Braintree Scanner Tales: House break-in; undercover heroin sting; drunk driving arrest

By Jessica Bartlett, Town Correspondent

Police investigating house break

Police are looking for a suspect who allegedly broke into a Peal Street home while the resident was there.

According to police, the resident said she was at home on spring break at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 13 when she heard a loud crash downstairs.

The victim went to investigate and discovered a man walking down the hallway toward her.

The man was described as a white male in his 40s, he was tall and wearing jeans. He appeared to be balding or have a buzz cut.

Upon seeing the woman, the man apologized and ran out the front door.

The woman then discovered that the front door had been forced open to gain entry.

A man matching the suspect's description was later located near the MBTA station on Ivory Street. The victim was transported to the T station to identify the suspect, but was not 100 percent positive that he was the same man that had entered her home.

Police are continuing to look for suspects.

Man arrested in undercover heroin sting

A New York man was arrested on Wednesday, March 14 after allegedly selling heroin to an undercover police officer.

According to police, over the past month, Braintree detectives have been investigating a drug trafficking organization responsible for the sale of narcotics in the neighborhoods abutting Washington Street and Elm Street in North Braintree.

As a result of the investigation, detectives were able to introduce an undercover officer to members of the organization and arrange to purchase heroin.

With assistance from Quincy, Randolph, and Weymouth police, officers conducted surveillance of the neighborhood.

After the suspect made the sale, officers arrested him. The suspect initially resisted arrest and refused commands to exit his vehicle.

Jovanny A. Plata, 24, of Bronx, NY, was ultimately removed from the vehicle and placed under arrest. He was charged with distribution of heroin, resisting arrest, and school zone violation.

Drunk driving arrest

A Braintree man was arrested on Sunday after allegedly operating under the influence.

According to police, a motorist called police to report that the suspect's car was being operated erratically on Washington Street. The motorist followed the suspect from the off ramp from Route 3 to Washington and allegedly saw him cross the centerline on several occasions.

Officers located the suspect near the Holbrook town line and pulled him over. The suspect showed several signs of intoxication.

The man refused to perform sobriety tests and was placed under arrest.

Kevin J. Lyons, 43, of Braintree was charged with operating under the influence of alcohol and failure to keep within marked lanes.