Stoughton Police Arrest Two Men, Seize Gun After Reported Shooting Threat

From left, AARON POWELL, 35, of HYDE PARK, and THOMAS SEARCY, 28, of BOSTON, were arrested by the Stoughton Police Department on Friday, Dec. 6. (Photo courtesy Stoughton Police Department)

STOUGHTON — Chief Donna McNamara reports that the Stoughton Police Department arrested two men and seized a firearm after responding to a reported shooting threat on Friday.

AARON POWELL, 35, of HYDE PARK, was arrested and charged with:

• Possession of a Firearm without a Firearm Identification Card, Subsequent Offense

THOMAS SEARCY, 28, of BOSTON, was arrested and charged with:

• Operating a Motor Vehicle with a Suspended License

On Friday, Dec. 6, at approximately 12:18 p.m., Sgt. Michael Medina and Officers Michael Connelly, Dominic Evangelista, and Albert Medeiros were dispatched to a house on Mayflower Lane for a report of threats that were made to shoot up the home.

Dispatch told responding officers that the suspects were inside a vehicle in front of the house. Upon arrival, officers identified the driver as SEARCY and the passenger as POWELL.

A check of SEARCY’S driver license status revealed that it was suspended. Officers ordered him out of the vehicle and arrested him.

POWELL then exited the vehicle and began adjusting his waistband and turning his body away from officers, making the officers fear that he was in possession of a weapon.

Officer Connelly, who was standing nearby, noticed the behavior and immediately attempted to handcuff POWELL, who attempted to reach for what was later discovered to be a handgun in his waistband.

A struggle ensued as Sgt. Medina and Officer Connelly attempted to handcuff POWELL, who continued to try to reach for the firearm. He was soon taken into custody without further incident.

Officers located a 9mm pistol and a magazine that was loaded with seven rounds of ammunition.

POWELL and SEARCY are expected to be arraigned Monday in Stoughton District Court.

“I would like to commend the officers who responded to this dangerous situation and took two individuals into custody while seizing a firearm,” Chief McNamara said. “The quick response and observations made by the Stoughton Police officers at the scene may have averted a potential tragedy today.”

These are allegations. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty.

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