Mental health evaluation for man charged with civil rights offenses

A Dorchester man was sent for a mental health evaluation Jan. 13 after allegedly striking two women with his cane and using homophobic slurs, threatening the Boston Police officers who arrived at the scene, and telling the judge who arraigned him that he was going to kill someone.

Henry L. Alexander was arraigned on two counts each of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, violation of civil rights, and threats to commit a crime.

Judge Michael J. Coyne set bail at $500, ordered the defendant committed to Bridgewater State Hospital for a competency and responsibility evaluation, and indicated that he would hear further bail arguments at Alexander's next court date.