Waltham ‘reign of terror’ comes to an end
Man charged in connection with 11 random attacks
A 24-year-old man has been charged with randomly attacking 11 people in Waltham last year as the “reign of terror” on the city has come to an end, the Middlesex DA said.
Clauvens Janvier, of Waltham, has been charged in connection with a series of unprovoked attacks and related crimes that occurred in the city throughout November.
“These attacks, which appear to be random, caused the community of Waltham to be in fear for several months,” Middlesex DA Marian Ryan said at the Waltham Police Department on Thursday. “We hope that today’s charges will bring a greater sense of safety.”
She also thanked the victims who came forward and “have waited patiently as we’ve done this investigation.”
Janvier is accused of attacking the victims using blunt objects, in addition to committing other assaults that caused serious injuries.
The attacks include an assault on a U.S. Postal Service mail carrier and several incidents in which victims lost consciousness and required hospital treatment.
On Dec. 11, Janvier was initially arrested and charged in connection with a single attack on Nov. 11 located in a parking garage on Turner Street in Waltham. He had allegedly struck an 18-year-old man with the non-blade side of a machete.
After an investigation that included a review of cellphone records, surveillance video, forensic testing, several search warrants and interviewing victims and witnesses, police determined that Janvier was allegedly responsible for an additional 10 attacks.
“On behalf of the citizens, I am very relieved that someone’s in custody,” said Waltham Mayor Jeannette McCarthy. “It was traumatic for the victims, and it was traumatic for the whole city.”
Following his arrest on Dec. 11, Janvier was found dangerous at a hearing, and has remained held without bail since his arrest.