Hingham Police Officer Arraigned After Altercation on Stoneham Roadway

STONEHAM – On April 26, 2023, Joel Salituri 43 of Stoneham, was arraigned in Woburn District Court on the charge of assault with a dangerous weapon in connection with allegedly brandishing a firearm during a verbal altercation with a Stoneham man on Main Street in Stoneham.

On December 26, 2022, at approximately 4:52 p.m. the victim and the defendant were allegedly traveling on Route 93, northbound.  After both vehicles got off the highway the defendant allegedly followed the victim until he pulled over into a parking lot on Main Street.  The defendant then pulled up alongside the victim and began yelling at the victim and making derogatory statements while brandishing a firearm. The victim also reported that the defendant stated he was a police officer. The defendant was not on duty at the time. The victim reported the incident to police and a criminal complaint for the charge of assault with a dangerous weapon was issued after probable cause was found at a show cause hearing.

At arraignment the defendant was released on personal recognizance and ordered to stay away from and have not contact with the victim.  The defendant was placed on administrative leave by the Hingham Police Department per department policy.

The nature of the derogatory statements include allegations of racial slurs and additional charges are possible. The next date in this case is May 24, 2023.