On Saturday, October 5, 2025, while on patrol during my assigned 4:00 PM to 12:00 AM shift in the East Somerville District, I, Officer Jorge Morel, was dispatched at approximately 11:04 PM to 3 Washington Street (Tulum Mexican Cuisine) for a report of an assault. Dispatch advised that a male victim had been cut by another male and that the suspect, described as a Black male wearing glasses, a black backpack, black pants, and a denim jacket, had fled the area toward Sullivan Train Station. EMS Cataldo was also dispatched to the scene.

Upon arrival, I observed the victim, identified as XXXXX, standing outside the restaurant with his girlfriend, XXXXX, who was the reporting party. There was a large amount of blood on the floor at the restaurant's entrance and blood droplets extending onto the sidewalk. Mr. XXXXX was holding his right hand tightly with his left and using several paper towels that were completely saturated with blood. When asked if he was injured, Mr. XXXXX confirmed that he had sustained a laceration to his right hand. As he began to explain what had happened, he briefly appeared lightheaded but stated he was fine and continued to recount the events.

Mr. XXXXX stated that he and Ms. XXXXX had exited Tulum and were standing outside when the suspect, later identified as Marcus Smith, walked by playing music on a speaker. Mr. XXXXX engaged Mr. Smith in conversation, which quickly escalated into a verbal argument. According to Mr. XXXXX, Mr. Smith then pulled a knife from his backpack and attacked him, slashing his hand before fleeing the scene toward Sullivan Train Station.

Ms. XXXXX corroborated Mr. XXXXX 's account. She stated that the suspect placed his black backpack on the ground during the argument, reached inside, and pulled out an object she recognized as a knife. She observed Mr. Smith swing multiple times at Mr. XXXXX, who raised his hands defensively and attempted to distance himself. After striking Mr. XXXXX, the suspect fled up Washington Street toward Cambridge Street in the direction of Sullivan Train Station.

Officer Roger Desrochers radioed dispatch to confirm the suspect's description. He then reported observing a male matching that description running toward the train station. Officers Desrochers, Priscilla Ribeiro, Pierre G., and I proceeded to the area where the suspect was located. A foot pursuit ensued, and Officers Desrochers, Ribeiro, and I were able to detain the suspect. A pat-frisk of Mr. Smith revealed a green box cutter. (Refer to the supplemental reports from Officers Desrochers, Ribeiro, and Pierre for additional details.) I then returned to Tulum, where Mr. XXXXX was being treated by personnel from the Somerville Fire Department and EMS Cataldo. Mr. XXXXX was later transported to Massachusetts General Hospital for further medical treatment.

Ms. XXXXX remained on scene and later participated in a show-up identification. I transported her to Sullivan Station in my cruiser via the roadway connecting Maffa Way and Cambridge Street, which leads to the station entrances. During the show-up, Detective Jonathan Thermidor, who was in plain clothes and not displaying his badge, stood near the suspect. Ms. XXXXX positively identified Marcus Smith as the assailant. Mr. Smith was placed under arrest and transported to the Somerville Police Department by Officer Brian Clancy (Unit #200), where Shift Commander Lt. Paul Anderson booked him in the usual manner.

I will be filling charges against Mr. Smith for:

C. h. 265/ S.15A /A. A&B WITH DANGEROUS WEAPON

Respectfully submitted,

Officer Jorge Morel

Badge #356