Stabbing Suspect Released with No Bail

A man suspected of stabbing a jogger on Salem Street last Thursday night was released on personal recognizance by a district court judge Monday.

Craig Bourque, 23, of Great Barrington, told investigators he thought the jogger was running toward him with a machete, according to a police report obtained by Medford Patch. Bourque allegedly stabbed the victim in the upper torso with a carving knife. The victim was also struck in the head with a bottle, according to the report.

Bourque was questioned on the night of the incident, but not arrested until Saturday. He was released on personal recognizance bail following his arraignment in Somerville District Court on Monday on a charge of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, according to court documents.

Leading up to the incident, Bourque and three friends were cruising around the area celebrating St. Patrick's Day, according to the police report written by Officer Michael Pellegrino.

Bourque told investigators he was picked up on Broadway in Somerville and the men drove around the area yelling and waiving at people on the street, the report said.

They stopped on Salem Street in Medford, where the driver of the car abruptly pulled the car over, the men got out and ran toward some people on the street, according to the report.

During this confrontation, Bourque told investigators he saw another man approaching with what he thought was a "blue machete," Pellegrino wrote.

Bourque said he got afraid and drew a carving knife from his pocket and stabbed the man, the report said. Bourque dropped the knife and he and his friends ran off, according to the report.

Shortly after the stabbing, police searched the area and spotted Bourque walking down Paris Street. He had a rapid heart beat and was sweating. When asked why, he said he was smoking pot near Salem Street and when he saw the blue police lights he panicked and ran. An officer found a small amount of marijuana on Bourque, the report said.

A witness identified the shoes Bourque was wearing, but could not identify his face as being involved in the incident on Salem Street, so Bourque was released, according to the report.

But after further witness interviews, investigation, and evidence found during a K-9 search of the area, police decided there was enough evidence to charge Bourque.

They called his parents on Saturday, who brought him to Medford Police station, where he admitted to the stabbing was was placed under arrest, the report said.

Bourque told investigators he could only identify the men he was with in the car by first names and nicknames. Police continue to search for the other suspects. Two are believed to be white and the other may be hispanic, according to previous police statements.

The crime was random, police Lt. Paul Covino previously said.

"This crime could have happened anywhere in this city or in any other city," he said in a statement. "We believe that the suspects were trolling for an opportunity to commit their crime. We encourage all people to be more vigilant when out walking or jogging."