The former Regal Cinemas property off Route 9 in Westborough sits boarded up. PHOTO/DAKOTA ANTELMAN

By Laura Hayes
Community Advocate

A Hopkinton man faces charges after the Westborough Police Department responded to an alleged break-in at the former Regal Cinemas off Route 9.

The 20-year-old was charged with vandalizing property, possessing a burglarious instrument and breaking and entering.

According to the statement of facts filed in Westborough District Court, a Westborough officer was dispatched at 10:08 p.m. on March 10 following a report that someone was trying to break into the former Regal Cinemas, which is owned by the town.

The officer noted in the statement of facts that all access points to the building have been boarded up with plywood. The plywood on the front door reportedly was pried open.

When the officer arrived, he said he found the suspect sitting in a car in a nearby lot.

“[He] was out of breath and was sweating,” the officer wrote.

The officer said it was about 37 degrees, and there weren’t any other individuals in the immediate area.

According to the court documents, police saw that there were wood fragments on the suspect’s jacket that were consistent with plywood. K9 Lucas tracked from the damaged door to him, and the person who reported the break-in also identified him as the person attempting to break in, court documents read.

In his car, police said they found a pry bar, hatchet, hammer and drill bits.

He was arraigned in Westborough District Court on March 13. The judge ordered him to stay away from Regal Cinemas and set his bail at $2,000 surety bond or $200 cash.