A 16-year-old Everett juvenile is in currently in police custody, suspected of breaking into a sporting goods store in Saugus and possibly trying to steal a weapon. A seven-hour sweep of the mall led to an area lock down.
A Saugus police officer responding to a burgular alarm at 4:20 a.m. found a broken window and a lone male lurking around the Dick's Sporting Goods store at the Square One Mall in Saugus. Authorities say he had a long gun and bags believed to be containing ammunition. Police say they were briefly in touch with the suspect by cell phone.
The Northeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council, also known as NEMLEC, sent a SWAT team to the area. State police were dispatched and the mall was placed on a lock down. Police advised residents to take shelter immediately.
For seven hours, police used trained dogs to search Dick's Sporting Goods, which sells a variety of weapons. Saugus Police Chief Domenic DiMella says the suspect escaped, but police found him by pinging his cell phone, which led them to a home in Everett. Police say they believe they have the right man; his age shields him from identification. Police are still looking for the weapon and the bag of ammunition.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
