The Wilmington Police Department is pleased to announce the successful arrest of Mark Bickford, a 57-year-old homeless individual, on multiple firearms charges. The arrest comes in response to an incident that occurred on October 5, in which a residence on Chestnut Street was struck by a bullet, prompting a comprehensive investigation.
The incident was reported by a resident who had discovered the damage upon returning home. The residents of the affected home were not present when their house was struck.
Wilmington Detectives promptly launched an investigation, gathering evidence from home security camera footage obtained from various residents in the vicinity. The investigative efforts led to the identification of a possible suspect vehicle and the subsequent discovery that Mark Bickford had discharged a single round from a handgun into a home while operating his vehicle on Chestnut Street. It was determined that the incident was entirely random, with no specific target in mind.
Subsequently, a warrant was obtained for the arrest of Mark Bickford, and on November 1, he was taken into custody by Wilmington Detectives and Patrol Officers on Lowell Street. Bickford arraigned at Woburn District Court on the following charges:
- Discharging a Firearm Within 500 Feet of a Dwelling or Building
- Unlawful Possession of a Firearm
- Unlawful Possession of a Loaded Firearm
- Operating an Unregistered Motor Vehicle
- Operating With A Suspended Driver’s License
At his arraignment, Bickford was ordered to be held in custody.
Chief Joseph Desmond commended the diligent work of his officers in bringing this case to a conclusion, stating, “Our Detectives and Patrol Officers did an outstanding job in identifying and apprehending Mark Bickford. The public doesn’t always see it, but this is the kind of work they do each and every day for the citizens of our community.”
Chief Desmond also sought to reassure Wilmington residents that this was indeed a random event, saying, “I want our residents to know that Mark Bickford will be held accountable for his reckless actions. But I also want to reassure you that everything in this investigation showed that Mark Bickford was not targeting any individual or residence. I want our residents to feel safe in their homes. This isolated incident does not pose a threat to their safety or well-being.”
The Wilmington Police Department extends its sincere gratitude to the Massachusetts State Police, Tewksbury Police Department, Burlington Police Department, Lowell Police Department, Derry, NH Police Department, and Pelham, NH Police Department for their invaluable assistance in bringing this case to a swift and satisfactory resolution.
