In a shocking turn of events, the editor and writer of the controversial blog Turtleboy found himself in police custody as he was brought to the Dedham District Court on assault and battery charges. Aidan Kearney, who had vehemently advocated for his innocence, chose to turn himself in to law enforcement authorities.

The incident, which allegedly occurred on Friday, led to a post on the Turtleboy Facebook page urging supporters to gather at the court. Kearney arrived in the back of a Medfield Police cruiser, emerging from the vehicle handcuffed and dressed in a light blue dress shirt and slacks.

In an attempt to make a statement, Kearney was drowned out by the calls of his followers, who call themselves "Turtle Riders." Despite their vocal presence, court security quickly escorted him into the courthouse through a basement-level entrance.

Kearney, who celebrated his 42nd birthday today, had previously been arraigned on multiple charges connected to his coverage and advocacy in the Karen Read murder case. This included charges of witness intimidation, conspiracy to intimidate witnesses, and picketing a witness. Following his initial hearing at Norfolk Superior Court, he had been released on personal recognizance without any restrictions.

An order had been issued by the Medfield Police Department, commonly known as a "Be on the Lookout" or BOLO, resulting in Kearney's apprehension. The nature of the assault and battery charges pertaining to the alleged incident on Friday remains undisclosed.

Scheduled to appear in Dedham District Court, Kearney faced an unexpected delay as neither the special prosecutor, Kenneth Mello, nor defense attorney Tim Bradl were present. Consequently, the judge called for an immediate recess.

Kearney's Turtleboy blog has gained notoriety for its controversial posts targeting individuals in the Greater Worcester and Greater Boston areas. However, in recent months, the focus had shifted primarily to the Karen Read murder case. Kearney staunchly defended Read and pushed forward the theory that fellow Boston police officer Brian Albert and his sister-in-law Jennifer McCabe were ultimately responsible for the death of Boston Police Officer John O'Keefe, Read's boyfriend.

Prosecutors have accused Kearney of harassing and intimidating witnesses, using his platform to direct his followers to do the same. Special prosecutor Kenneth Mello characterized Kearney as "hiding behind the guise of a journalist to in fact be an activist."

As the case moves forward, it remains to be seen how Kearney's arrest will impact the ongoing controversy surrounding the Karen Read murder case and the Turtleboy blog.