SAUGUS — Police Chief Domenic J. DiMella is pleased to report that the Saugus Police Department has recovered the firearm stolen from Dick’s Sporting Goods during a brazen break-in that resulted in a SWAT team response this morning.
| The bolt action rifle, which Saugus Police confirmed was part of the store’s inventory, was located in a wooded area near the Square One Mall early Monday evening. Other evidence of the break-in and burglary was also recovered. |
| The suspect, a JUVENILE MALE, AGE 16, OF EVERETT, was arrested and faces a number charges when he is arraigned in juvenile court at a later date. |
| Chief DiMella wishes to express his gratitude for the mutual aid response from members of the Northeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council (NEMLEC), the Massachusetts State Police, the Middlesex County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. |
| “This was a true team effort today to ensure everyone’s safety and security today,” Chief DiMella said. “I am very pleased that the firearm has been recovered and that there is no longer any lingering danger from this incident to the community.” |
| No other firearms are believed to be missing from the Dick’s Sporting Goods location. |
| All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty. |
| SAUGUS — Police Chief Domenic J. DiMella reports that the Saugus Police Department has arrested a teenage boy after he allegedly broke a window at a store at the Square One Mall and stole a rifle, resulting in a SWAT Team callout and an intensive search. |
| At approximately 4:20 a.m., Saugus Police received a burglar alarm for Dicks Sporting Goods at the Square One Mall. An officer arrived quickly and observed a window and evidence of a break-in. He soon observed a male suspect in possession of a long gun. |
| The officer requested backup, and a mutual aid system was activated under the Northeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council, also known as NEMLEC, which sent a SWAT Team, a mobile communications vehicle and several officers to assist. |
| A thorough search of the store was conducted by the NEMLEC Swat Team and Police K-9 units from across the region, but no one was found. After reviewing surveillance footage later in the morning, it was determined that the suspect escaped shortly after the first officer arrived. |
| The suspect, a JUVENILE MALE, AGE 16, OF EVERETT was identified and arrested without incident at approximately 11:30 a.m. Monday. |
| The suspect was charged with: |
- Breaking and Entering During the Nighttime to Commit a felony
- Malicious Destruction of Property over $250
- Larceny of a Firearm
| The investigation remains ongoing and additional charges may be added. |
| Police are searching for the weapon, which is believed to have been taken from the inventory of the store. |
| “The Saugus Police Department takes all burglaries and robberies very seriously, but when you have firearms involved it rises to another level which necessitated the large-scale, but measured response of our mutual aid partners, including NEMLEC, Massachusetts State Police and the ATF,” Chief DiMella said. “We want to thank everyone in the community for their patience this morning as we worked through this scene to ensure the safety of all.” |
| Area schools briefly sheltered in place out of an abundance of caution. The opening of the mall was delayed, and the Dick’s Sporting Goods will likely not open today. |
