Public Safety Watch: Waltham man arrested on firearms charge in Watertown

By CHRISTIAN MAITRE
Waltham Times Contributing Writer

A traffic-related complaint in Watertown earlier this month led to the arrest of a Waltham man on a gun charge.

On Jan. 21 at 9:15 p.m., police responded to a report of a vehicle blocking traffic at the intersection of Pleasant and Main streets, according to reports from the Watertown police  A spokesperson for the Watertown Police Department said responding officers observed the operator, Isaiah Louissaint, 19, of Waltham, asleep in the motor vehicle with open containers of alcohol in the front passenger seat.

Louissaint was awakened after several attempts from officers, who administered field sobriety tests, according to police reports. Officers determined that Louissaint was not impaired. However, officers became concerned by Louissaint’s hand movements and patted him down, finding a pistol loaded with a 17-round magazine.

Louissaint was arrested and charged with carrying a firearm without a license, operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license, operating a motor vehicle without insurance and registration, possession of alcohol by a minor, possession of an open container of alcohol, possession of ammunition without an FID card, and receiving stolen property.

According to a police spokesperson, the firearm was reported stolen from Southfield, Mich., in 2022.

Downed power line disrupts traffic

The Waltham Fire Department responded to a report of a smoking utility pole at the intersection of Blossom and Lincoln streets on Friday around 1 p.m. 

Fire Engine 7 arrived on the scene at 12:58 p.m., finding a primary power line in the roadway.  Firefighters blocked traffic around the intersection and requested assistance from the utility Eversource, whose crews arrived shortly after the request.

A summary of police activity from Jan. 24 through Jan. 30 is as follows:

On Jan. 24 at 12:55 p.m., police responded to a report of an unwanted individual at Prestige Car Wash at 101 Elm St., where police observed a customer having a verbal argument with employees. Police spoke to both parties and defused the situation. The customer left without incident.

At 3:18 p.m. police responded to a report of shoplifting at Hannaford Supermarket at 55 Russell St. Police said the loss prevention department stopped two individuals who were observed stealing merchandise. The items were returned and the issue was resolved by the time police arrived.

On Jan. 25 at 12:37 p.m., police responded to a report of a vehicle blocking the roadway at 41 Circle Drive. The vehicle was gone when police arrived. 

Wilser Sandoval Montoya, 21, homeless, of Waltham was arrested and charged at 4:19 p.m. on warrants for misdemeanor breaking and entering as well as trespassing.

Also on that day police responded to eight motor vehicle stops as well as a report of a motor vehicle accident.

On Jan. 26 at 2:54 a.m., police responded to a report of a verbal argument at 879 Lexington St. Upon arrival, police observed an individual in need of medical assistance. A call for medical transport was placed.

At 2:41 p.m. a caller reported falling victim to a bank scam. The bank was contacted and the issue was resolved.

Mark McLaughlin, 32, of 118 Hammond St., Waltham, was arrested and charged at 8:23 p.m. for shoplifting by asportation.

On Jan. 27 at 2:11 p.m. police responded to a report of a motor vehicle larceny in the area of 773 Moody Street. Police issued an alert for officers to be on the lookout for the suspect. Det. Lt. Micheal Moriarty was working a paid detail on Lexington Street when he observed the vehicle passing by him. The suspect, Martin Darcy, 47, of 44 Chester Ave, Waltham, was arrested by officers without incident near the Wal-Lex Shopping Center at 800 Lexington St. Darcy was charged with operating a motor vehicle with a suspended or revoked license and receiving stolen property.

On Jan. 28 police responded to five reports of motor vehicle accidents.

On Jan. 30 police responded to seven different reports of illegally parked cars.