Arlington Police Conclude Investigation into Stratton School Incident

For Immediate Release
Tuesday, June 10, 2014

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Arlington Police Seek to Charge Man, 40, with Misdemeanor Making Verbal Threats

After a thorough investigation and after conferring with Office of the Middlesex District Attorney, the Arlington Police Department today formally sought a criminal complaint in Cambridge District Court against ROBERT GOODWIN, age 40, of Arlington.

Police seek to charge GOODWIN with a misdemeanor, making verbal threats to commit an assault, against the principal of the Stratton Elementary School. A probable cause hearing will be held before a clerk magistrate next week.

Upon the completion of an investigation by Arlington Police Detectives, the department alleges that on the afternoon of Wednesday, June 4, 2014, GOODWIN became agitated with the principal during a meeting at the school. During an argument, GOODWIN allegedly removed a Massachusetts License to Carry Firearms from his wallet, showed it to the principal, and made references to owning firearms.

There were no specific threats made against the school or against any of the students at any time. However, the totality of the circumstances, including the alleged threat to the principal, have led police to seek the criminal complaint.

“The Arlington Police Department takes very seriously any threats made on school grounds or against school officials. This philosophy applies at all times, even when the school day is over,” Chief Ryan said. “In this day and age, we cannot ignore any threat.”

GOODWIN remains barred from school grounds. His license to carry firearms remains suspended.

At the onset of the investigation, the Arlington Police Department, working with Arlington Public Schools, placed additional uniformed officers on the grounds of the Stratton School and took other security measures, out of an abundance of caution, to ensure the continued safety of students, faculty, and staff.

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