Published in the December 3, 2015 edition
NORTH READING — Police arrested arrested two men on Wednesday, Nov. 25 on charges they allegedly rushed into a local auto repair shop, masked and armed with blunt objects and beat the owner and several employees.
Brendan Donovan, 21, of Stoneham, and Anthony Leonard Ferratusco, 21, of Saugus, were arrested, and they now face several felony charges, including multiple counts of Assault and Battery with a Dangerous Weapon, Conspiracy and Armed Assault with Intent to Murder. They were also charged with Resisting Arrest and Donovan was charged with Possession of a Class C Drug with Intent to Distribute.
Police said their investigation indicates that the two suspects were involved in a personal conflict with a 19–year–old employee of an auto repair shop on Main Street and that the suspects allegedly rushed into the shop at 2:20 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 25 and allegedly beat the victim, as well as the owner of the shop and another employee with a hammer and crowbar, before they ran off.
Ferratusco was located nearby by North Reading police officers about 10 minutes after the alleged attack. State Police and the Billerica Police Department K–9 Unit arrived shortly afterward and commenced a search that ultimately led to Donovan.
“This was a vicious attack allegedly planned and executed by these two suspects with the clear intent to do serious bodily harm to others,” Chief Murphy said. “I am grateful for the hard work done today by our North Reading Police Officers and our partners in the State and Billerica Police for quickly finding these dangerous individuals.”
The victims sustained cuts, swelling and bruises and were treated at the scene.
The suspects were held on $5,000 cash bail pending arraignment Friday, Nov. 27 in Woburn District Court.
These charges are allegations. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty.
