AYER -- A tip sent the Ayer police looking in the direction of the church at the corner of Columbia and Newton streets on Aug. 21. There Sgt. Michael Edmonds and Officer Jennifer Bigelow arrested Michael Kluz (also known as Michael Mathis) who had two outstanding Fitchburg District Court warrants outstanding against him, one for assault and battery and a second for a motor-vehicle charge.

Police were also advised that Kluz had a pistol in his possession at his residence. Detective Andrew Kularski and Lt. Brian Gill searched the bedroom of Kluz's MacDowell Street residence and seized a firearm and corresponding ammunition.

At the time of his booking, Kluz allegedly provided the officer with a false name and Social Security number. However, officers were able to determine Kluz's identity when his fingerprints were compared against prints in the departments' system which is linked to both the state and FBI.

When confronted with the cross-checked information, Ayer Police say Kluz then confirmed his proper identity. Kluz was then also charged with providing false identification upon arrest.

Kluz was arraigned on Aug. 22. His pretrial conference date was set for Sept. 14.

-- MARY E. ARATA

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