On the evening of 02/28/2025 while in full uniform I was assigned to marked unit East-1, working the First Half Shift from 4PM-12AM. At approximately 11:02PM I was dispatched to the area of Cross St & McGrath Highway for a report of an individual walking in the street holding a firearm. Officer Sullivan (East-4) as well as several units responded as back up. The victim later identified as Mr. XXXX stated to dispatch that he saw a male holding a gun walking on Cross St. heading towards the direction of Gilman St.XXXX stated that the male had pointed the firearm at him.

As I was driving on Cross St. towards the area where the suspect was last seen I was flagged down by XXXX who pointed, and stated "There he is, He's right there!" My attention then shifted to the corner of Cross St and Gilman. I observed a male later identified as Mr. Jose APONTE. APONTE seemed to be unsteady on his feet, and was walking away. I then turned my cruiser around, and exited. As I was exiting my cruiser with my eyes still on APONTE, I now observed him walking towards me. I immediately gave APONTE orders to show me his hands, and to keep them where I could see them. At this time I updated dispatch of my location, and stated that I was out with the suspect at the intersection of Cross St. and Gilman St. I then approached APONTE, and quickly placed him into handcuffs for officer safety purposes. Several other units showed up at this time to assist.

I explained to APONTE the reason for stopping him, and sat him on a ledge. APONTE was extremely combative, and stated that he did absolutely nothing wrong. I asked APONTE where he was coming from. APONTE stated that he had been out drinking all night, and that he was just on his way home. I then conducted a pat frisk of APONTE for weapons, and located a small folding knife in left pocket of his jeans, but did not locate a firearm on his person. I asked APONTE what the knife was for, and he stated "We live in Boston bro, you can never be too careful." I would note that while speaking to APONTE his speech was slurred, I could smell the odor of an alcoholic beverage on his breath, and he was sweating profusely.

While I spoke with APONTE, several other responding units searched in the vicinity of the area where APONTE was stopped, as well as where I had observed him walking prior. After a few minutes of searching Officer Sullivan located what appeared to be a black firearm located underneath a vehicle bearing MA. Reg XXXX parked on the corner of Cross St. & Gilman. At this time I read APONTE his Miranda Warnings to which he stated he understood. APONTE went on to state that he was walking down the street with a man, named "XXXX, and that he was the one who had the gun." APONTE denied ever holding it.

Detective Collette then retrieved the weapon. It was later discovered that this was not, a firearm, but was a type of air pistol that closely resembled one. Please see Detective Collette's supplemental report regarding his interview with the victim XXXX.

I then advised APONTE that he was being placed under arrest for the following charge:

(265/15B/A) ASSAULT W/DANGEROUS WEAPON c265 S15B

APONTE was then transported to the station in Unit 200 operated by Officer O'Leary, and booked by Lt. Isidoro.

Respectfully,

Officer Thompson #363

Somerville Police Department