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

by | Jan 1, 2025 | Featured: News, News,

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.”

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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.

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