Melrose Man Beats Victim, Ties Hands With Shoelace In Robbery: PD

MELROSE, MA — A Melrose man wanted in connection to a string of robberies has been charged with robbing a Saugus motel and assaulting an employee. John Bowden, 47, was arrested last week by Boston and Melrose Police, according to Saugus Police.

Bowden allegedly entered the Chisholm's Motor Inn at 4 a.m. last Tuesday and struck an employee multiple times in the face, demanding money from the cash register. Bowden is accused of tying the victim's hands with a shoelace and leaving with an undisclosed amount of cash.

The victim freed himself and called 911. He did not require medical attention.

Bowden was identified as the suspect and a warrant was issued for his arrest. He was later nabbed by Boston Police at the Franklin Manor Condominiums in Melrose; Melrose Police assisted in the arrest. Boston Police wanted him in connection to robberies of a Charlestown convenience store.

Bowden will be arraigned in Lynn District Court.

Below are excerpts from the Melrose Police log for the week of Feb. 12. Remember - arrests do not indicate convictions. Subscribe to Melrose Patch for more local news and real-time alerts.

Monday, Feb. 12

11:48 a.m. - Walk-in report of past breaking and entering into motor vehicle at Sewall Woods Road.

Tuesday, Feb. 13

9:15 p.m. - Caller reports people in his vehicle in driveway at Belmont Place residence.

9:37 p.m. - Two people fitting description of Belmont Place incident are reported for suspicious activity on Tremont.

Wednesday, Feb. 15

11:50 a.m. - 911 caller concerned about "trash vehicle" with a man and two dogs on Green St. Police could not locate.

2:46 p.m. - Caller reports group of teens walking down middle of street blocking vehicles on Willow.

7:21 p.m. - Resident report raccoon on front steps, he cannot exit Laurel St. home. Animal Control responded and took animal.

11:10 p.m. - Underage drinking party reported on Lynde St. Report is unfounded, adults with their kids are on scene.

Thursday, Feb. 15

4:30 p.m. - Revoked car found in parking lot of Ro's Auto Sales. Revoked plates were seized, and a 41-year-old Medford man was summonsed on charges of uninsured motor vehicle and no inspection sticker.

Friday, Feb. 16

10:58 a.m. - Report of a person wearing all black possibly hiding behind cars near railroad tracks. Police located him; he continued on to the station.

Photo by Mike Carraggi