Over the last decade, the most common arrests in Belmont (or in some cases, summons) have been traffic-related.
Between October 2015 and June 2025, there were 826 traffic-related violations, according to data provided by the Belmont Police Department. That includes operating a motor vehicle with a revoked or suspended license—which constituted a majority of arrests or summons—operating under the influence (OUI) of drugs or alcohol, lights violations, or leaving the scene of property damage. A summons is a legal document requiring the named individual to appear in court in response to criminal charges against them.
According to the same data, assault was the second most common reason for arrest or receiving a summons, with 320 violations. That includes assault on a family or household member, assault with a dangerous weapon, criminal harassment, or, in eight incidents, strangulation or suffocation.
“Each incident is different,” interim Chief Mark Hurley said in an email to The Voice. “If a person is driving with a suspended license, but has a clean record, he/she would more than likely be summonsed to court. If a person is driving with a suspended license because [of an] OUI suspension then he/she would be arrested.”
In the case of assault and battery situations, the “primary aggressor” is arrested, according to Hurley.
“If the other involved party committed a battery, he/she would be summonsed,” he said.
In no event would an individual avoid arrest because the cells at Belmont Police Station were full, he clarified. They would be brought to Arlington or Watertown to be held.
Less common infractions included 81 violations of abuse prevention orders, also known as restraining orders, and 57 arrests or summonses for larceny. Burglary followed suit with 57 incidents, and damage to property with 36.
Since October 2015, there have been six arrests and two summons for drug-related offenses.
