Lynn truck driver admits to resisting arrest in burglary case

SALEM – A 50-year-old Lynn truck driver who admitted he resisted arrest while being taken into custody by police for an alleged break-in in 2006 was placed on probation for a year.In Salem Superior Court Wednesday, Alfred Ford, of 74 Jackson St., Lynn, pleaded guilty to a charge of resisting arrest before Judge Leila R. Kern.Assistant District Attorney Michael A. Patten said the charge stemmed from an incident in Lynn on afternoon of Sept. 19, 2006 when Lynn police Detective Oren Wright responded to the area of Fearless Avenue and Lewis Street on a report of a break-in within the area.Wright saw Ford, who matched the description of the possible burglar reported by a witness, walking, and stopped his cruiser.When he began to approach him, Ford took off, a chase ensued, and before Ford was taken into custody Ford swung several times at Wright in an attempt to escape.Patten recommended a 2 and one-half year jail term for the incident.Defense lawyer Lawrence J. McGuire urged Kern to place his client on probation for a year saying it was appropriate given the nature of the offense.He pointed out to Kern that his client’s last arrest was 12-years ago and that he paid his penalty and completed probation successfully with no other difficulties since.Ford was indicted by an Essex County grand jury in April of 2007 and has been free on his own personal promise to return to court since being arraigned.Two other charges against Ford for breaking and entering in the daytime with intent to commit a felony and being a habitual offender in connection with the case were dropped by the commonwealth.Patten said it was because of the inability by the commonwealth to locate the witness who had called authorities after he allegedly observed Ford enter a home at 28 Crescent St., through a back door.