NORWOOD – An armed robbery of a juvenile on Monday evening triggered a rapid large-scale police response that shut down a portion of Walpole Street, resulting in the seizure of three handguns, narcotics, and the arrest of multiple suspects, police say.
According to the Norwood Police Department, the incident began around 6:17 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 24, when officers responded to a 911 call near 21 Woodbine Road.
Preliminary reports indicate a terrifying scene where two juveniles were surrounded by a large group of individuals allegedly wearing black clothing and ski masks. The group forcibly stole an electric bicycle, a jacket, and shoes from one of the victims.
Police report that the suspects threatened to shoot the victim if he attempted to run. Fortunately, both victims managed to flee the scene safely and contact police.
Responding officers quickly canvassed the neighborhood, identifying one juvenile suspect and tracking the group as they fled through backyards toward Walpole Street. Police say intelligence gathered at the scene led police to a two-family home at 382-384 Walpole St.
Due to the nature of the threats and intelligence regarding past firearms offenses associated with residents at that address, Norwood Police shut down the street and requested support from Metro SWAT and the NORPAC Task Force.
According to police, a person identified as Alexia Porter allegedly exited 382 Walpole St. to confront officers as they were establishing a perimeter.
“Porter told officers that only her son was present in the house and denied that anyone else was,” police stated.
Porter was arrested for an outstanding warrant according to NPD. Following her arrest, Metro SWAT utilized loudspeakers to call out the remaining occupants. Over the course of an hour, seven additional individuals exited the home and were detained.
According to their press release, police detectives executed a search warrant on the property, leading to significant discoveries in both units of the two-family home:
- 382 Walpole St: Officers allegedly recovered three handguns which had been hidden inside a toilet tank.
- 384 Walpole St: While clearing the first unit, SWAT team members discovered an interior access point connecting to the second residence. According to Norwood police, officers observed evidence of active drug packaging. A subsequent search yielded 32 grams of crack cocaine, though police noted it appeared some narcotics had been disposed of prior to their entry, police say.
Police have announced charges against an adult resident and two juveniles.
NPD filed charges in Dedham District Court for Alexia Porter for 16 firearms-related offenses. These include possession of a large-capacity firearm and feeding device, possession of a firearm and ammunition without an FID card and improper storage of a firearm, according to police.
Two juvenile suspects whose names were not released due to their age, were charged with armed robbery while masked, conspiracy, and threats to commit a crime. Other juveniles who were detained during the incident but not charged with a crime were released to their parents or guardians.
The stolen e-bike was later recovered behind a residence on Woodbine Road. Norwood Police Chief Christopher Padden praised the swift work of the department and its partners.
“The coordinated efforts of our initial responding patrol officers, our detectives, and our regional partners, Metro SWAT and NORPAC, were instrumental in quickly identifying and arresting the suspects involved in this violent crime,” Chief Padden said. “Their professionalism, rapid response, and teamwork ensured the safety of the victims and our community.”
The Norwood Police Department emphasizes that the investigation into additional persons involved remains active. Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact Detective Marchant at (339) 364-9632. -RD