News Nearby: Wakefield Police Arrest Alleged Cross-Dressing Bank Robber

Each Saturday, Melrose Patch will run a round-up with links to stories from surrounding communities that are of interest to Melrosians.

WAKEFIELD—An anonymous tip lead the Wakefield Police to arrest an individual they believe is the man who dressed up as a woman to rob two Wakefield banks in 2010, breaking open a previously cold case that was more than a year old.

Patrick J. O'Connell, 28, of 129 Appelton St. in Arlington, was arrested on two outstanding warrants for two bank robberies at two different banks in Wakefield in February of 2010.

MEDFORD—A family of Haitian immigrants has sued the Medford Housing Authority, claiming it didn't listen to warnings about a racist neighbor who eventually burned down their unit and gave white tenants preferential treatment.

READING—The Reading Memorial High School alumnus charged with  was allegedly motivated by revenge, according to prosecutors. 

Assistant District Attorney Elizabeth Dunigan told Woburn Superior Court Monday that John Burke had been robbed in his Revere apartment in April and came to believe that  had committed, arranged or been involved the crime before later becoming convinced Ronan had been involved.