By Jim Clark

Somerville Police officers were dispatched to the coin operated laundry at 740 Broadway last week on reports of a man and a woman attempting to break into a locked bathroom in the establishment.

The male suspect was known to police as Christopher Macinnes, of Medford, and had been removed from that location earlier in the day.

Upon arrival, officers reportedly observed Macinnes and a female companion inside the building from outside, looking in through the window. They watched as Macinnes turned around and walked away from the woman.

Police said Macinnes appeared to be frustrated as he ran his hands through his hair and he walked away from the woman and appeared to be talking. He then walked back toward her while the officers made their way into the building.

The officers watched as both parties reportedly attempted to defeat a lock on a door. They were standing together, and were using some sort of a tool on the door. When police asked them what they were doing they reportedly answered that they were trying to “pick” the door lock to gain entry to the bathroom.

The officers instructed both parties to step away from the door and they examined the door and lock, at which time it was noted that they had been extensively damaged, and the screwdriver both parties had used was still stuck in the door.

Police reports point out that this bathroom is directly next to a change dispenser.

Police placed both parties under arrest for defacing property, attempted misdemeanor breaking and entering, defacing property, and possession of a burglarious instrument.

The officers were advised by the couple that the woman was pregnant. Police requested that the Somerville Fire Department and an ambulance respond to the scene. After a brief examination of the woman by the Fire Department she refused further assistance. The officers then decided that due to her condition they would apply for a criminal complaint against her.

According to reports, both suspects repeatedly admitted that they had attempted to break into the bathroom.