At approximately 5:30am this morning, April 17, 2026, our Emergency Communications Center received a call from a resident on Horne Avenue reporting a male wearing all black clothing and a ski mask. Given the recent motor vehicle break-ins in the area, the caller was understandably concerned.
When officers arrived on scene, they made contact with the individual on Gaston Street. After a brief interaction, the individual fled, causing officers to engage in a foot pursuit. He then crossed Interstate 93 and was ultimately apprehended in the Middlesex Fells Reservation with the assistance of the Massachusetts State Police K9 Unit.
The individual has not yet been positively identified, as he provided false identifying information when he was taken into custody. His identity will be confirmed through fingerprinting as part of the booking process.
An update will be given once the individual has been positively identified and the exact charges have been determined.
We commend our officers for their quick response and teamwork in bringing this situation to a swift resolution and helping provide some peace of mind to our residents. We also want to thank the caller for having the awareness to report suspicious activity, which played an important role in this outcome.
UPDATE:
This individual was positively identified at booking as Joseph Kahler, 34, of Dorchester. He was arrested and charged with:
- Receiving Stolen Property -$1200, Subsequent Offense
- Possession of Burglarious Instrument
- Resisting Arrest
- Disorderly Conduct
- Misleading a Police Investigation
- Outstanding Warrants (12)
The investigation is still ongoing and more charges may be forthcoming.
We expect him to be arraigned in Somerville District Court this afternoon.
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