ReportWire

Tag: security and public safety

  • Police/Fire: Gloucester woman held, accused of driving stolen Audi while drugged

    Police/Fire: Gloucester woman held, accused of driving stolen Audi while drugged

    After a report of an Audi SUV driving erratically in the vicinity of the Bass Avenue traffic lights and East Main Street just after 5 a.m.last Monday, police arrested a 43-year-old Gloucester woman on charges of larceny of a motor vehicle; driving under the influence of drugs, a third offense; driving with a suspended license; negligent driving; a marked lanes violation; and receiving a stolen motor vehicle.

    Kimberly A. Ahearn, of 11 Chestnut St., Apt. 4, was ordered held without bail during her arraignment last Monday in Gloucester District Court. She was scheduled for a detention hearing this Monday, May 20, according to the district court’s clerk’s office.

    The person reporting the blue Audi SUV being driven erratically said it was “flying,” and believed it to be going in excess of 100 mph. The following driver said the Audi appeared to attempt to evade him, driving so fast and erratically he was no longer able to safely follow it.

    Earlier that morning, at 4:15, police had gone to Edgemoor Road for a report of a woman ringing a homeowner’s doorbell, with the resident reporting the woman appeared “hammered.” This caller said the woman came from what appeared to be a dark-colored Audi SUV.

    The Audi was reported to have gone down East Main Street toward Zeke’s Restaurant. Officers spotted the vehicle and dispatch informed them the vehicle came back to an address on Eastern Point Boulevard. Police followed the Audi as it weaved down the road and nearly struck the curb. Police stopped the car just before the stop sign heading toward Bass Avenue.

    Police approached the driver and noted a strong odor of heavy brake use coming from the SUV. The officer reported recognizing the driver as she had several run-ins with police recently and in the past, the report said. She reportedly laughed hysterically when the officer tried to speak with her and eventually the officer was able to confirm her identity. When asked if the Audi belonged to her, she said she came out of her apartment on Chestnut Street, saw the vehicle with its keys in the cup holder, and took it, the report said. Police informed her this was a crime, which she denied and said she needed the vehicle to get around to do errands. Ahearn said she did not have her license on her and it was confirmed her license was suspended.

    When she got out to take field sobriety tests, police noticed she was not wearing shoes. Police said she showed signs of impairment while taking the tests. Police contacted the Audi’s owner who told police she did not give anyone permission to use her car. The owner was given a ride to the scene where she saw damage to the Audi’s front driver’s side bumper that had not been there before. Police subsequently arrested Ahearn.

    — Ethan Forman

    In other news taken from the logs of Cape Ann’s police and fire departments:

    GLOUCESTER

    Tuesday, May 14

    9:08 p.m.: Debris in the roadway was located on Rockland Street.

    6:40 p.m.: Police responded to a report from a Viking Street homeowner who said someone in a maroon sedan pulled in her driveway and started taking pictures of her house. She told police she came out from behind her vehicle and approached the man who told her he was taking pictures for FEMA. The man did not show any ID and left abruptly. She was unable to get the plate number of the sedan. Police were given a description of a man who was large in stature wearing a black shirt with the letters “OSI” on it. Police advised the woman to lock her doors and call if the vehicle returned.

    3:23 p.m.: Police responded to a disturbance at Good Harbor Beach on Thatcher Road.

    Crashes with property damage only were reported at East Main and Wall streets at 11:17 a.m., and on Grant Circle on Route 128 north at 2:40 p.m.

    12:14 p.m.: Peace was restored after a caller reported juveniles drinking on Good Harbor Beach on Thatcher Road.

    11:06 a.m.: Fraud was reported on Elizabeth Road.

    Monday, May 13

    10:42 p.m.: Police responded to a report of a disabled vehicle in the roadway on Concord Street.

    6:20 p.m.: A 27-year-old Gloucester resident was arrested on charges of possession of a Class B drug, larceny under $1,200, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest after police responded to Oak and Warner streets for report of a person hitting another person with a bat.  Police also filed a complaint against a 53-year-old on a charge of assault with a dangerous weapon.

    5:29 p.m.: Police planned to file a criminal complaint against a Gloucester resident in relation to a report of past harassment/domestic assault and battery.

    4:24 p.m.: Police assisted the Fire Department with an active fire on East Main Street. The road was closed at Chapel Street. Officers arrived to find an outside structure fire. Traffic was detoured around the fire site and the Fire Department responded to extinguish it.

