by After failing to show up for her trial, a Hadley woman who was charged with unleashing a swarm of beeson sheriff’s deputies in 2022 was taken into custody in Tennessee last week.
According to the Hampden County Sheriff’s Office, Rorie Susan Woods, also known as Rebecca Woods, was arrested at a motel in Tennessee on Thursday, two days after her trial in Springfield District Court was scheduled to start.
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Woman accused of unleashing bees on sheriff s deputies during Western Mass. eviction
In October 2022, Woods allegedly challenged deputies conducting an eviction in Longmeadow, garnering national attention. Woods reportedly brought beehives to the scene, took off the lids, and disturbed the bees, causing them to swarm and sting both deputies and onlookers, according to authorities.
According to the sheriff’s office at the time, a sheriff’s officer attempted to stop her but withdrew when the angry bees began to emerge and circle the area. Then she flipped a hive off the truck and cracked the cover, which made the bees very hostile. They invaded the area and stung a number of officers and other innocent onlookers.
According to the sheriff’s office, one individual was admitted to the hospital and several others were allergic. Woods allegedly said, “Oh, you’re allergic?” in response to a deputy telling her that he and a few other cops were allergic to bees. Well, MassLivereported.
Before being arrested, Woods allegedly moved another hive toward the house while wearing a beekeeping outfit. In response to four charges of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, three charges of assault with a dangerous weapon, and one charge of disorderly conduct, she entered a not guilty plea.
According to The Daily Hampshire Gazette, Woods, who is defending herself in the lawsuit, used to run Abundant Harvest Apiary.She will be extradited to Massachusetts to stand trial after being arraigned in Tennessee, according to the sheriff’s office.
Abby Patkin covers a wide range of topics as a general assignment news reporter, including crime, public transportation, health, and everything in between. She has been reporting on the murder case of Karen Read.
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