"Report entered by SPD Records Personnel base upon report by SHA (LC)."

NARRATIVE

At apx., 7:40 pm on October 3, 2025 I Officer de Bethencourt received a radio call. I was directed to the second floor of XX River Road for a report of a man trying to kick in a door and enter an apartment. Upon arrival I made contact with a man later identified as Mr. William Cruz.

Mr. Cruz reported that he was looking for his former wife. When I attempted to get some additional information from Mr. Cruz he ignored me. Mr. Cruz subsequently noted and approached a UPS driver.

While facing the UPS driver, Mr. Cruz adopted a menacing and aggressive posture toward the man. Mr. Cruz also started shouting at the driver demanding to know who the driver was delivering to, and what the package contained.

I stepped between the UPS driver and Mr. Cruz. At that point two SPD officers arrive. They subsequently attempted to speak with Mr. Cruz. Mr. Cruz refused to speak with these officers as well and tried to leave the area.

The officers informed Mr. Cruz that he was not free to leave at which point he attempted to run away. I and the officers caught up with him and a struggle ensued. Mr. Cruz became extremely combative and was directed to the ground and handcuffed.

While searching Mr. Cruz Mr. Cruz looked up and spotted an individual on the street, Mr. Cruz subsequently began verbally accosting the man in a loud and angry voice. After the man moved away, I and the officers searched Mr. Cruz and found three fixed bladed knives on his person.

One with a 2.7-inch blade, one with a 4.6-inch blade, and one with a 5.5-inch blade. Mr. Cruz was subsequently transported to the SPD station. I returned to XX River Road and located the apartment that Mr. Cruz had attempted to kick his way into.

I spoke with the resident, Mr. XXXXX and his 10-year old son. Mr. XXXXX’s son informed me that he had been alone in the apartment when Mr. Cruz attempted to kick his way in. I will be filing court papers against Mr. Cruz for Attempt to Commit a Crime, Disorderly Conduct, Resisting arrest, and violation of Somerville City Ordinance Ch 9 Article VI Sec 9-96 Carrying of a dangerous weapon (knife) with a blade exceeding 2-1/2-inches.

Respectfully submitted by,

Michael de Bethencourt

Somerville Housing Police

Somerville, MA

978-667-5591