    3:35 p.m.: A caller from Staten Street reported his neighbor has a camera intentionally facing his backyard.

    Crashes with property damage only were reported on Grant Circle at 11:23 a.m., Prospect Street at 12:03 p.m., and Route 128 northbound at 3:19 p.m..

    10:57 a.m.: Police took a report of credit card fraud.

    10:26 a.m.: Police responded to a disturbance at the 1-4, C-2 lot on Rogers Street.

    4:16 a.m.: A disturbance was reported on Edgemoor Road.

    ESSEX

    Thursday May 16

    10:46 p.m.: Suspicious activity was reported at a Centennial Grove Road address.

    7:51 p.m.: A police investigation was conducted at an Essex Avenue address.

    Individuals were assisted on Western Avenue at 8:44 a.m., John Wise Avenue at 4:31 p.m. and Harry Homans Drive at 5:17 p.m.

    11:51 a.m.: A call was made for a community policing event at a Martin Street address.

    MANCHESTER

    Thursday, May 16

    6:23 p.m.: After a motor vehicle stop on School Street, a written warning was issued.

    2:25 p.m.: A report was made about lost and found property at a Beach Street address.

    1:49 p.m.: A disturbance was reported at a School Street address.

    Individuals were assisted on Highland Avenue at 11:53 a.m., and Central Street at 8:18 a.m. and 1:10 p.m.

    Police investigations were conducted on Crooked Lane at 9:41 a.m. and Federal Street at 11:40 a.m.

    9:40 a.m.: A fire alarm, reported at a Bridge Street address, was later determined to be a false alarm.

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  • Police/Fire

    Police/Fire

    In news taken from the logs of Cape Ann’s police and fire departments:

    GLOUCESTER

    Thursday, May 9

    Disabled vehicles were reported on Kent Circle at 12:51 p.m., Grant Circle at 12:56 p.m., and at the Wingaersheek Motel on Concord Street at 10:59 p.m. when officers assisted.

    7:51 p.m.: Public Works was called out to Commercial Street.

    7:02 p.m.: A report of a disturbance on East Main Street proved to be unfounded.

    4:23 p.m.: Services were given to an incapacitated person who appeared unsteady on his feet on Main Street. The person refused medical attention.

    3:16 p.m.: Services were rendered for a reported unwelcome guest at Temple Ahavat Achim on Middle Street.

    Crashes with property damage only were reported on East Main Street at 10:17 a.m. and Porter Street at 2:48 p.m.

    10:51 a.m.: A false fire alarm was reported at Gloucester High on Leslie O. Johnson Road.

    9:08 a.m.: A suspicious person was reported on Main Street.

    8:40 a.m.: A hypodermic needle was retrieved from Prospect Street and disposed of safely.

    MANCHESTER-BY-THE-SEA

    Sunday May 12

    9:53 p.m.: After a motor vehicle stop on Summer Street, a verbal warning was issued.

    7:08 p.m.: A police investigation was conducted at a Pine Street address.

    6:11 p.m.: A report was made about suspicious activity at a Central Street address.

    1:04 p.m.: A report was made about a disturbance on Pine Street.

    11:23 a.m.: A complaint was made about an animal on Central Street.

    8:45 a.m.: After a motor vehicle stop on School Street, no action was taken.

    1:34 a.m.: A report was made about suspicious activity at a Beach Street address.

    Saturday May 11

    4:59 p.m.: A report was made about a community policing call on Beach Street.

    Friday May 10

    9:47 p.m.: A report was made about suspicious activity at a Raymond Street address.

    9:43 p.m.: After a motor vehicle stop at the intersection of Forest Street and Ledgewood Road, a citation was issued.

    7:57 p.m.: After a motor vehicle stop on Beach Street, a verbal warning was issued.

    7:33 p.m.: After a motor vehicle stop on School Street, someone was reportedly spoken to.

    Thursday May 9

    3:09 p.m.: After a motor vehicle stop on Pine Street, a written warning was issued.

    2:40 p.m.: After a motor vehicle stop on Pine Street, a written warning was issued.

    1:02 p.m.: A report was made about a police investigation at a School Street address.

    12:03 p.m.: After a motor vehicle stop at the intersection of Pine Street and Crafts Court, a verbal warning was issued.

    2:04 a.m.: A complaint was made about an animal at a Brookwood Road address.

    ESSEX

    Sunday, May 12

    Fraud/scams reported on Main Street at 1:52 p.m. with report to follow, and Conomo Point Road at 5:59 p.m.

