SALEM — City police are investigating several assaults that occurred Halloween night, and a Beverly man is facing charges of armed robbery.
Shawn Farmer, 31, of 245 Rantoul St., Beverly, was arrested around 10:30 p.m. on Halloween and charged with armed robbery and assault with a dangerous weapon, after police Chief Paul Tucker said Farmer brandished a knife, stole $40 and ripped a gold chain from a victim's neck. The incident occurred near Lafayette and Central streets.
The victim, a 27-year-old Salem resident, reported the crime to police, who arrested Farmer within minutes. Sgt. Kristian Hanson found him behind Beverly Cooperative Bank; Farmer had a 4-inch knife on him, police said.
"The information given out was a good description," said Tucker, "and in that area alone, there were dozens of police officers."
At 11:09 p.m., police responded to North Street, where a victim had been stabbed in the chest/torso area. Another victim was struck in the mouth with a beer bottle that knocked out his front teeth, according to Tucker.
The victims reported they were returning to their car (across from the 7-Eleven and by the gas station that is under construction) when words were exchanged with another group of men.
A 28-year-old Dorchester man was apparently stabbed and a 24-year-old Haverhill man was struck with the bottle, according to police. Both victims were taken to Salem Hospital to be treated for non-life-threatening injuries. No arrests have been made in connection with the assault.
Minutes later, at 11:20 p.m., police responded to Lafayette Street, by Ward Street, where a Lynn teenager had been slashed across the face with a knife, according to police.
Tucker said the 18-year-old victim reported he was walking with his girlfriend when a group of five or six men made comments about her.
"There was a confrontation between the victim and the group," said Tucker. "The girlfriend tried to intervene and stepped between them and she was knocked to the ground."
A group member, who was wearing a mask, then apparently pulled out a knife and slashed the Lynn teen in the face, creating a 6-inch gash from his left cheek to his ear, Tucker said.
The suspect fled down Ward Street and the incident is under investigation.
Despite those crimes, Tucker said Halloween "went extremely well," particularly when considering the size of the crowds, which may have hit 100,000 over the course of the day.
"It was an excellent job by the police and the city," said Tucker. "... The city provided a forum for people to come here, have a great night, and go home safely."
"There was a strong police presence but not in an intimidating way," said Mayor Kim Driscoll. "They were giving directions as much as they were keeping an eye on things and making sure people were well-behaved. The police did a great job."
Besides the arrest in the armed robbery, there were four other arrests at the Haunted Happenings festivities:
Elias R. Moya, 21, of 168 Bowler St., Lynn, was arrested at 10 p.m. Saturday and charged with disorderly conduct, following a report of a fight at Murphy's bar on Derby Street.
Craig M. Archambault, 24, of 149 Federal St., Salem, was arrested at 11:36 p.m. Saturday and charged with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest, after he was allegedly swearing and yelling at police while being led away to a transport van to be placed in protective custody.
Paul P. Mordaunt, 22, of 74 Vine St., Saugus, was arrested at 12:41 a.m. yesterday and charged with disorderly conduct, following a fight in the middle of Washington Street as police were ending the festivities.
Ana C. Grateraux, 20, of 16 Leach St., Salem, was arrested at 1:18 a.m. yesterday and charged with disorderly conduct, following a fight on Lafayette Street by Palmer Street as festivities were ending.
Staff writer Bruno Matarazzo Jr. contributed to this report.
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