Law School Student Charged with Assaulting HUPD Officer

A Harvard Law School student was arrested on charges of assaulting a Harvard University Police officer in North Hall on Dec. 2.

Police arrested 28-year-old Matthew J. Diaz after he allegedly punched, kicked, and spat on one of the officers at around 2:30 a.m. in the graduate school dorm, according to the police report. Police alleged Diaz was “highly intoxicated” during the incident.

HUPD officers initially received a report of Diaz sleeping on the floor in North Hall, a converted hotel that serves as a dormitory for Law School students. Police arrived and reportedly attempted to wake him up several times.

Once awake, Diaz was “extremely unsteady on [his] feet” and “very aggressive,” according to the report. The officers walked Diaz to the elevator, but he allegedly refused to enter and then punched the officer in the chest. As the officers placed Diaz under arrest, Diaz reportedly kicked and spat on one of the officers.

Diaz has been charged with Assault and Battery, Assault and Battery With a Dangerous Weapon, and Malicious Destruction of Property.

He was arraigned and released on personal recognizance and awaits another court date in January, according to Cambridge District Court.

Harvard Law School spokespeople declined to comment on the record on the incident.

Diaz did not respond to repeated requests for comment on Sunday and Monday.

—Staff writer Mariel A. Klein can be reached at mariel.klein@thecrimson.com. Follow her on Twitter @mariel_klein.