    5:32 p.m.: A person on Main Street was spoken to about a hang-up after dialing 911.

    4:06 p.m.: An individual was assisted by police on John Wise Avenue.

    2:22 p.m.: Police assisted another agency on Coral Hill.

    1:38 p.m.: Vandalism to a fire tower off Southern Avenue was reported. Sgt. Ryan Davis said Monday the incident remains under investigation.

    10:20 a.m.: An abandoned 911 call from Brook Pasture Lane was confirmed to have been made in error.

    Saturday, May 11

    Individuals were assisted by police on John Wise Avenue at 9:14 and 9:30 a.m., and 1:35 p.m.

    9:47 a.m.: A complaint about parking on Wood Drive was lodged.

    6:14 a.m.: Police are filing a criminal application against an individual on a charge of property damage or vandalism after mail boxes were run over on Eastern Avenue.

    Friday, May 10

    10:19 p.m.: A person was spoken to about suspicious activity on Centennial Grove Road.

    4:28 p.m.: Police assisted making a notification to a person on Forest Avenue.

    4:09 p.m.: Police conducted parking enforcement on Main Street.

    11:41 a.m.: An unconscious person was taken by ambulance from Story Acres Road to a hospital.

    11:07 a.m.: A Pickering Street property was checked.

    Thursday, May 9

    9:49 p.m.: Essex Fire Engine 2 was dispatched for an alarm activation on Choate Street, which later proved to be false.

    Persons were assisted by police on John Wise Avenue at 11:11 a.m. with a report to follow, 12:40, 1:08, 7:42 and 8:58 p.m.; and with an animal complaint on Southern Avenue and Apple Street at 8:38 p.m.

    8:20 p.m.: Assistance was given to Hamilton Police, when a person was spoken to on Appaloosa Lane in that town.

    5:05 p.m.: A person was notified that their lost property had been found and was at the police station on John Wise Avenue.

    12:22 p.m.: Suspicious activity was reported on Western Avenue at Pond Street, but police found nothing amiss when they arrived.

    9:45 a.m.: Property on Pickering Street was checked.

    9:29 a.m.: A 911 hang-up was confirmed to have been an accidental call.

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  • Police/Fire

    Police/Fire

    In news taken from the logs of Cape Ann’s police and fire departments:

    GLOUCESTER

    Monday, May 6

    5:54 p.m.: The Fire Department was assisted with a call from Centennial Avenue.

    5:27 p.m.: A juvenile matter was reported on Patriots Circle.

    5:26 p.m.: A parked motor vehicle was reportedly hit on Leslie O. Johnson Road.

    Crashes with property damage only were reported on Grant Circle at 1:43 a.m., on Route 128 southbound at 7:18 a.m., and East Main Street at 5:25 p.m.

    4:07 p.m.: Harassment was reported on Alpine Court.

    2:30 p.m.: Police took a report of a person possibly missing from Brightside Avenue. Police made contact with three people who said everything was fine.

    1:27 p.m.: A disabled vehicle was reported on Washington Street.

    1:13 p.m.: No action was required for a 911 caller seeking help with towing on Essex Avenue.

    7:58 a.m.: A 61-year-old New Hampshire woman faces an additional charge of assault and battery on a police officer during her transport to court from the Rockport Police Department, according to a police report. The woman was arrested Saturday around 1:12 a.m. on charges of driving under the influence of drugs, disorderly conduct and negligent operation of a motor vehicle after police came upon her vehicle parked in the center of the Fisherman’s Memorial, between the Man at the Wheel statue and the cenotaph tablets on Stacy Boulevard, according to the police report. On Monday, two Gloucester officers arrived at the Rockport station to take the woman to Gloucester District Court in Peabody. The officer on prisoner watch informed them the woman was on her knees splashing toilet water on the cell floor. The officer told the woman to sit on the bench so he could open the cell and allow her to put on her shoes. The report says the woman aggressively approached the cell door and said: “You guys are all demons” and hurled an expletive at the officers. Police repeatedly asked the woman to back away from the door, and she appeared as if she were preparing for a fight, the report said. As the officers went in to handcuff her, the report said the woman lunged through the cell door and attempted to grab an officer’s vest, hitting him in the chest. The officer blocked her and told her to get back into the cell. The report describes a struggle as officers attempted to handcuff her hands behind her back. After being handcuffed, the report said the woman became “legless” and refused to stand or walk to the cruiser. The woman had to be picked up and walked to the cruiser. Once inside the cruiser, police were concerned she would attempt to kick them if they tried to put a seatbelt on her. She was taken to court without further incident.

