Crime & Safety
Winchester Teen Charged In Drug Deal Mugging
The following information was supplied by the Woburn Police Department. It does not indicate a conviction.
A Winchester teen is in custody after a drug deal went bad in Woburn two weeks ago.
According to police, Alexander Gala, 17, of Wildwood St. in Winchester, was arrested and charged with armed robbery and assault and battery by means of a dangerous weapon (metal bug spray can) causing serious bodily injury on Wednesday.
Woburn resident Jonathan Steven Philippe, 19, of Davis St. in Woburn, was also charged with armed robbery and assault and battery causing serious bodily injury for his role in the crime.
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According to WPD detectives, the charges stem from Police said the victim told officers at the time that he planned to buy marijuana from another man. The suspect allegedly hit him and sprayed him with bug spray, at the same time stealing the victim’s wallet and car ignition key.
The victim was taken to Lahey Clinic where he received several stitches, said police. The victim will also need facial surgery, said Detective Tim Donovan in his report.
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Ten days after the robbery, Gala was arrested in his Winchester home without incident, said police. Philippe was also arrested at his home without incident Wednesday, Dec. 14.
Police said Philippe “was present during that armed robbery” and “aided/encouraged Gala during the commission of the crimes.”
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