For Immediate Release: 6/23/2022 1:54 pm
On Thursday, June 23, 2022 at approximately 12:15 AM Worcester police were dispatched to Fourth Street for a report of an assault with a dangerous weapon (machete). Two residents reported that a male threatened them with a machete after engaging in a verbal altercation. The male, who was later identified as 34-year-old Joseph Johnston, then threatened to retrieve a firearm and shoot them.
During the investigation, officers heard a loud bang consistent with the sound of a gunshot coming from Mr. Johnston’s residence. Officers set up a perimeter on the home. Mr. Johnston was located on the front porch and officers took him into custody. Officers searched for victims inside the residence and found ballistic evidence. There were no victims located.
Officers obtained a search warrant for the residence. K9 Boomer conducted a search of the residence and alerted officers to a safe in the basement and bedroom. A large capacity feeding device was located along with a fully loaded magazine.
Joseph Johnston, 34, of 92 Fourth Street Worcester was charged with Assault with a Dangerous Weapon x2, Possession of Ammunition without an FID Card, Possession of a Large Capacity Feeding Device, and Threat to Commit a Crime x2.
