Scott D. Benton, Chief of Police
20 Essex St
Whitman, MA 02382
For Immediate Release
Monday, Aug. 14, 2017
Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net
Whitman Police Charge Three With Vandalism Using BB Gun
WHITMAN — Chief Scott D. Benton reports that the Whitman Police Department arrested three individuals early Sunday morning for allegedly firing a BB gun and damaging property.
TYLER JAMES HEINE, AGE 18, OF EAST WEYMOUTH, AARON ETIENNE, AGE 18, OF WEYMOUTH and a JUVENILE MALE, AGE 17, were arrested and charged with:
- Person Under 21 Possessing Liquor
- Wanton Destruction of Property Over $250
- Disturbing The Peace
At approximately 12:21 a.m., Sunday, police responded to the area of Beulah Street for a report of a BB gun being fired. Upon arrival, a witness reported hearing 16 shots being fired and that they believed the vehicle was headed west on Glen Street. A short time later, police received a report that a gray pickup truck had been spotted driving through the center of town firing a BB gun at storefront windows.
A Plymouth County Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) deputy observed a vehicle matching that description parked in a parking lot on Bedford Street. Whitman Police Officers then arrived on scene and joined the BCI deputy in approaching the vehicle.
HEINE, ETIENNE and the JUVENILE were inside the truck and, after an on-scene investigation, officers located a black CO2-powered BB gun and pellets in the truck’s center console. Officers also located several beer cans during a further search of the vehicle. All three were placed under arrest.
“This is an example of quality police work by the officers and deputy involved, and I commend them for their efforts,” Chief Benton said. “These individuals deliberately damaged multiple properties and blatantly disrespected our community.”
Whitman Police are continuing to actively investigate this incident, as well as other similar incidents of vandalism that have occurred in recent weeks.
HEINE and ETIENNE were each released on $300 bail, and were arraigned this morning in Brockton District Court. Both are due back in court on Oct. 16. The JUVENILE was released into the custody of his parents and is scheduled to be arraigned Wednesday in Brockton District Court.
These are allegations. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty.
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