Man With Illegal Gun Accused Of Stealing, Crashing Car In Newton

Newton MA

24 February, 2022

12:18 PM

Description

NEWTON, MA — A man is accused of crashing a stolen car in Newton last week after being identified as a suspect in a shooting in Cambridge, according to Newton Police Chief John Carmichael. Officers responded to the crash on Beacon Street at Chestnut Hill Road on Friday, Feb. 18 that was witnessed by a Boston College Police Officer. Police said the incident involved two vehicles and one of the operators was seen fleeing the scene on foot. While en route to the crash, dispatch advised officers that one of the vehicles involved was reported stolen out of Cambridge earlier that day. The driver who fled, described as a white male wearing a red hat and fanny pack, was seen running through the backyards of houses on Chestnut Hill Road. Officer Scott Siegal responded to the area of Chestnut Hill Road and Malia Terrace, stopping at a home under construction that looked like a location where the suspect could hide. He discovered an open window at the house and, moments later, saw an individual matching the suspect's description in the open window. Siegal ordered the suspect to stop, but the man jumped from the window and fled on foot. However, Siegal was able to close in and take custody of the suspect. Police witnesses later confirmed the identity of the suspect and an investigation found that he had an arrest warrant from Somerville for multiple firearm-related charges. He was also identified as a suspect in a shooting in Cambridge the same day and believed to be in possession of a stolen gun. After state police retrieved a stolen firearm near the crash scene, custody of the suspect was transferred to Boston police. "This incident is the third incident to occur in the City of Newton in the last few weeks involving illegal firearms being in possession of violent criminals," said Carmichael in a statement. "While the call was reported as a motor vehicle crash, this is a reminder that all calls are not as they seem, as this crash quickly evolved into a hit & run, a stolen car, a B&E, resisting arrest, an arrest warrant for gun charges, carrying a stolen firearm, and a suspect involved in a shooting." "Our dispatchers did a phenomenal job orchestrating this call and providing essential updates, while Officer Siegal responded proficiently, tactically, and heroically and without hesitation performed his duties to the highest of standards," he continued. "I appreciate the teamwork and professionalism displayed by everyone involved in this incident and thank you for representing NPD with such distinction."