Hingham Man Steals Tribute Hockey Stick From Malden Police

MALDEN, MA — A Hingham man was arrested Friday for allegedly stealing a hockey stick in front of the Malden Police Department that was meant to honor the victims of April's Humboldt bus crash.

Williams Iaconelli, 53, "tried out" the hockey stick and left before coming back, grabbing it, and taking off, police said. He was caught on cameras and confronted by an officer who only had to leave the station to find him, stick in hand.

Police said Iaconelli gave conflicting stories - "none [of] which made any sense" - as to why he took the stick, which had the Humboldt decal. He was then arrested.

The son of a Malden officer had donated the stick after 16 people were killed and 13 more injured when a bus carrying the junior hockey Humboldt Broncos crashed. A logo and some writing was put on the stick, and it has remained outside the door since April 11.

Iaconelli allegedly told police he knew about the tragedy but didn't follow the coverage because it was "too depressing."

Iaconelli will be arraigned at Malden District Court Tuesday on a larceny charge.

Malden Police photo