SWAMPSCOTT – A Lynn man, who allegedly told police he is a member of the MS-13 gang and was getting ready to fight a member or members of the rival Crips gang, was arrested Saturday for brandishing a machete in Vinnin Square.
Erick Lopez, 21, 23 Stone Place No. 1, Lynn was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct, assault with a dangerous weapon (machete) and violation of the town’s knife ordinance.
According to police, a woman shopping in the Vinnin Square area witnessed five youths preparing to fight in front of the Salem Five Bank.
Detective Sgt. Tim Cassidy said the female witness drove up to Sgt. Joseph Kable, who was patrolling the area of the bank, and reported what she saw.
?She reported that there were several youths in front of the bank with sticks and one male party later identified as waving a machete at the other youths,” Cassidy said. “Sergeant Kable, Officer Brendan Reen and Detective Jim Schultz all responded to the call.”
Cassidy said the males holding the sticks told police Lopez had threatened them in Lynn a week ago and then threatened them again Saturday.
?Officers searched the area and located Lopez shopping inside Stop and Shop,” Cassidy said. “Lopez was placed under arrest and officers located the machete which Lopez was holding.
During booking Lopez informed officers that he is part of the MS-13 Gang and that at least one of the youths he was going to fight with is a member of the Crips.
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