Police report the investigation led to multiple arrests and the seizure of guns and narcotics from nearby homes.
Norwood police arrested several people — including two juveniles — after a group of armed, masked assailants robbed two boys of an e-bike, jacket, and shoes, authorities said.
The investigation quickly widened, leading officers to seize firearms, drug-distribution materials, and narcotics from two nearby homes.
According to a statement, on Monday, Nov. 24, Norwood police responded to the area of Woodbine Road regarding an armed robbery.
Police learned that a large group of masked individuals in black clothing and ski masks confronted two boys. The group forcibly took an e-bike, jacket, and shoes from the two boys and threatened to shoot them if they attempted to run, the boys reported. Both of the boys were able to flee and call 911.
Based on information provided by the boys, officers began to canvass the surrounding neighborhoods.
During the investigation, a police officer identified one of the juvenile suspects involved and found that the suspect and several others had fled through the backyard toward Walpole Street.
Police linked the suspects to a two-family home at 382-384 Walpole St. and quickly surrounded the residence to prevent their escape.
Norwood Detectives, Metro SWAT, and the NORPAC Task Force requested assistance at the scene due to knowledge of past firearms offenses involving the residents.
As officers were establishing the perimeter, Alexia Porter, a resident of 382 Walpole, exited the home to confront officers and was taken into custody on an outstanding warrant, police said. Porter told officers that only her son was in the house.
Metro SWAT completed the perimeter lockdown and announced over a loudspeaker that the occupants should leave.
Over the course of an hour, seven people exited the home. The police detained all of them.
During the execution of a search warrant at the residence, police say they recovered three handguns, all hidden inside a toilet tank.
The police seized these guns at 384 Walpole St. Courtesy of the Norwood Police Department
Police also discovered interior access leading to 384 Walpole St., which indicated a drug packaging and distribution site.
Police obtained a separate search warrant. During the search of the second home, police found that people had disposed of some narcotics before police entry. However, officers reported finding 32 grams of crack cocaine hidden inside.
Norwood police charged Alexia Porter with 16 firearms-related offenses, including possession of a large-capacity firearm and feeding device, not having a FID card, and improper storage of a gun and storing a firearm near a minor.
Police say they took into custody one juvenile on Monday night, and a second was charged on Tuesday with armed robbery while masked, conspiracy, and threats to commit a crime.
Officers reported recovering the stolen bike behind a residence on Woodbine Road.
Police say the investigation into additional suspects remains active.
“I want to thank all of the officers involved last night,” said Police Chief Christopher Padden in a statement. “The coordinated efforts … were instrumental in quickly identifying and arresting the suspects involved in this violent crime.”
Beth Treffeisen is a general assignment reporter for Boston.com, focusing on local news, crime, and business in the New England region.
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