Driver in MB hammer assault claims self-defense

Ira Forbes (Tewksbury Police photo)

LOWELL, Mass. – The Brooklyn truck driver charged with a hammer assault at a rally of Market Basket workers and customers at the store's Tewksbury headquarters pleaded not guilty in Lowell District Court on Monday.

Forbes, 27, of 105 Lincoln Road, Brooklyn, N.Y., pleaded not guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and disorderly conduct.

Prosecutors asked for a high cash bail saying Forbes is a flight risk, but the judge game him personal recognizance, saying if he defaulted on a court appearance he would lose his commercial driver’s license and that was incentive enough for him to show up for a trial.

A defense attorney said Forbes was the victim in the case and feared for his safety when he produced the hammer.

Tewksbury police allege Forbes got out of his truck armed with a hammer and began to walk toward the crowd of protestors before being stopped by officers.

Market Basket fired Forbes and the trucking company he worked for immediately following the Friday incident.