Around the Region: DEA in Somerville; Locksmith Scam in Arlington; A New Mayor in Malden

Here are some of the top recent stories from just beyond Medford's city lines:

DEA agents with jackets that read, "DEA Clandestine Lab Enforcement Team," in addition to men in HAZMAT suits, Somerville police and Somerville firefighters spent Monday morning at an Oxford Street residence. Somerville Police Chief Thomas Pasquarello, who was on the scene, did not have any comment about the reason for the large show of force.

An Arlington Heights man told police he was scammed of nearly $650 on Monday after hiring a locksmith from what appears to be a fraudulent company. The victim told he called a company called “Locks Men Inc.” to fix a dead bolt stuck in the locked position on his front door. The man said he found the company online, and the dispatcher told him the service would cost $28 for the house house, with the working starting at $45. Two hours later, a locksmith arrived with a trainee. The victim told police the work took less than 45 minutes but he was billed $646.40.

Malden Ward 1 councilor Gary Christenson was elected Malden's new Mayor Tuesday, defeating at-large councilor Deborah Fallon by nearly a 2:1 margin. Christenson replaces Richard Howard, who is leaving Malden to become Winchester's town manager. Malden Councilors-at-Large Gregory Lucey and Craig Spadafora were also re-elected, and joined by newcomer David D'Arcangelo.

closed its doors for good Nov. 12., making way for a new restaurant at 34 Church St. in Winchester. owned and operated by the owner of Bistro 5 in West Medford, is set to open in the same space Nov. 22.

Massachusetts State Police arrested a Boston homeless man allegedly involved in multiple assaults of women from the Melrose-Stoneham area after he fled into a wooded area Friday morning, according to authorities. Thomas Barney, 60, is charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon (his foot), disorderly conduct and threat to commit a crime, according to Stoneham Police Lt. Jim McIntyre. Barney also was arrested on an outstanding warrant out of Barnstable District Court charging him with defacing property, McIntyre said.