NORWOOD, MA — Police have arrested multiple individuals, including two juveniles, following an armed robbery of a juvenile victim and the seizure of three firearms and crack cocaine during related search warrants.
Officers responded to a 911 call in the area of 21 Woodbine Road at approximately 6:17 p.m. Monday for a reported armed robbery.
Two juveniles were confronted by a large group of masked individuals wearing black clothing and ski masks, according to the preliminary investigation.
The group forcibly took an electric bicycle, jacket and shoes from one of the juveniles and threatened to shoot him if he attempted to run.
Both victims were able to flee and call 911.
Officers immediately began canvassing the surrounding neighborhoods and identified one of the juvenile suspects involved.
Additional information indicated that the suspect and several associates fled through backyards toward Walpole Street.
Officers developed intelligence linking the suspects to a two-family home at 382-384 Walpole St.
Patrol units rapidly surrounded the address to prevent the escape of any suspects and shut down Walpole Street due to the potential presence of firearms.
Norwood Detectives, Metro SWAT and the NORPAC Task Force were requested to assist because of investigators’ knowledge of past firearms offenses involving residents.
Alexia Porter, of Norwood, a resident of 382 Walpole St., exited the home to confront officers and was immediately taken into custody on an outstanding warrant.
Porter told officers that only her son was present in the house and denied that anyone else was.
Metro SWAT completed a full perimeter lockdown and began calling occupants out using a loudspeaker.
Over approximately an hour, seven additional individuals exited the home, all of whom were detained.
One juvenile suspect was taken into custody Monday night, and another suspect was arrested Tuesday.
During the execution of a search warrant at 382 Walpole St., officers recovered three handguns, all hidden inside a toilet tank.
While clearing 382 Walpole St., Metro SWAT discovered interior access leading to 384 Walpole St.
A protective sweep of the second residence indicated active drug packaging and distribution.
Detectives secured the unit and obtained a separate search warrant.
During the search of 384 Walpole St., it appeared that some narcotics had been disposed of before police entry; however, officers recovered 32 grams of crack cocaine hidden inside the residence.
Juveniles who were detained but not charged were ultimately released to their parents.
Porter is being charged with 16 firearms-related offenses, including possession of a large-capacity firearm, possession of a large-capacity feeding device, possession of a firearm without an FID card, possession of ammunition without an FID card, improper storage of a firearm and improper storage of a firearm near a minor.
One juvenile was taken into custody Monday night and a second was charged Tuesday with armed robbery while masked, conspiracy and threats to commit a crime.
The victims and their families were taken to the Norwood Police Station, where officers ensured their safety and provided support.
Officers later recovered the stolen bike behind a residence on Woodbine Road.
The investigation into additional suspects remains active.
