Police looking for person who threw bricks through journalist’s window in Melrose

Crime

“Only the Beginning” was spray-painted on the house, which is linked to a New Hampshire reporter.

Authorities are asking for help identifying a man who allegedly threw a brick through the window of a Melrose home. An investigation into the connection between this incident and others in New Hampshire is underway.

This event occurred around 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 21, according to a release from the office of Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan. The victim, who lives on Lynn Fells Parkway in Melrose, told police a brick was thrown through a window and the words “just the beginning” were spray-painted on the house.

The victim told officials that three other properties in New Hampshire had been the target of similar recent vandalism incidents. The Melrose incident was captured on a Ring doorbell. Officials released the video on YouTube for public viewing.

Authorities said the victim works as a reporter and has been attacked on a total of 5 separate occasions, including in Concord, Hampstead and Hanover, New Hampshire at residences connected to her. Police are now reviewing the victim’s recent work to “determine if there is any connection to the incidents of vandalism,” according to the statement.

The victim was confirmed to be a reporter for New Hampshire Public Radio. in a release On Thursday, NHPR said its journalists and their families had been the targets of vandalism and threats to their safety over the past month.

NHPR is working with law enforcement officials to support their investigation.

“Violence against journalists has increased at an alarming rate, in the United States and around the world. NHPR condemns attempts to intimidate or harm journalists, here in New Hampshire or anywhere else,” the NHPR statement said.

The video suggests the suspect is a white male with a slim build and approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall. He was seen wearing a light blue hooded raincoat, khaki pants, and black sneakers. He was also wearing a blue-green backpack. More footage can be viewed at the Middlesex District Attorney’s office. website.

The video shows the suspect fleeing onto Lincoln Street in Melrose.

“Our reporters, producers and editors will not be intimidated in pursuit of New Hampshire Public Radio’s mission of public service. NHPR’s trusted journalism will continue, every day, to enrich lives and help build stronger communities, here in New Hampshire and beyond,” the NHPR statement said.

Anyone with information about this incident or who believes they may know the suspect is asked to contact Melrose Police at (781) 665-1212.