For Immediate Release

Tuesday, April 2, 2019

Media Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

Methuen Police Working to Locate Suspect Following Morning Break-in and SWAT Callout

METHUEN — Mayor James Jajuga and Chief Joseph Solomon report that the Methuen Police Department is actively seeking a suspect following a break-in early this morning.

JOUSEPH CARABALLO, AGE 44, OF METHUEN (pronounced “you-sef”) is wanted by Methuen Police and is expected to be charged with:

• Breaking and Entering
• Larceny over $250
• Malicious Destruction of Property
• Possession of Burglarious Tools

At approximately 7 a.m., Methuen Police were dispatched to the Rooming House, 91 Broadway, for a report of a break-in. Upon arrival, officers began an on-scene investigation that included reviewing surveillance footage, which showed a suspect later identified as CARABALLO entering apartment 37 and later leaving with items from inside.

CARABALLO is subsequently seen on surveillance footage leaving the building — where he also resides — and later returning.

Officers attempted to make contact with CARABALLO at his apartment and, despite hearing movement inside the apartment, there was no answer at the door.

Because the person inside would not come out and due to the potential danger of the situation, Methuen Police requested the NEMLEC SWAT Team to the scene and evacuated the building as a precaution. Prior to NEMLEC SWAT’s arrival, a second man believed to be CARABALLO’S roommate exited the apartment and spoke with police.

BERNABE GONZALES, AGE 45, OF METHUEN was subsequently arrested on unrelated pre-existing warrants on charges of Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle and Intimation of a Witness.

After taking GONZALES into custody, Methuen Police and NEMLEC SWAT entered CARABALLO’s  apartment and determined he was not inside. They later searched the entire building and determined CARABALLO was no longer on scene.

“We are continuing to work with our law enforcement partners and exercising all available resources to locate this individual and take him into custody,” Chief Solomon said.

“I want to thank both the Methuen Police Department and NEMLEC for their swift actions this morning,” Mayor Jajuga said. “I trust they are working diligently and effectively to apprehend this suspect as soon as possible.”

There were no injuries, but a Rooming House tenant was transported to an area hospital due to an unrelated illness. NEMLEC SWAT has cleared the scene but Methuen Police remain on scene.

This incident remains under active investigation by the Methuen Police Department, which is seeking the public’s help in locating CARABALLO. Anyone who believes they know his whereabouts is asked to call Methuen Police at 978-983-8698 but not to approach CARABALLO themselves.

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