Stoneham Man Crashes Truck, Flees To Danvers Friendly Toast Roof

DANVERS, MA — A Stoneham man accused of crashing a stolen truck in Danvers fled to the roof of the Friendly Toast restaurant, then forced his way down a hatch into the boiler room after police surrounded the restaurant, before he was arrested and charged early Friday morning.

Danvers police said John Farrell, 33, had "multiple active warrants" and was also charged with felony breaking and entering, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and providing a false name to police. Police said other charges are pending an investigation.

Police responded to a crash in the area of Endicott Road and Route 128 about 4:20 Friday morning where the driver had fled the scene. As officers searched the area, they determined the truck involved in the crash had been stolen.

Police said they located Farrell, but he ran and climbed onto the roof of The Friendly Toast at the Liberty Tree Mall. When police surrounded the building, they said Farrell worked his way through a roof hatch inside the restaurant before he was eventually arrested without further incident.

Police believe Farrell may also be involved in reported car break-ins in the area of Kirkbride Drive.

"Residents in the area are asked to check their vehicles for any evidence of entry or missing items, as well as review any surveillance they have," Danvers Police Crime Analyst Sarah Slavin said.

The Danvers Fire Department assisted police in gaining access to the roof and the Massachusetts State Police helped in the search and apprehension of the suspect.

Farrell was scheduled to be arraigned on Friday in Salem District Court.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Information for this article was supplied by the Danvers Police Department. Patch follows a name removal policy for those listed in its published police reports.