Residents of Everett experienced a disturbing Monday after city officials reported a hazardous materials situation unfolding in their neighborhood. Alexander Yaksic, 33, was arrested by Everett Police on a federal probation warrant in connection with the investigation. The City of Everett alerted the public that a State HazMat team was called to 51 Gledhill Avenue to search and secure a location where there were reports of chemicals being disposed of by Yaksic, which were potentially related to the manufacturing of illicit narcotics.
The arrest was part of a broader operation to safely manage a potentially toxic situation after local law enforcement and hazmat teams discovered suspicious chemicals at multiple locations around the city. Everett Police have cordoned off the area and issued a statement asking the public to stay clear until first responders render the situation safe. The events leading to Yaksic's arrest are still to fully come to light.
Further underscoring the severity, another scene was investigated by a crew in protective gear early Monday morning, located just a half-mile from the initial site, off Mount Washington Street. It remains unconfirmed by officials if the two occurrences are connected. However, the proximity and timing have indeed raised suspicions and concerns among residents. Boston 25 News reported that city officials have not disclosed specifics regarding the types of chemicals or narcotics involved.
Licia Commito, a resident, conveyed the anxiety ripple effectively through the community in a statement obtained by Boston 25 News, "It's scary that it's that close to your home," and added, "You start thinking of all the 'what ifs.' You just have to be thankful that it was uncovered and that nothing bad happened, and we can just move along." Everett Public Schools have been notified, and a traffic management plan was put in place to ensure the safety of Everett High School students during dismissal.
