2 teens in MA arrested after allegedly damaging 54 cars/businesses using air pellet gun

Chief Edward Conley and Chief John Horvath report that two individuals were arrested early Tuesday morning for allegedly firing an air pellet gun and damaging property in Gloucester and Rockport.

On Tuesday, Sept. 7., at about 1:40 a.m., Gloucester Police were dispatched to the Crow’s Nest bar, 244 Main St., Gloucester, for reports of a shot fired at the business. Upon arrival, police found a window shattered by what they believed to be a pellet from an air pellet gun.

About 2:30 a.m., Gloucester police were dispatched to the area of Bass Avenue in Gloucester for a report of an air pellet gun fired at a vehicle. Upon arrival, a witness described seeing a person inside a dark-colored, small to midsize SUV shooting at the vehicle. While responding, police saw a vehicle matching that description driving in the area. Police followed the vehicle, which allegedly was evading police, and eventually pulled it over.

18-year-old Mark Madeja, of Rockort, identified as the driver, and 18-year-old David Aberegg, of Gloucester, were inside the vehicle. Both were placed under arrest. Officers located open alcohol containers during a search of the vehicle.

After investigating the area traveled by the pair, police located an air pellet gun.

In total, damage was reported on 33 vehicles and one business in Gloucester. Damage was reported on 13 vehicles and seven businesses in Rockport.

Police believe that the suspects began by shooting cans with the air pellet gun in the parking lot of O’Maley Innovation Middle School.

The incident remains under investigation by the Gloucester Police Department and Rockport Police Department.

Both men were arraigned Tuesday in Gloucester District Court. Additional charges are expected.

Madeja was arrested and charged with Malicious Destruction of Property Over $1,200, Negligent Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Failure to Stop for Police, Person Under 21 Possessing Liquor, Possessing Open Container of Alcohol in a Motor Vehicle, Failure to Stop/Yield, Marked Lanes Violation, Speed Rate Exceeding Posted Limit, and Carrying a Firearm on School Grounds.

Aberegg was arrested and charged with, Malicious Destruction of Property Over $1,200, Person Under 21 Possessing Liquor, Possessing Open Container of Alcohol in a Motor Vehicle, and Carrying a Firearm on School Grounds.