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Rifle-wielding Wakefield, Massachusetts woman allegedly sped through "Porchfest" crowd

Woman held without bail after allegedly pointing BB gun during Wakefield Porchfest
Woman held without bail after allegedly pointing BB gun during Wakefield Porchfest 00:28

WAKEFIELD – A Wakefield, Massachusetts woman was arrested on Saturday after police say she sped through a crowded neighborhood during a "Porchfest" block party. According to police, the woman was brandishing a rifle during the incident. It was later determined to be a BB gun. 

It happened around 3 p.m. while people were crowded on Greenwood Ave.

What is Porchfest?

Porchfest is an event featuring live music. Bands play from the front porches of homes and people who live in the area walk around and listen to the variety of performers.

More than 100 bands participated in the Wakefield Porchfest along dozens of neighborhood streets.

Somerville hosted its Porchfest earlier this year, including a performance by Guster that drew a massive crowd in the street.

Wakefield Porchfest arrest

According to police, 42-year-old Brigid MacDonough of Wakefield sped through the crowd in a gray Subaru and brandished the gun.

MacDonough fled the area before officers arrived, police said. Wakefield police said witnesses "provided valuable information" that allowed them to track her down.

After police located MacDonough, she was arrested and charged with assault by means of a dangerous weapon, disorderly conduct and disturbing the peace. 

MacDonough was arraigned in Malden District Court on Monday and held without bail. Her defense team cited mental health issues. She is already on probation for another crime. 

No one was hurt in the incident.

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