By Jim Clark

Somerville Police officers were dispatched to an Alewife Brook Pkwy. location last week on reports of a suspicious person.

Upon arrival, the officers located a man fitting the given description standing in front of a vehicle, attempting to open its hood with his belt.

The man, later identified as James Flynn, reportedly told the officers that the vehicle belonged to his friend’s girlfriend, and he was given permission to use the vehicle.

According to reports, Flynn was only able to provide a first name for his friend, and later admitted to attempting to gain entry into the vehicle by using his credit card to unlock it.

While attempting to break into the vehicle, Flynn was observed by two witnesses, one of whom called 911.

Both witnesses reportedly told the officers that they saw Flynn trying to break into the vehicle and recognized that the vehicle belonged to their friend. They also provided pictures and video footage of Flynn trying to break into the vehicle and causing multiple damages.

While questioning Flynn, the owner of the vehicle came out and stated that the vehicle belonged to her, that she did not know Flynn, and that he certainly did not have permission to touch her vehicle.

Flynn was placed under arrest on charges of malicious damage to a motor vehicle and attempt to commit a crime.