| GLOUCESTER — Chief Edward Conley and Chief John Horvath report that two individuals were arrested early Tuesday morning for allegedly firing an air pellet gun and damaging property in Gloucester and Rockport. |
| MARK MADEJA, AGE 18, OF ROCKPORT, was arrested and charged with: |
- Malicious Destruction of Property Over $1,200
- Negligent Operation of a Motor Vehicle
- Failure to Stop for Police
- Person Under 21 Possessing Liquor
- Possessing Open Container of Alcohol in a Motor Vehicle
- Failure to Stop/Yield
- Marked Lanes Violation
- Speed Rate Exceeding Posted Limit
- Carrying a Firearm on School Grounds
| DAVID ABEREGG, AGE 18, OF GLOUCESTER, was arrested and charged with: |
- Malicious Destruction of Property Over $1,200
- Person Under 21 Possessing Liquor
- Possessing Open Container of Alcohol in a Motor Vehicle
- Carrying a Firearm on School Grounds
| On Tuesday, Sept. 7., at about 1:40 a.m., Gloucester Police were dispatched to the Crow’s Nest bar, 244 Main St., Gloucester, for reports of a shot fired at the business. Upon arrival, police found a window shattered by what they believed to be a pellet from an air pellet gun. |
| About 2:30 a.m., Gloucester police were dispatched to the area of Bass Avenue in Gloucester for a report of an air pellet gun fired at a vehicle. Upon arrival, a witness described seeing a person inside a dark-colored, small to midsize SUV shooting at the vehicle. While responding, police saw a vehicle matching that description driving in the area. Police followed the vehicle, which allegedly was evading police, and eventually pulled it over. |
| MADEJA, identified as the driver, and ABEREGG were inside the vehicle. Both were placed under arrest. Officers located open alcohol containers during a search of the vehicle. |
| After investigating the area traveled by the pair, police located an air pellet gun. |
| In total, damage was reported on 33 vehicles and one business in Gloucester. Damage was reported on 13 vehicles and seven businesses in Rockport. |
| Police believe that the suspects began by shooting cans with the air pellet gun in the parking lot of O’Maley Innovation Middle School. |
| This incident remains under investigation by the Gloucester Police Department and Rockport Police Department. |
| Both men were arraigned Tuesday in Gloucester District Court. Additional charges are expected. |
| These are allegations. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty. |
