Billerica – On Friday, November 16, 2012, at approximately 0330 AM, Billerica PD received a 911 call from a resident at #58 Pond Street for a report of an unknown person attempting to enter the residence. While on the phone with the caller, the 911 dispatcher was advised that the suspect managed to gain entry and was inside the home. Within minutes of the call officers arrived on scene and confronted the suspect who was standing in the doorway of the home. The suspect was observed to be holding a four foot metal construction level that he had reportedly taken into the home and used to assault the resident. The suspect then approached the officers and began swinging the metal construction level attempting to strike them. After repeated requests by officers to drop the weapon from his hand, the suspect was subdued using a department issued Taser. He was subsequently handcuffed and treated by paramedics who were requested to the scene. No one at the residence was seriously injured during the incident and no medical transport was required. It was subsequently determined that the suspect was not known to anyone at the involved residence and the motive for the suspects actions are still unclear.

The suspect was later identified as Bryce Hardy, 49, of Palm Harbor Florida. Based on a preliminary investigation conducted at the scene, as well as the observations of Mr. Hardy by the arresting officers, it was believed that he may have been suffering from an altered mental status. He was therefore transported to Saints Memorial Hospital in Lowell for a medical and psychiatric evaluation. After being medically cleared at the hospital he was transported to Lowell District Court where he will be arraigned on charges of Home Invasion, Assault and Battery with a Dangerous Weapon, Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, Malicious Destruction of Property and Resisting Arrest.

Any additional questions should be directed to Lieutenant Roy Frost, 978-667-1212 x120