Knife Brandished During Possible Case Of Mistaken Identity: Somerville Police Files

SOMERVILLE, MA – A Cambridge man was arrested last week and charged with pulling a knife on a couple during a possible case of mistaken identity. Police responded to Buena Vista Road shortly after midnight on June 27 for a report of a white male with a Boston Red Sox hat holding a knife.

Police found a man matching the description walking toward the police car, and nearby witnesses yelled "that's him," according to the police report. The man was placed in handcuffs and searched. A pocket knife was allegedly found in his front right jacket pocket with the blade open, police said.

The man, identified as Joseph Donovan, 39, of Cambridge, told police, "They are the ones who started it."

Officers spoke to the man who called the police on Donovan, and he said that Donovan allegedly followed a man and woman while screaming at them. The man yelled that Donovan had a knife.

Police spoke to the couple, who stated they did not know him, despite Donovan claiming to know the woman. Donovan allegedly pulled out the pocket knife and exchanged words with the couple while following them.

The woman told police she did not know Donovan, though he continued to follow the couple "aggressively," the report stated. When the man attempted to intervene, he and Donovan exchanged words, which resulted in Donovan allegedly brandishing a knife, police said.

Donovan was arrested and charged with assault with a dangerous weapon.

Editor's Note: This story was written using information provided by the Somerville Police Department. It does not imply a conviction.

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