles the slide’s edge, banging his head in the process.
When he hits the rubber mat at the bottom, he loses his handcuffs and other belt items. You can hear him saying, “Oh f**k,” as he slowly gets to his feet. A laughing onlooker off-screen asks him why the slide was so fast.
Commentary
The video has amused the millions of people who caught it on Tik Tok and X (formerly Twitter).
“Why’s he slide out like an ice cube from a refrigerator LMFAO,” one commenter wrote.
“You gotta quit the force now. You’re on the internet forever coming down the slide like a f**king can of Diet Coke out of a vendor machine. How do you set foot in the precinct?” another chimed in.
Boston Police Comment
A Boston Police spokesperson said the department is aware of the video. He confirmed that the officer suffered minor injuries.
“He was hurt and used his own personal medical insurance to be treated. He lost no time and has returned to work,” said Sergeant Detective John Boyle.
Boyle also stated that he didn’t believe the incident was being investigated.
About the Slide
The slide the officer stumbled down is part of a $95 million City Hall Plaza renovation completed in November. It may be the longest in the city. It is a popular children’s attraction.
Signs near the slide indicate that it is “not intended for adult use” and should only be used by children 5 to 12.
However, that doesn’t stop adults from trying their luck. Footage posted on TikTok in May shows a teacher who attempted to go down the slide on her stomach – a feat that resulted in a crash landing.
She later posted a follow-up video revealing the massive lump on her forehead incurred during the fall.
Mayor of Boston Chimes In
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu was questioned about the incident. She said she would investigate adding more signage to the area. She said she would also inquire to find out if the officer was okay.
“I’m not sure what happened or the circumstances. However, I will make sure to follow up and see how the officer is doing. We may also add further signage indicating that this area is intended for children, if necessary,” the mayor said.
She also said she was happy with the updated play area.
“We were only there for the Puerto Rican festival over the weekend,” she stated. She noted that the park was fully occupied, and the children were playing with the water elements and other park features.