News

Search for suspect on campus concludes with arrest in Somerville

Police arrested Fabio Armelio after a string of break-ins.

On Jan. 2 at 6:29 p.m., MIT alerted community members that police were searching  for a suspect in campus buildings around Massachusetts Avenue and Vassar Street. Although sightings ceased by 7:11 p.m., community members were still urged to “use vigilance/caution.” The search fully concluded at 8:34 p.m.

Although MIT Alert did not name the suspect, local news reported that just after 6:30 p.m. on Jan. 3, Somerville Police arrested Fabio Armelio, 47. According to police records at the time of arrest, Armelio had twenty warrants from Somerville, Cambridge, Lawrence, and Boston, as well as MIT and Tufts. Armelio had previously been arrested in May of 2024, on charges including drug possession, breaking and entering, and trespassing. Previous reporting by The Tech from 2010, 2011, and 2012 reported that Armelio, who is homeless, was arrested for reasons including trespassing, an outstanding warrant, and a default warrant. 

Armelio’s arraignment was scheduled for Jan. 6 in Somerville District Court.