The Hampden County Sheriff's department was in the midst of a routine eviction when protestors showed up.
"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," Sheriff Nick Cocchi said.
But this time, the queen bee of protestors showed up too with several bee hives in tow.
Rorie Susan Woods who was wearing a beekeeper's suit ripped the lids off the hives and agitated the bees, and then carried one to the door of the residence as a barricade while the swarms stung officers and the other protestors.
She was told that several of the officers were allergic to bees, and she responded, "Oh, you're allergic? Good."
Eventually, the stung and swollen officers arrested her.
Sheriff Cocchi added,
This woman, who traveled here, put lives in danger, as several of the staff on scene are allergic to bees. We had one staff member go the hospital and luckily he was alright, or she would be facing manslaughter charges. I support people's right to protest peacefully, but when you cross the line and put my staff and the public in danger, I promise you will be arrested.
Rorie is now facing four counts of assault and battery by means of a deadly weapon and one count of disorderly conduct.
Given that this is Massachusetts we're talking about, she was arraigned and released without bail, so she can sting again!