    7:47 a.m.: The Fire Department was assisted with a call on Centennial Avenue.

    ROCKPORT

    Tuesday, May 7

    6:44 p.m.: A report was made about alleged larceny/forgery/fraud at a Thatcher Road address.

    Medical emergencies: Individuals were taken to a hospital by ambulance from Paradis Circle at 12:35 p.m., Smith Street at 4:26 p.m., and Bayridge Lane at 5:05 p.m.

    1:03 p.m.: A report was made about a neighbor dispute at a Forest Street address.

    11:18 a.m.: A complaint about noise at a Sandy Bay Terrace address was lodged.

    10:01 a.m.: Animal Control was notified of a report made about an animal at the intersection of Main and Beach Streets.

    9:47 p.m.: After a motor vehicle stop on Thatcher Road, a violation was issued.

    MANCHESTER

    Tuesday, May 7

    Complaints about animals on Masconomo Street at 2:15 p.m., Central Street at 4:39 and 4:55 p.m., and Procter Street at 6:10 p.m. were lodged.

    3:03 p.m.: After a motor vehicle stop on Summer Street, a verbal warning was issued.

    Vandalism was reported on Eaglehead Road at 11:28 a.m. and Beach Street at 2:33 p.m.

    9:59 a.m.: Assistance was given to an individual on Central Street.

    9:24 a.m.: A complaint was made about noise at a Summer Street address.

    7:34 a.m.: A traffic hazard was reported on the southbound lanes of Route 128 near School Street.

    Traffic stops were conducted on the southbound lanes of Route 128 at 2:17 and 2:34 p.m. Both drivers were given verbal warnings.

    1:10 a.m.: Suspicious activity was reported at a Beach Street address.

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  • Police/Fire

    Police/Fire

    In news taken from the logs of Cape Ann’s police and fire departments:

    GLOUCESTER

    Sunday, May 5

    10:02 p.m.: A crash with property damage only was reported on Washington and Mansfield streets.

    5:16 p.m.: Police took a report of child abuse.

    4:23 p.m.: Trash dumping was reported on Eastern Point Boulevard. A pile of cutup posts and lumber dumped in a pile off to the side of a back driveway was discovered in a homeowner’s backyard. The homeowner gave a description of a man he had confronted on his property. The man told the homeowner he was “just checking the place out,” the report said. The homeowner said the man appeared to be acting suspiciously and he believed he was casing the home. The man then walked down the driveway and left. The homeowner did not see if he got into a vehicle. A neighbor did not see anything. Police planned to check with Eastern Point security to review footage to identify the man and a possible vehicle.

    3:15 p.m.: Police planned to file a criminal complaint against a 61-year-old New Hampshire woman on a charge of assault and battery on a police officer at the Rockport Police Department where people are held in custody with the Gloucester Police Department presently under renovations. 

    1:03 p.m.: Police provided mutual aid to Manchester police on Summer Street.

    5:59 a.m.: A hypodermic needle was retrieved from Commercial Street and dispose of safely.

    Saturday, May 4

    7:32 p.m.: Police assisted the Fire Department with a medical emergency.

    Crashes with property damage only reported on Grant Circle on Washington Street at 11:02 a.m., Washington and Addison streets at 3:03 p.m., Washington and Poplar streets at 4:02 p.m., Market Basket on Gloucester Crossing Road at 4:44 p.m., Elm Street at 5:53 p.m., andon Walker Street at 7:16 p.m. 

    Fire Department was assisted with calls from Walker Street at 2:05 p.m. and from McPherson Park on Prospect Street at 6:25 p.m.

    5:03 p.m.: Loitering was reported at Walgreens on Main Street.

    2:34 p.m.: Police responded to a disturbance on Essex Avenue.

    9:12 a.m.: A crash with injuries was reported at 54 Eastern Ave. Police planned to file a criminal complaint against a 53-year-old Gloucester man on charges of driving with a suspended license, negligent operation and a marked lanes violation. A vehicle was towed from the scene.

    9:07 a.m.: Debris was reported on Addison Street.

    7:11 a.m.: No action was required for a report of credit card fraud from Heights at Cape Ann.

