Square One Mall Lockdown: Stolen Rifle Located

SAUGUS, MA – A 16-year-old Everett boy has been arrested following an alleged break-in of the Square One Mall that prompted a complete lockdown of the mall Monday morning. The suspect, whom police said stole a firearm, was arrested at his home after escaping the mall. The bolt action rifle and ammunition the suspect allegedly stole was found Monday night in a wooded area near the mall.

A SWAT team and local authorities responded to the scene shortly after 4:20 a.m. Police said the suspect broke into Dick's Sporting Goods by busting a store window. The responding officer saw the suspect with a long gun and called for backup. Saugus Police later said the suspect stole a rifle and ammunition. Dick's Sporting Goods sells firearms.

Authorities, including a SWAT team, searched for the suspect. No one was found, and a review of surveillance video showed the suspect escaped shortly after the initial officer showed up.

The suspect was arrested around 11:30 a.m. at his Everett home. He is being charged with breaking and entering during the nighttime to commit a felony, malicious destruction of property over $250, and larceny of a firearm.

"The Saugus Police Department takes all burglaries and robberies very seriously, but when you have firearms involved it rises to another level which necessitated the large-scale, but measured response of our mutual aid partners, including NEMLEC, Massachusetts State Police and the ATF," Chief Domenic DiMella said.

Dick's Sporting Goods will not be opening today, police said.

The Square One Mall is located on the southbound side of Route 1. The Dick's Sporting Goods store can be entered directly from the outside.

Photo courtesy Saugus Police