Tip411 Anonymous Tip Leads to Warrant Arrest ofMethuen Man Wanted since 2002 |
Methuen – Mayor James P. Jajuga and Chief Joe Solomon are pleased to announce the warrant arrest of a Methuen man who had been on the run and wanted for over 16 years.
Mayor James P. Jajuga praises Methuen detectives after Friday’s arrest, “A job well done. Excellent police work and investigation. I look forward to working more with all of you during my time as Mayor. With this arrest, we are off to a great start to 2018.”
On Wednesday, January 10, 2018, Methuen Police received an anonymous tip via their tip411 app regarding the potential distribution of narcotics out of a Methuen home. Armed with this information, detectives began a thorough investigation as to the validity of the tip and also began gathering information about the residents of the home. This investigation ultimately led to the warrant arrest of 39 year old Eric Rivera-Velez, of Methuen.
On Friday, January 12, 2018, detectives were conducting surveillance in the area of Brook Street, Methuen when they observed Mr. Eric Rivera-Velez walking on Brook Street. Recognizing Mr. Rivera-Velez, through their anonymous tip investigation, as one of the residents occupying the home in question with numerous warrants, detectives detained Mr. Rivera-Velez and confirmed his identity. With confirmation of his identity, it was learned that Mr. Rivera-Velez had numerous active arrest warrants for narcotics offenses out of Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Mr. Rivera-Velez was placed under arrest and transported to the Methuen Police station for booking.
While at booking, it was determined that Mr. Rivera-Velez had numerous aliases, altered fingerprints and was listed on Rockingham County’s Most Wanted list and wanted since 2002.
“A case closed for Rockingham County and a great arrest by detectives. This arrest goes to show the power of communication with the police, anonymous or otherwise,” says Chief Joe Solomon.
Eric Rivera-Velez was arrested by Methuen Police on the below listed active warrants:
Warrant #1 out of Lawrence District Court
3 counts of Cocaine, Trafficking 18g or more
2 counts of Drug Violation near School/Park
1 count of Distribution Class B
Warrant #2 out of Lawrence District Court
1 count of Fugitive from Justice on Court Warrant
Warrant #3 out of Lawrence District Court
3 counts of Cocaine, Trafficking 18g or more
Mr. Rivera-Velez also had two Fugitives from Justice Warrants:
Felony Warrant #1 out of Rockingham County, NH
1 count of Conspiracy to sell a Narcotic Drug
Felony Warrant #2 out of Rockingham County, NH
1 count of Conspiracy to sell a Narcotic Drug
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