Nikitenko Arrest

On Monday, May 5, 2014, I, Officer Capasso was on duty for the Somerville Police in marked cruiser 664. At approximately 9:15 PM, Officer Cicerone and I were dispatched to
Winter Hill Circle for a dispute between the landlord and a tenant of apartment. Officer’s learned that a Ms. Anna Nikitenko was renting a bedroom in the second floor apartment for two months, and has failed to pay her second month’s rent. The landlord had the locks changed on the door, which caused the Ms. Nikitenko to call the Police. Both parties were advised and referred to civil court to resolve the matter. Ms. Nikitenko went back into her apartment and Officer’s cleared the call.

At approximately 9:43 PM, Officer Cicerone and I were again dispatched to Winter Hill Circle for an assault call. The reporting party, Ms. Nikitenko, reported that her roommate had attacked her with a knife. Upon arrival, Officer’s observed Ms. Nikitenko crying outside of the residence. Ms. nikitenko told Officer Cicerone that “he was coming up to me.” I spoke with victim inside of his apartment and learned the following: victim currently has a lease with the landlord and is paying for a bedroom. Ms. Nikitenko is renting a room but has failed to pay her second month’s payment. After Officer Cicerone and I cleared the first call of service, Ms. Nikitenko entered the apartment and confronted the victim. He stated that Ms. Nikitenko told him that she would “make him suffer,” grabbed hold of a kitchen knife, and then called him a “nigger”.

Based on this statement, Officer Cicerone advised Ms. Nikitenko of her rights pursuant to Miranda, and confirmed that she understood them. Officer Cicerone asked Ms. Nikitenko if she had touched the knife, which she denied. Officer Cicerone then asked if the knife were to be fingerprinted, would it confirm her side of the story. Ms. Nikitenko then admitted to grabbing the knife and stated that she was afraid he would attack her. Based on these facts, I placed Ms. Nikitenko under arrest for assault by means of a dangerous weapon, to wit a butter knife. The victim was advised of his 209A rights and stated he would seek a restraining order in the morning. The knife was located on the kitchen floor, photographed, and seized as evidence.