Taunton crossing guard detained after alleged physical assault on media

A Taunton crossing guard was arrested Monday on allegations of assault and battery on a mother and her daughter. But an altercation with the media later that day landed him back in court with more assault charges.

Louis F. Chaves, 68, is being held on $250 bail, and if he posts bail, he must complete pre-release conditions — including a mental health evaluation — before being released, a a Taunton district judge ruled Tuesday.

Chaves was first accused of assault by a mother who said she had to stop at his intersection to blow her nose.

According to the police report, Chaves “put his stop sign through the passenger window and started swinging it around, calling her a (expletive) and she needs to get the (expletive) out of here.” During this altercation, Chaves allegedly hit the child who was sitting in the passenger seat.

The mother then got out of the car to confront Chaves, who continued to hit her with the portable stop sign, threw her to the ground and kicked her, according to the report.

The victim had lacerations and abrasions on his arms, according to the responding officer, and one of his flip-flops was in the middle of the intersection.

Chaves appeared in court Monday on those charges — two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon — and was released on the condition that he follow all laws and have no contact with the victims named.

Upon leaving court Monday, Chaves allegedly got into a physical altercation with media outside, including the Boston 25 and WCVB crews. Both organizations shared footage of Chaves attacking their crew and equipment.

Chaves is expected to be back in court for a pretrial hearing on August 8.