Cache of electronics recovered after teens arrested on car theft charges

Saugus - Officers have arrested two teenagers they believe are responsible for a rash of motor vehicle break-ins that occurred in East Saugus.

Patrolman Matthew Donahue was conducting a patrol in an unmarked cruiser during the early morning hours on April 28 when he noticed a white Ford Contour with no headlights on that came back stolen out of Malden, according to Police Lt. Michael Annese.

As soon as Donahue approached, the Contour sped off and turned onto Serino Way. The officer rounded the corner to see the vehicle with two open doors crash into a parked car.

“They jumped out of the car and ran for it,” Annese said.
While searching the area for the suspects, officers located several vehicles in the area that appeared to have been burglarized.

Inside the damaged Contour patrolmen found a cache of electronics including numerous GPS units, iPods, DVDs, cell phones, a wristwatch, car starter and other mobile devices, Annese said.

Officers Paul Vansteensburg and Matthew Vecchio encountered a male matching one of the suspects’ descriptions on Bristow Street — identified as Mayco Martinez, 17, of 23 Russell St., Everett — and detained him following a brief foot pursuit.

Annese said Martinez was carrying cell phones, GPS systems, jewelry and cash on him when the officers apprehended him.

Moments later police saw the male walking down Bristow Street who drove the Contour, Barry Smith, 18, of 141 Washington Ave., Revere and arrested him without any resistance.

In addition the electronics officers recovered screwdrivers, wrenches and other items in the Contour that are frequently used to break into motor vehicles, Annese said.

Police arrested Smith and charged him with leaving the scene of property damage, receiving a stolen motor vehicle, receiving stolen property of more than $250 and unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle.

Martinez was arrested and charged with receiving a stolen motor vehicle, receiving stolen property of more than $250 and resisting arrest.

Altogether Smith and Martinez are suspected of breaking into at least four vehicles in East Saugus. Annese said the duo could be the culprits behind additional crimes in Saugus and other communities based on the items discovered in the Contour.

Annese credited the officers involved for identifying the suspicious vehicle and apprehending the two suspects.

“It was a good piece of police work all around,” Annese said.

Saugus Advertiser