FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2017

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Police Arrest Melrose Man Wanted for Attempted Murder

MELROSE — Police Chief Michael L. Lyle reports that the man wanted for attempted murder in Melrose has been arrested.

JOHN C. FERREIRA, AGE 54, OF MELROSE is charged with:

• Assault and Battery with a Dangerous Weapon (two counts)
• Kidnapping with Serious Bodily Injury (two counts)
• Armed Assault to Rob
• Home Invasion
• Larceny of a Motor Vehicle
• Attempted Murder
• Mayhem

Additionally, FERREIRA has six motor vehicle default warrants out of Peabody District Court.

FERREIRA was wanted for Assault with Intent to Murder after he allegedly broke into the Vinton Street home of two women he is acquainted with and violently attacked them on Friday, Aug. 4. He then fled the scene in a red Toyota Corolla.

Melrose Police immediately issued an advisory to other law enforcement agencies and distributed a press release with photos and a description of FERREIRA and the vehicle in an effort to locate him.

Around 12:30 p.m. today, a Westborough police officer on patrol in the area of an old flea market off Route 9 recognized the red Toyota Corolla and attempted to make contact.

When the driver, later identified as FERREIRA, noticed the police car, he immediately fled. The officer ran the plates of the vehicle, which came back stolen.

Westborough Police conducted a motor vehicle stop and placed FERREIRA under arrest without incident.

FERREIRA is currently being held at the Southborough Police Department. He will be transported to the Melrose Police Department later this afternoon, where he will be held pending his arraignment at Malden District Court.

“I want to sincerely thank the Westborough Police Department, the Massachusetts State Police Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section and all the state and federal law enforcement agencies that assisted us during our investigation and search for this suspect,” Chief Lyle said. “This afternoon’s arrest was due to the keen observation skills of the Westborough officer on duty, and we’re thankful that it occurred without incident. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families during this difficult time.”

Added Melrose Mayor Robert Dolan: “I am very pleased that the suspect has been apprehended without incident. My first thoughts are with the victims of this crime, who have been seriously injured, and it is my sincere hope that they can fully recover with the support of our community. I want to express my gratitude to and pride in Chief Lyle and the entire Melrose Police Department, who have handled this very difficult time with professionalism and attention to the needs of the victims and the people of Melrose. I also want to thank the State Police for the support they have given to the community, as well as the Westborough Police, who made the arrest. This was truly a collaborative effort between law enforcement agencies across the Commonwealth.”

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