PRESS RELEASE
Sterling police arrested Benjamin N. Alves of 35 Sudan St Boston on Tuesday 13 December at 1030AM on charges of breaking and entering, possession of firearms and receiving stolen property.
An alert neighbor contacted police and reported suspicious activity involving a male in the neighborhood. This neighbor provided police with a description of the person, the description of the car (2004 silver Mercedes) including the registration number. The neighbor also provided a direction of travel as the vehicle left the area.
Officers located a vehicle fitting the description less than a mile away from where the call originated. The car was stopped and Mr. Alves who was the operator and only occupant was found to be in possession of three handguns, jewelry and electronic video games.
Police then checked the house on Clinton Rd where the neighbor reported the suspicious activity had taken place. A broken window was found at the rear of the house. Police contacted the owner and determined some of the items in the Alves vehicle did in fact come from this house.
Mr. Alves was held at the Sterling Police Station after being unable to post the three thousand dollar bail that was set. Alves will be arraigned in Clinton Court on Wednesday morning. The charges against Mr. Alves are breaking and entering, three counts of possession of a firearm, larceny over $250, receiving stolen property.
Chief Chamberland credits the witness in this case saying, “this witness did everything right. He saw something suspicious, called us, and provided us with a description of the person and the car and registration plate. He even took notes on what he observed”.
Chief Chamberland said that Sterling and the surrounding towns have been experiencing a rash of breaking and entering. We need and appreciate the assistance provided to us by the witness in this case.
People should contact their local police department if they see something suspicious in their neighborhood. They should be especially alert when someone comes to the door asking for directions. This is generally a ruse used to determine if the home is occupied or not. Most of the break-ins taking place in Sterling are during the day while most people are working.
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