Around the Region: Malden Shooting Suspect Held on $1M Bail, Soldiers Come Home in Melrose, Somerville Waits on IKEA,
Some of the top recent stories from just beyond Medford's bounds.
Chase, Shootout Suspect Held on 1M Bail: One of the alleged robbers who led police through a chase down Route 99 and a gunfight in Malden has been declared dangerous and held on $1 million bail. A Lynn District Court judge ordered Michael Ginnetti, 38, of Winthrop held after the hearing late Friday morning. Ginnetti faces 10 charges, including armed robbery and several gun charges. He was captured near Granada Highlands in the wake of the March 23 police chase that ended at Cliffside Commons on Broadway. Another man arrested and charged in the incident, Gabriel Megna, was ordered held on $1 million bail Monday at Malden District Court. A third suspect, William Ekasala, was shot and killed during a shootout with police. Police initially believed there was a fourth suspect in the case, but through their investigation now believe there were only three men involved. -Chris Caesar
Somerville Waiting on IKEA: The Swedish furniture company IKEA is still going through an internal process of deciding whether or not to build a store in Somerville's Assembly Square, according to Joseph Curtatone, mayor of Somerville. Speaking on The Mayor's Report—guest-hosted by the editor of Somerville Patch—Curtatone said, "IKEA North America representatives would like to get going right now, but this will be a decision that comes right out of Sweden...We want them here. If they come, that would be great. If they don't, well, we'll move forward." -Chris Orchard
PHOTOS—Homecoming: The 182nd Back in Melrose After Long Deployment: Residents and public officials from Melrose and surrounding communities flocked to Main Street Wednesday morning as soliders of the 182nd Infantry Regiment returned home. The division, based out of the Melrose Armory, has been deployed on a year-long mission in Afghanistan. -Daniel DeMaina
Sketch Released of Suspect in Wakefield Sex Assault - Wakefield Police have released a drawing of the man they believe to be responsible for attacking a female in Colonel Connolly Park last week. On the evening of March 20, a female victim reported an unknown male grabbed her while she was walking around Lake Quannapowitt at 8 p.m. The victim was able to get away safely. The suspect was described as a white male in his 30s, about six feet tall, and 170 pounds with dark-colored eyes, a buzz cut, and a little facial hair. The victim said he was wearking a dark-colored long sleeved shirt and jeans. -Sara Jacobi
Melrose Mayor Proposes Free Full-Day Kindergarten: Mayor Rob Dolan is proposing to eliminate the Melrose Public Schools' $2,500 full-day kindergarten fee. The move would cost approximately $500,000 next school year, but the city's Chapter 70 state education funding would cover the cost of the full-day students in subsequent years. Level-funded local aid, a lack of snow deficit and a low health insurance increase would allow the city to fill the one-year financial gap before the boost in state education funding, Dolan said. -Daniel DeMaina