Woman allegedly sprays labradoodle in eyes with aerosol spray

Karina E. Alvarado, 27, of Waltham, was arraigned April 4 on charges of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon on a person over 60 years of age, disorderly conduct and animal cruelty. It is unclear whether she has entered a plea yet in response to the charges.

On May 3 at around 2:14 p.m., police responded to reports of a fight at the CVS on Harvard Street. When police arrived on scene, a woman, later identified as Alvarado, walked toward the officers and allegedly informed them that she “didn’t do anything.” Multiple bystanders were pointing at Alvarado and informed officers that Alvarado was involved in the conflict. Officers were familiar with Alvarado due to previous encounters with police.

According to the police report, officers then spoke to the other party involved in the incident. The 66-year-old man said he was in CVS with his small labradoodle picking up a prescription when Alvarado approached them and sprayed the dog in the eyes with a can of Vagisil spray. He said Alvarado was yelling that the dog was going to sexually assault her. The man reported yelling at her, asking her what she was doing. 

In response, Alvarado allegedly sprayed him with the Vagisil spray as well. Neither the man nor the dog were injured in the alleged altercation. According to the police report, the manager of the CVS location said she witnessed the incident as well. The manager said she did not see the dog doing anything to make Alvarado uncomfortable.

Officers spoke to Alvarado, who said she thought the dog was going to attack her. While she allegedly admitted to spraying the dog, she was unsure if she had sprayed the man as well. Police arrested Alvarado and charged her with assault and battery of a dangerous weapon on a person over 60 years of age and disorderly conduct. These charges were later amended to include an animal cruelty charge. After being booked, Alvarado was transported to the hospital at her request.

Judge Michael J. Calahan ordered that Alvarado be held without bail at the Massachusetts Correctional Institution in Framingham while she awaits trial. A pretrial hearing will be held for Alvarado’s case on June 11.

Additional court activity

Cesar Corado, 32, of Waltham, pleaded not guilty on April 29 to two counts of assault and battery on a family or household member and two counts of assault to rape. Corado is being held without bail at Middlesex Jail. A hearing to review status for the case will be held May 11.

Roberto Figueroa Berrios, 32, of Ludlow, pleaded not guilty on May 4 to a charge of intimidating a witness, juror, police officer or court official. Judge Ellen M. Caulo ordered that Figueroa Berrios be held on grounds of dangerousness at Middlesex Jail.  He has previously served a sentence for 12 counts of intimidation of a witness at Souza Baranowski Correctional Center in Lancaster. A pretrial hearing for Figueroa Berrios’ case is set for June 11.

William F. Bowen, 48, homeless, of Maynard, pleaded not guilty on May 4 to a charge of possession of a class B drug. Bowen was unable to post bail and was therefore committed to Middlesex Jail. A pretrial hearing will be held June 18 for his case.