Oil Can Suspended Following Assault Charges

Troubled pitcher Dennis (Oil Can) Boyd was suspended Wednesday by the Boston Red Sox for allegedly threatening two policemen with claims that he had a gun and was going to shoot them.

Police in suburban Chelsea, Mass., where Boyd lives, requested a court hearing for the pitcher on charges of disorderly conduct and assault and battery on a police officer, following a “riotous situation” outside Boyd’s home Tuesday night.

Police said a hearing on the charges is scheduled for July 29 in Chelsea District Court.

“He swung on several occasions,” Chelsea Det. Sgt. Jack Phillips said. “He kept insisting he was going to blow our heads off. The last thing he said to me was, ‘You’re dead meat.’ ”

Boyd was followed to his Chelsea condominium after police received a tip that he was involved in a drug transaction, Phillips said.

The detective said no gun was produced and no drugs were found during the incident.

“Before we started anything, he started yelling that he was not carrying dope,” the detective said. “He was uncontrollable, glassy-eyed.”

Boyd could not be reached for comment. Phone calls to his home went unanswered.