Milford High Guidance Director Arrested on Assault Charges

The director of guidance at faces felony assault charges in Framingham District Court, following his arrest Friday on three charges of assault with a dangerous weapon.

Peter Bruce, 41, of 4 Bishop St., Apt. 403, Framingham, was arrested by Framingham Police after an incident in which he was accused of using a car to chase three youths on bikes in a parking garage.

Police responded to the Bishop Street Garage, after receiving a report that a man in a vehicle was "chasing three kids on their bikes" in the garage, said Framingham Police Lt. Ron Brandolini.

On arriving, police found Bruce yelling at the kids — ages 10, 11 and 12 — and one boy was on the ground, injured. Bruce did not hit the children with the vehicle, but one boy hurt himself when he fell off his bike, according to Brandolini.

"He did not hit the kids with his car," Brandolini said. "One of the kids did fall trying to get away and scraped his leg."

Police spoke to the children and Bruce, who denied chasing them, before arresting him. He pleaded not guilty to the charges in Framingham District Court.

Bruce could not be reached Wednesday for comment.

Bruce was hired in July 2011 as director of guidance, career and academic enhancement at Milford High School. He directs a department that includes five full-time counselors and an adminsitrative assistant.

He was placed on adminstrative leave, with pay, effective Monday, said Kathleen Perry, an assistant superintendent. He will remain under that status until further notice, she said.

In his absence, guidance services will be assumed by the remaining staff.

Bruce earned $36,427 for the six months he was employed by the town in 2011, according to the Milford annual report. His current salary was not immediately available.

In a feature story, published on the Town Crier website shortly after his arrival, Bruce said he had spent 17 years as a guidance counselor and director of guidance in Massachusetts before taking a position in Charleston, SC. He holds a master's degree in school counseling.