Hammer-wielding driver nabbed in MB fracas

Ira Forbes (Tewksbury Police photo)

A scab truck driver from the Big Apple looking to put the hammer down – literally - on protesters at Market Basket headquarters on Friday was luckily tackled by police before he could drive home his point.

Ira Forbes, 27, of Brooklyn, N.Y., was charged with assault by means of a dangerous weapon and disorderly conduct. He will be arraigned in Lowell District Court on Monday.

Forbes got out of his truck with the hammer after being heckled by protesters outside the Market Basket’s Tewskbury, Mass., headquarters. Police told him to get back into his truck, but he kept heading toward the protesters until he was tackled and subdued by police, WBZ-TV reported on Friday.

Demonstrators say the man never swung the hammer, but he was verbally aggressive toward them.

Market Basket issued a press release condemning the driver’s actions and said he and his trucking company had been terminated.

“We are thankful that local police intervened and that no one was injured. Market Basket of course condemns the driver's actions.” the release stated.

Truck driven by Ira Forbes, who was arrested after allegedly charging at protesters while wielding a hammer.

A bystander described the truck as looking very scary, skull and crossbones and such.

Meanwhile, Market Basket workers ordered to return to work or lose  their jobs remained defiant on Friday as the company stalemate between Arthur T. Demoulas and cousin Arthur S. Demoulas entered its fifth week.

The worker uprising and an ensuing customer boycott began earlier this summer after Arthur T. Demoulas, known as Artie. T. by adoring employees, was ousted by the Market Basket Board of Directors led by Arthur S. Demoulas.

The move began a job action by workers loyal to Artie T. and a boycott by customers who largely backed forces aligned with Artie T.

The 71-chain store has since been losing millions of dollars a day and market insiders have said if the standoff isn't resolved soon could be on the verge of collapse.

Since the standoff began more than 95 percent of customers have refused to buy their groceries at the store.