Friday, December 26, 2025
The store fronts at Cardullo’s and Topdrawer, seen on Dec. 26, 2025.
The person who intervened to help a Cambridge police officer on Sunday, Dec. 21 is being called a “Harvard Square hero” for his actions.
The officer had responded to a call from Cardullo’s Gourmet Shoppe at 1:45 p.m., requesting help removing a man who appeared intoxicated and was being belligerent and refusing to leave. The officer who responded was able to get the man out of the store. But he then began repeatedly punching the officer in the face as well as kicking the officer, according to a report given to the police by a bystander.
That bystander, Jonathan (“JB”) Belton, manager of the Topdrawer store next to Cardullo’s, then intervened and was able to subdue the man, whom police identified as Hugo Montoya, 43, of Waltham. Other officers arrived and arrested Montoya on charges of Assault & Battery on a Police Officer, Assault & Battery Dangerous Weapon (Shod Foot) and Disorderly Conduct.
Police spokesman Sg. Robert Reardon said in a statement that “Fortunately, [Belton] intervened when they believed the officer was being overpowered by Montoya and in doing so prevented the officer from being more seriously injured.”
He noted that while community members should as a rule avoid situations that are potentially harmful, “[t]here are emergency situations, such as this, where a good samaritan stepping in is both appropriate and very much appreciated.”
Belton told Cambridge Day “I was just in the right place at the right time and am glad I was able to help,” but otherwise did not wish to discuss the incident.
The Harvard Square Business Association applauded Belton for his “selfless act.” It issued a note with the subject line “Harvard Square Hero” to its members saying that several passersby witnessed the encounter but did nothing to assist the officer.
Reardon said the officer was treated at a local hospital for injuries sustained, was released, and is off while recuperating.
This story has been updated to add new photos and a comment from John Belton.