ARLINGTON — The following is a statement from Police Chief Juliann Flaherty:
“I am aware of a social media posting and have spoken directly with a Somerville resident who was on February 10th detained by the Arlington Police Department. This occurred during a foot pursuit during an investigation into an alleged drug packaging and distribution operation with possible human trafficking elements operating out of a local hotel.
“A suspect or suspects fled from a ground floor window of a Massachusetts Avenue hotel at approximately 6:30 p.m. During the pursuit, a wanted felon with a fugitive from justice warrant was arrested and a second man was detained by police. A large quantity of heroin and packaging materials and two women were also located in the hotel room. That investigation remains ongoing, and federal authorities are involved in the investigation.
“I have spoken with the Somerville resident, who posted his feelings about his interaction with Arlington Police on social media.
“It is my sincere commitment that every interaction between members of the public and members of the Arlington Police Department be a fair and professional one, where the intentions of officers are made known and the utmost courtesy and respect for safety and dignity is shown at all times.
“I have retained the services of an outside investigator to conduct a thorough review of this incident and the civilian interaction and detainment, as well as any complaints and any police use of force in this matter. This will also include a review of videos known to be posted to social media and a thorough review of our policies and procedures, including the department’s Use of Force Policy.
“Consistent with our policies, the officer involved in the detainment of the Somerville man will be placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
“As always, I promise transparency with the public. I have relayed to the Somerville resident my commitment to a ongoing and open dialog between him and me directly.”
BACKGROUND:
On Wednesday, Feb. 10, Arlington Police were dispatched to a hotel on Massachusetts Avenue at approximately 6:30 p.m. for a report of a wanted felon in one of the rooms, matching the description of a suspect who previously damaged a room at this hotel and left without paying his multi-night bill. There was also reportedly the noise of a woman yelling coming from the room.
Officers approached the room and knocked. At that time, the officers heard the sound later identified as the window screen being forcibly removed from the ground-level window in the hotel room.
Officers went to the window and began to search on foot for the suspect or suspects. Two adult males were found in the vicinity and detained. An on-scene investigation ensued.
The first detained party was determined to be the primary suspect in the investigation. He is an individual well-known to police with an extensive criminal history and an active arrest warrant for being a fugitive from justice. Police also found a large quantity of a substance later identified as heroin on his person as he was being arrested.
The second male, an adult male from Somerville, was determined to have a quantity of marijuana on him, which was over the legal limit in Massachusetts, as well as a scale and baggies. At this time, no charges have been filed against him.
Two women were found inside the hotel room, and there was evidence of drug preparation and/or packaging found in the room. The hotel room’s smoke detectors were also found to be covered up.
The investigation remains ongoing. The suspect is not being identified as this time as he is cooperating with law enforcement. The second man is likewise not being identified by police, as no charges have been filed.
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