Chief Richard Burrows announces that the Acton Police Department has made progress in its investigation into a pair of incidents in which Acton-Boxborough School Committee members were targeted with racial epithets during public meetings.
Through its ongoing investigation, which began after the first incident on Dec. 17, Acton Police have identified a juvenile male in Arizona as a suspect. Acton Police are working with a local Arizona police department to continue the investigation.
The suspect allegedly also attempted to interrupt an Acton Board of Selectmen's meeting Monday, Jan. 11, but was prevented from doing so by town staff who were able to identify the suspicious behavior and stop multiple attempts by the suspect to be disruptive.
Acton Police have determined that the individual has no apparent connection to Acton or Boxborough, and is believed to have learned about the scheduled meetings online.
"We have been prioritizing this investigation since the initial incident last month, and have continued to do so in light of a second incident last week," Chief Burrows said. "I am glad we have been able to identify a likely suspect in this case and, as we learn more, will work toward holding that individual accountable in a meaningful way."
“These incidents have been offensive and a cause for deep concern for our entire community, and I'm grateful for the effort the Acton Police Department has put in to identify this individual," Town Manager John Mangiaratti said. "We have made it abundantly clear that there is no room in our community for the type of hatred that was displayed at our school committee meetings. I am proud of how our community has come together to stand up to these attacks. I look forward to continuing the important conversations about race and equity that we have had in Acton over the past several months.”