By Jim Clark

Police officer were dispatched to Sally Beauty Supply Co. on McGrath Hwy. in the early morning hours of Wednesday last week for a glass break alarm.

Upon arrival, officers noted that the glass front door of the establishment was smashed by with a rock.

One officer who was approaching the area on Medford St. spotted a man wearing a dark coat and a mask covering leaving the area on a bicycle, in close proximity of where the breaking and entering had occurred.

The officer immediately made a U-turn and stopped the man, later identified as James Murphy, of Charlestown, across from Somerville Gas next to the train tracks.

The officer radioed his position to dispatch and approached Murphy for questioning. The officer reportedly observed a small hammer sticking out of Murphy’s left pants pocket.

The officer placed Murphy in handcuffs and pat frisked him for any additional weapons. A small pocket knife measuring approximately four inches was recovered from his waistband.

The officer asked Murphy where he was coming from and he reportedly stated he was just out for a bike ride to clear his head because he could not sleep.

The officer also asked Murphy who the bike belonged to and he it was the property of a friend of his brother.

When asked what the hammer was for Murphy reportedly stated it was used on the bike sometimes. When asked why he was carrying the knife he said it was from when he worked at UPS, to cut boxes and straps.

The manager of Sally Beauty arrived on scene so that police could review security video. In the video, a person wearing clothing similar to Murphy’s could be seen throwing a rock through the window and then jumping through it. The suspect then went behind the counter and started to put various merchandise in store brand bags and then exit the store.

Officers recovered the stolen property, valued at $845.40, in close proximity to where Murphy was originally stopped. All of the items recovered were photographed and returned to Sally Beauty. The recovered property included items consistent with the tools necessary to work as a barber. Police noted that during questioning Murphy stated that he was going to be starting a job as a barber.

Murphy was placed under arrest on charges of felony nighttime breaking and entering, possession of a burglarious instrument, and violation of city ordinance possession of a dangerous weapon.

During booking, police noted that fine shards of glass were found on his clothing.