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North Shore landlord charged after allegedly bulldozing residence with tenants inside
Police also reported seizing weapons from the landlord.
A landlord allegedly drove a piece of heavy machinery into a residence while his tenants were inside on Sept. 14, officials say.
At 5:45 p.m., authorities were notified of a dispute between a landlord and tenant at 18 Locust St. which became “physical in nature,” according to a police report.
The tenant who made the call said the landlord was intoxicated and “took a bulldozer to the house.”
Upon arrival, police identified the tenant, who was allegedly inside the residence with her boyfriend when it was “pushed off its foundation approximately 3-5 feet,” the report said.
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“The wooden siding also displayed a fresh horizontal marking consistent with a long blade which would be affixed to a piece of heavy equipment,” police said.
Police said they learned the landlord, John Sanborn, 77, was responsible for the incident.
When confronted by police, Sanborn allegedly said, “I had a lot of trouble with them people.”
Police observed two partially full boxes of .22 caliber ammunition within arm’s reach of Sanborn, and police reported finding a small loaded .38 caliber revolver in his front right pocket.
Sanborn was placed under arrest.
While speaking with Sanborn’s wife, when prompted, she directed police to three rifles which were “not secured, stored, or trigger locked in any proper manner whatsoever,” the report said.
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Police seized the weapons.
Police asked Sanborn how many firearms he had in the residence, but he did not provide an answer. Sanborn did not have any registered firearms, according to Criminal Justice Information Services.
Sanborn was charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, disorderly conduct, and improper storage of firearms. The clerk magistrate elected to release Sanborn on personal recognizance pending his next court appearance.
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