Joseph Solomon, Chief of Police
Quinn Public Safety Building
90 Hampshire St.
Methuen, MA 01844
For Immediate Release
Friday, Sept. 7, 2018
Media Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net
Methuen Police Arrest Three Following Two Separate Incidents Tuesday
METHUEN — Chief Joseph Solomon reports that the Methuen Police Department arrested three individuals following two incidents on Tuesday, including one incident in which shots were fired at a public park in broad daylight.
First Incident
On Tuesday, Sept. 4, at 8:44 a.m., Methuen Police responded to 30 Pine St. in an effort to locate a wanted fugitive, AARON J. RUSSO, AGE 31, OF METHUEN. RUSSO had active warrants out of Lowell District Court for alleged drug offenses, alleged motor vehicle violations and resisting arrest.
Upon arrival, officers checked the residence and heard movement from inside a bedroom and subsequently determined that a suspect or suspects were barricaded inside a bedroom.
Officers then established a perimeter around the area and evacuated surrounding homes as a precaution. After officers issued several commands for them to exit, RUSSO and a second individual, BRANDIE QUEEN, 24, OF WILMINGTON eventually obeyed those orders and exited the residence.
RUSSO was arrested on his outstanding warrants and turned over to Lowell Police and QUEEN was arrested and charged with Possession of a Class E Substance (Xanax).
Second Incident
Later, at approximately 12:30 p.m., Methuen Police were dispatched to the Gill Avenue Park after a 911 caller reported shots fired. While en route, responding officers were advised that the caller observed a group of males traveling from the park to a home on Craven Street.
Upon arrival, officers made contact with the group outside that home and initiated an on-scene investigation. One of the individuals on scene was identified as SCOTT DAVID DIETRICH, AGE 20, OF METHUEN. DIETRICH was taken into custody on an outstanding existing warrant for his arrest out of Lawrence District Court for a probation violation.
Methuen Police conducted an investigation and located six handgun caliber shell casings on a nearby trail. Officers conducted a thorough check of the surrounding area and determined that nobody was injured as a result of the gunfire. No firearm was found, and the incident remains under investigation by Methuen Police.
DIETRICH was held without bail and arraigned yesterday in Lawrence District Court.
“I’m proud of the professionalism our officers displayed in responding to two dangerous situations,” Chief Solomon said. “In the span of just a few hours, they assured the safety of everyone in the area of a shooting incident and deescalated a potential confrontation with two barricaded subjects and brought them both into custody peacefully.”
“Officers never know what to expect on a given day, and on this particular day they were called to respond to both a brazen shooting and an unpredictable standoff with a wanted fugitive,” Mayor Jajuga said. “Their bravery and commitment to protecting our community were on full display this week, and I’m grateful for their service.”
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