Drugs, firearms, and ammunition found during a search of a home on Sylvan Street in Melrose on Saturday, March 9. (Photo Courtesy Melrose Police Department)

MELROSE — Chief Kevin Faller reports that the Melrose Police Department arrested and charged a Saugus man with numerous drug trafficking and domestic violence offenses.

AZER SAROTIC, AGE 33, OF SAUGUS, was arrested and charged with:

  • Assault and Battery on a Family or Household Member
  • Kidnapping
  • Assault and Battery with a Dangerous Weapon (Firearm)
  • Threatening to Commit a Crime (Murder)
  • Witness Intimidation
  • Trafficking in Crystal Methamphetamine
  • Trafficking in Fentanyl
  • Trafficking in Methamphetamine
  • Three counts of Possession of a Firearm without a License (Subsequent Offense)

On Saturday, March 9, at approximately 10:15 a.m., Melrose Police received a report of a past domestic assault that occurred overnight in the City of Melrose.

A woman reported to police that SAROTIC allegedly assaulted her, held her against her will at gunpoint, bit her, punched her, and struck her in the head with a firearm.

As a result, Melrose Police went to a home on Sylvan Street in Melrose shortly before noon in search of SAROTIC. SAROTIC refused to exit the home initially. He was believed to be armed, so Melrose Police requested assistance from the Northeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council (NEMLEC) SWAT Team and its specially trained negotiators.

Upon the arrival of the NEMLEC SWAT Team, SAROTIC surrendered without further incident.

Melrose Police obtained a search warrant for the home on Sylvan Street, where they recovered large amounts of methamphetamine, crystal methamphetamine, and fentanyl, as well as two handguns and a shotgun.

SAROTIC was arraigned Monday in Malden District Court where he was ordered held without bail pending a 58A dangerousness hearing scheduled for Thursday. 

“I would like to commend our officers and our partners from NEMLEC SWAT for their professionalism in peacefully resolving a potentially violent situation,” said Chief Faller. “This was a tense situation that could have ended quite differently, and it is a testament to the ongoing training our law enforcement officers receive in de-escalation and tactically responding to critical incidents.”

Charges represent accusations. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt under the United States Constitution.

Media inquiries should be directed to the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office.