SAUGUS, Mass. — A 16-year-old has been arrested after police received word of an “armed and dangerous intruder” inside the Dick’s Sporting Goods at Saugus Mall following a break-in Monday morning.
Saugus PD received burglar alarm at 4am, officer found broken window and suspect with long gun and apparent ammo. Suspect escaped @boston25
— Kerry Kavanaugh (@KerryKavanaugh) June 19, 2017
According to Saugus Police Chief Dominic DiMella, the burglar alarm sounded around 4:20 a.m. at the sporting goods store. Saugus police were notified and headed to the mall.
Chief DiMella said officers saw the suspect with a 'long gun,' but lost sight of him.
Shattered glass panel at Dick's Sporting Goods at #Saugus mall where 16y/o allegedly broke in stealing long gun. @boston25 pic.twitter.com/q46uItXKlM
— Kerry Kavanaugh (@KerryKavanaugh) June 19, 2017
Numerous state and local police officers, including SWAT teams and a Massachusetts State Police helicopter responded to the scene and immediately set up a perimeter around the facility to prevent anyone from entering or exiting the property during the investigation.
FOX25 News Live StreamPolice providing update on 'armed & dangerous' man in Saugus.
Posted by Boston 25 News on Monday, June 19, 2017
Police later said the 16-year-old suspect from Everett escaped the store, but was identified and later arrested around 11:30 a.m. The long gune allegedly stole was also recovered at his home.
"I'm just hoping no one gets hurt and this all calms down," mall worker Chandler Laguerre said earlier Monday morning.
Tactical units continue to search Square1mall Saugus MA for possible armed intruder who broke in this AM Dick's Sporting goods to steal guns pic.twitter.com/6j75LAqT6A
— Bob Murdock (@BROLLBobM) June 19, 2017
Police had urged the public to stay away from the area while the investigation continued, and mall officials said the facility would remain closed until further notice.
Police still searching for weapon. Officers saw suspect in store, lost sight of him; used surveillance id'ed arrested 16y/o from Everett
— Kerry Kavanaugh (@KerryKavanaugh) June 19, 2017
One of the Boston 25 News crews at the scene reported seeing several ambulances staged in a parking lot, just in case they were needed. However, no one was injured.
Saugus superintendent of schools, Dr. David DeRuos, spoke with Boston 25 News and said that schedules were running as normal and he was in constant communication with police. Schools were briefly sheltered as a precaution.
Police Activity at Square One Mall https://t.co/0eEzd1acrT
— Saugus Police Dept (@SaugusPD) June 19, 2017
The suspect has been charged breaking and entering during the nighttime to commit a felony. malicious destruction of property over $250 and larceny of a firearm.
Cox Media Group