Saugus man faces many gun, drug and assault charges

WITH THE POSSIBILITY that firearms were present at a Sylvan Street home following a past domestic incident reported to local police on Saturday, March 9, the NEMLEC SWAT Team and its specially trained negotiators were called in to assist. (Chris Thullen Photos)

MELROSE — A 33-year-old Saugus man was charged with many drug trafficking and domestic violence offenses after holing up inside a Sylvan Street home before eventually surrendering as an armed tactical force descended on the house Saturday, March 9.

According to a release issued by the Melrose Police Department, Azer Sarotic was charged with three counts of possession of a firearm without a license (subsequent offense), assault and battery on a family or household member, kidnapping, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon (a firearm), threatening to commit murder, witness intimidation, and trafficking in crystal methamphetamine, fentanyl and methamphetamine.

The release states that police were told around 10:15 a.m. on March 9 that a past domestic assault had occurred overnight in Melrose. A woman reported to police that Sarotic allegedly assaulted her, held her against her will at gunpoint, bit her, punched her, and struck her in the head with a firearm.

As a result, Melrose Police went to a home on Sylvan Street in Melrose shortly before noon in search of Sarotic. Sarotic refused to exit the home initially. He was believed to be armed, so Melrose Police requested assistance from the Northeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council (NEMLEC) SWAT Team and its specially trained negotiators.

Upon the arrival of the NEMLEC SWAT Team, Sarotic surrendered without further incident.

Melrose Police obtained a search warrant for the home on Sylvan Street, where they recovered large amounts of methamphetamine, crystal methamphetamine, and fentanyl, as well as two handguns and a shotgun.

Sarotic was arraigned Monday in Malden District Court where he was ordered held without bail pending a 58A dangerousness hearing scheduled for Thursday.

“I would like to commend our officers and our partners from NEMLEC SWAT for their professionalism in peacefully resolving a potentially violent situation,” said Melrose Police Chief Kevin Faller. “This was a tense situation that could have ended quite differently, and it is a testament to the ongoing training our law enforcement officers receive in de-escalation and tactically responding to critical incidents.”