hopkinton-independent-logo2x
Hopkinton, MA
loader-image
Hopkinton, US
4:59 pm, Monday, September 21, 2026
64°F
64 %
Wind Gust: 3 mph
Clouds: 92%
Sunrise: 6:32 am
Sunset: 6:46 pm

SIGN UP TODAY!
BREAKING NEWS & DAILY NEWSLETTER





HPD nabs 2 suspects in ‘targeted’ Wood Street home robbery

by | Jan 1, 2025 | Featured: News, News, Police & Fire

Two suspects were arrested Dec. 28 by Hopkinton Police Department officers on multiple charges in what the department’s deputy chief said he believes was a “targeted” robbery of an abandoned home on Wood Street.

The alleged home invasion took place at 1:36 p.m. on Saturday afternoon, according to the police log. A Wood Street property owner had reported he saw on his security camera individuals breaking into his home via a basement entry.

“This incident involved a targeted B&E [breaking and entering] of an abandoned home on Wood Street,” HPD Deputy Chief Scott van Raalten stated in a Jan. 1 email to the Independent. “The property owner has security cameras installed around the premises, and they witnessed the suspects entering the home.”

Sgt. Cody Normandin and Officer Nicholas Walker responded and searched the home. Van Raalten stated that HPD officers established a perimeter around the property while waiting for additional units to arrive.

“During this time, the suspects began to exit the property through the bulkhead and were subsequently arrested,” van Raalten added.

Leah Gottlich of Manchester, New Hampshire, was arrested and charged with trespassing, breaking and entering for misdemeanor, possession of burglarious instrument, and receiving stolen property worth more than $1,200. Officers also arrested Brett Lightfoot of Manchester, New Hampshire, and charged him with the same counts.

The suspects were arraigned on those charges, but van Raalten did not have further details. No records were found on the masscourts.org website.

“I do not have information on the outcome after arraignment, including whether bail was set or if the suspects were released on their own recognizance,” he stated.

“The charge of ‘possession of burglarious instruments’ refers to having any tools or instruments that could be used to facilitate the B&E,” van Raalten noted. He did not elaborate on what was used in this instance.

The deputy chief stressed that he believed this was a targeted incident because the police investigation revealed that this property was listed on “a social media group that posts about abandoned properties throughout New England.”

“Officers were able to locate the suspect’s vehicle, conduct a search, and recover what is believed to be stolen property, likely obtained from another B&E they committed,” van Raalten continued.

“This incident underscores the importance of security cameras and the necessity of notifying the police when suspicious activity is observed, van Raalten stressed. “Thanks to the quick response of our officers, the immediate call from the property owner, and the valuable information relayed to our communications officer, we were able to apprehend these criminals.”

1 Comment

  1. Steve Snow

    Nick walker seams to be a magnet for finding crime. Thanks for the good work Nick and Cody. Stay safe my dooryard is always open for your needs.

Related Articles

Crews to repave, stripe section of Hayden Rowe Street

The Department of Public Works announced that J.H. Lynch & Sons will be out on Hayden Rowe Street starting Monday to complete road work. According to a notice sent by the DPW, crews conducted paving on Monday between 136-149 Hayden Rowe Street northbound and...

Charleswood Dirt

Main Street Corridor Project update: Work planned for drain manhole

Tasks for the Main Street Corridor are light for the next week, according to the latest update from the town. The main project listed for next week is work on a drain manhole at 63 Main Street. Crews will be completing miscellaneous work throughout the project as...

Road work sign

New I-90/I-495 ramp to open Saturday, overnight closures to continue

According to the latest update from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, a new ramp at the Interstate 90/Interstate 495 interchange in Hopkinton is scheduled to open Saturday. A new I-90 westbound ramp to I-495 northbound is set to open Saturday morning....

MassDOT logo

Final preparations underway for Family Day

Organizer Pat O'Brien is optimistic about this Saturday's Hopkinton Family Day. "The weather's going to be nice," said O'Brien. "That's the main thing we're looking for." The Friends of Hopkinton, which organizes and runs Family Day annually, has been putting final...

Family Day fireworks
Key Storage 4.14.22