Man Arraigned On Assault Charges In Connection With Wilmington Incident

WOBURN – Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan has announced that a Maynard man was arraigned today in connection with allegedly threatening citizens and assaulting police officers in Wilmington yesterday at the commuter rail station.

Seth Mather, 28, of Maynard, was arraigned in Woburn District Court on charges of assault with intent to murder, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, and malicious destruction of property.

Woburn District Court Judge Michael Brooks ordered the defendant held without bail until Mather’s next scheduled court hearing on January 28.

“An ordinary day became terrifying for several people yesterday,” said District Attorney Ryan. “In the middle of the afternoon, people at the commuter rail station noticed a man reportedly acting agitated. They say the man was shouting and was angry and they were so afraid that they locked themselves in their cars. Fortunately, this situation ended without anyone getting seriously hurt due in a large part to the prompt and measured response by police officers.”

Wilmington Police Chief Michael Begonis added, “Wilmington police officers responded with professionalism and expertise and were quickly able to contain the incident with injuries sustained by only two officers. Great restraint and professionalism was displayed by all officers who responded resulting in the safe apprehension of Mr. Mather. Our investigation into the circumstance of this incident lead us to believe it was an isolated event. I am proud the officers involved and wish the injured officers a speedy recovery.”

The Wilmington Police Department received a call just after 3:30 p.m., on Wednesday, January 21, from people who say they saw a man with a weapon at the commuter rail station on Main Street in Wilmington. When officers responded to the scene, they saw the suspect and were told the suspect had a knife and had just slashed tires on a car.

Officers say they approached the suspect and then a foot pursuit began. Officers say they chased Mather across southbound railroad tracks, through an opening in a fence, and then to the back of a building at 1 Burlington Avenue. Police say that after a standoff and after using non-lethal weapons on the suspect, Mather was arrested. One police officer was cut on the hand during the incident and another police officer fell off the platform by the railroad tracks.

These charges are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

This case is being investigated by the Wilmington Police Department.