MARLBOROUGH – A former employee of the Bolton Street Tavern faces charges of vandalism after he reportedly fired on the business with a BB/pellet gun.
On Saturday, Jan. 7, at around 6:44 p.m., police responded to the tavern for a report of vandalism. Upon arrival, officers were met by the manager, who said a former employee, identified as Patrick Sweeney, had peppered the building with several red crosses. The suspect sent an employee a video on Instagram showing the crosses being sprayed onto the building.
According to police, Sweeney had been working at the tavern for the past few months, but had been fired earlier that day for unspecified reasons.
Officers were unable to locate the 2010 Audi registered to the suspect.
On Sunday, Jan. 8, at around 5:46 p.m., Sweeney reportedly returned to the tavern and began shooting at windows with a BB gun. Officers responded, but the suspect had fled, leaving several windows damaged, including the main and side entrances.
Officers were able to locate the Audi on Route 290, and reportedly found and seized three BB/pellet guns on the front seat.
Sweeney was arrested and charged with two counts of vandalism; assault with a dangerous weapon; carrying a dangerous weapon; disturbing the peace; and motor vehicle infractions leading to the stop of his vehicle on Route 290.
Sweeney was arraigned in Marlborough District Court on Jan. 9 where he was ordered committed without bail pending a dangerousness hearing.
He was brought before Marlborough District Court on a dangerousness hearing on Jan. 13.
