Alert Officer Helped Nab Melrose Attacker: Police

MELROSE, MA — The man wanted in what police said was a brutal domestic attack on two women in a Melrose home has been arrested in Westborough. John C. Ferreira, 54, of Melrose, was wanted for assault with intent to murder. He broke into a Vinton Street home and attacked the women, police said.

Ferreira is being charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon (two counts); kidnapping with serious bodily injury (two counts); armed assault to rob; home invasion; larceny of a motor vehicle, attempted murder, and mayhem.

Police said Ferreira was believed to be operating a red Toyota Corolla that he allegedly stole from one of the victims. A Westborough Police officer on patrol recognized the vehicle around 12:30 p.m. Tuesday on an abandoned road near an old flea market off Route 9, police said.

When Ferreira noticed the police car, he allegedly fled. The officer ran the plates, and the car vehicle came back stolen. Police stopped the vehicle on Lyman Street and arrested Ferreira without incident.

Ferreira is being held at the Southborough Police Department without bail pending his arraignment.

"I want to sincerely thank the Westborough Police Department, the Massachusetts State Police Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section and all the state and federal law enforcement agencies that assisted us during our investigation and search for this suspect," Melrose Police Chief Michael Lyle said. "This afternoon’s arrest was due to the keen observation skills of the Westborough officer on duty, and we’re thankful that it occurred without incident."

Melrose Mayor Robert Dolan express his gratitude for the man's capture.

"I am very pleased that the suspect has been apprehended without incident," he said. "My first thoughts are with the victims of this crime, who have been seriously injured, and it is my sincere hope that they can fully recover with the support of our community. I want to express my gratitude to and pride in Chief Lyle and the entire Melrose Police Department, who have handled this very difficult time with professionalism and attention to the needs of the victims and the people of Melrose. I also want to thank the State Police for the support they have given to the community, as well as the Westborough Police, who made the arrest. This was truly a collaborative effort between law enforcement agencies across the Commonwealth."