By Jim Clark

Last week, a Somerville Police officer traveling on Artisan Way observed a parked, running vehicle obstructing the crosswalk adjacent to Kay Jewelers located at 360 Artisan Way.

The officer knew this location to be a common place for a getaway vehicle to wait when committing a theft in one of the adjacent stores.

The officer observed no occupants in the running vehicle, so the key was removed to prevent theft or flight.

While standing next to the vehicle, a man exited Kay Jewelers and began running towards the officer. It appeared to the officer that the man was going to try and enter the vehicle, but he reached out and pushed him, then took off running on Artisan Way toward Grand Union Blvd.

The officer made contact with Kay Jewelers staff who stated the man stole a ring they believed was valued at $20,000. It was later determined the value of the ring was actually $6,999.

With the assistance of Assembly Row security, the suspect was observed on camera fleeing into Bed, Bath, and Beyond located at 119 Middlesex Ave.

A responding backup officer transmitted that he had the suspect at the front entrance of the store. The suspect then fled into the parking lot toward Canal St. 

Police began searching the area and observed Assembly Row security directing the first responding officer to the front door of Sak’s Off 5th Ave. on Canal St., where the suspect was on the ground. The officer placed the suspect into custody without further incident.

The officer informed the suspect of his Miranda rights to which he affirmed his understanding and was willing to speak with the officer.

The suspect identified himself as Julien Vasquez, from Providence, Rhode Island, and that he drove here from Providence, and went to Kay Jewelry.  Vasquez then lost his train of thought, and did not proceed in telling the officer what happened.

Vasquez said he threw the ring in the area of Canal St. and Grand Union Blvd. The area was subsequently searched with negative results. Then Vasquez said he might have thrown it at Artisan Way and Grand Union Blvd.  That area was also searched with negative results.

Officers also checked Bed, Bath, and Beyond because Vasquez shed his shirt inside the store in an attempt to alter his appearance. The ring was not located in the store.

Vasquez requested an ambulance and was transported to Cambridge Hospital along with an accompanying officer.

The manager at Kay Jewelers said the Vasquez entered the store and stated that he was looking for a ring for his mother.  He requested to see diamond rings, and selected a 2 carat round cut diamond in a solitaire setting. The value of this ring was $6,999. As soon as Vasquez was handed the ring he reportedly turned toward the door and ran out.

As of this writing, the ring has not yet been located. All video from Kay Jewelers and Assembly Row security is being preserved for evidentiary purposes. Vasquez was medically cleared and booked on charges of assault and battery on a police officer, larceny over $1200, resisting arrest, attaching wrong motor vehicle license plates, and unregistered motor vehicle.

A citation was also issued to Vasquez for the motor vehicle charges. The license plate has been secured into evidence.