Chaos disrupted the typically festive atmosphere of Wakefield's Porchfest this past Saturday when a 42-year-old woman allegedly sped through the crowd, brandishing what witnesses described as a rifle. The incident occurred during the live music celebration, where attendees roam from porch to porch enjoying local bands. Several calls to the police were made around 3:08 p.m., according to a statement from the Wakefield Police. The suspect, identified as Brigid MacDonough, caused panic in the Greenwood neighborhood while driving her gray Subaru, as reported by Boston.com.
No injuries were reported from the event, but the display of aggression interrupted an otherwise peaceful gathering along Greenwood Ave., which featured over 100 bands playing on local porches. Police later located MacDonough at about 5:30 p.m., as per CBS Boston. She was arrested and charged with assault by means of a dangerous weapon and is expected to be arraigned in Malden District Court today.
The Wakefield Police Department continues to seek the alleged firearm, which has yet to be found following the disturbance. Officers were able to apprehend MacDonough thanks to "valuable information" provided by witnesses, as noted by a NBC Boston article. This was the first year Wakefield hosted its Porchfest, a tradition that other communities have enjoyed for years without incident.
Authorities are now calling on anyone with further information about the incident to step forward. The Wakefield Police Department has requested the public's assistance, and individuals are encouraged to call them at 781-245-1212. As the investigation proceeds, officials emphasize that the safety of the community is their paramount concern, and any additional insights are crucial to the resolution of this unexpected event.
