Homeless Fight Brings SWAT Team To Hingham Park

HINGHAM, MA — A former Quincy man faces charges after allegedly aiming a gun and punching a man over a dispute about marijuana, police said.

Thomas Walwood, 55, was arrested late Friday night and charged with assault with a firearm and assault and battery. He was held overnight on $500 cash bail and arraigned at Hingham District Court Wednesday, where he was ordered held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing on June 11, according to the Hingham Police Department.

Police received a call from a homeless man at Bare Cove Park at about 10:05 p.m. Tuesday night. He told officers that he was punched in the face and had a gun pointed at him by another homeless man who lives inside the park. The victim said the suspect, identified as Walwood, asked him for some marijuana. After the victim gave Walwood the marijuana, Walwood allegedly picked up a handgun, became aggressive, and pointed the gun at the victim’s chest. The victim left the area and a short time later they met again in different area of the park. An argument began between the two men and the suspect allegedly punched the victim in the face, police said.

Officers were able to contact Walwood by phone, who claimed he was now in Quincy before hanging up and turning his phone off.

A MetroLEC SWAT team, K9's and a drone were used to locate Walwood, who was found in the park at 2:56 a.m.

Officers are continuing to search for the handgun and patrol the park, which closes at sunset.

Image via Hingham Police Department