    1:11 a.m.: As a result of a report of a suspicious motor vehicle at the Man at the Wheel statue on Stacy Boulevard and Western Avenue, police arrested a 61-year-old resident of Bow, New Hampshire, on charges of driving under the influence of drugs, disorderly conduct and negligent operation of a motor vehicle. Police arrived to find the vehicle parked on the boulevard in the center of the Fisherman’s Memorial, between the Man at the Wheel statue and the cenotaphs — the granite blocks and bronze plaques —and the railing. Police found the driver with her eyes closed, swaying her head side to side, and mumbling to herself. When ordered to put the car in park and shut it off, the woman at first refused, but eventually did so, th police  report said. The woman said she was on her way to New Hampshire from Logan Airport in Boston and decided to come to Gloucester “to speak with the ocean,” the report said. The woman became agitated as an officer asked her questions. She reportedly jumped out of her vehicle in an angry manner, telling police she could park somewhere else and there was no reason for them to be there. An officer informed the woman he had never seen a person park a vehicle in this manner in the 32 years he has lived in Gloucester. Police then asked her to submit to field sobriety tests, and after jumping up on the granite blocks and showing signs of impairment during two of the tests, police arrested her on a charge of disorderly conduct. The officer concluded the woman was driving under the influence of drugs, the report said. Police requested the vehicle be towed and saw fresh damage on both its sides. Police did not locate illegal drugs in the vehicle, but found the driver’s prescription for lorazepam. Police filed an immediate threat for her right to drive in Massachusetts.

    Friday, May 3

    9:14 p.m.: Police planned to file a criminal complaint with a charge of trespassing against a 49-year-old Gloucester resident of no known address. Police were dispatched for a report of a man sitting on the railroad tracks off Dory Road and refusing to move so that the inbound train could pass. While police were heading there, dispatch informed responding officers that witnesses said the man was walking toward the Cleveland Street crossing but was still on the tracks. Police walked the tracks about a half mile approaching the train but were unable to locate anyone on the tracks. The train engineer and conductor described the man as tall, balding with curly hair on the sides and wearing a red sweatshirt. This description matched that of a man police had escorted off the tracks in the same location the day before. Police eventually caught up with the man. Police reminded him of their prior conversation regarding trespassing on the tracks. He told police he has nothing to do and his family has always walked the tracks. He was not trying to harm himself, he was just bored, he told police, who told the man the tracks are posted as “No Trespassing,” and that they would be charging him for trespassing.

    Crashes with property damage only reported at the Blackburn Rotary at 2:13 p.m., and on Pirates Lane at 5:38 p.m.

    1:51 p.m.: Trash dumping was reported on Elm Street. A caller reported trash that has been put out a week in advance.

    10:40 a.m.: A 54-year-old Gloucester resident was arrested on an active warrant for a restraining order violation. The man was taken into custody after a motor-vehicle stop of a white Ford truck on Poplar Street and Bertoni Road. The man was taken to Peabody District Court.

    10:04 a.m.: A disabled vehicle was reported on Hesperus and Western avenues.

    7:42 a.m.: A report of annoying phone calls was under investigation. The log refers to charges being sought.

    ROCKPORT

    Monday, May 6

    Noon: The Fire Department was dispatched to a Drumlin Road address.

    Sunday, May 5

    2:48 p.m.: A medical emergency ambulance transport was conducted from a Main Street address.

    8:13 a.m.: The Fire Department was dispatched to a Granite Street address.

    Saturday, May 4

    Medical emergencies: Individuals were taken to the hospital by ambulance from the intersection of Beach and Main Streets at 10:36 a.m., the intersection of Thatcher Road and Tregony Bow at 11:19 a.m., the intersection of Thatcher Road and Highview Road at 11:34 a.m., and a Main Street address at 2:03 p.m.

    ESSEX

    Monday, May 6

    7:36 p.m.: A police investigation was conducted at a Pond Street address.

    7:27 p.m.: An ambulance transport was conducted from the intersection of Apple Street and Western Avenue.

    5:01 p.m.: A report was made about a motor vehicle crash on John Wise Avenue.

    1:17 p.m.: A report was made about a motor vehicle crash on Main Street.

    Sunday, May 5

    5:38 p.m.: After a report of an injury, a medical ambulance transport was refused at a Western Avenue address.

    9:56 a.m.: A medical ambulance transport was conducted from a Sagamore Circle address.

    Saturday, May 4

    7:29 a.m.: A request was made about a public utility on Martin Street.

    MANCHESTER

    Monday, May 6

    11:07 p.m.: Suspicious activity was reported on Ancient County Way at 9:59 p.m., at the intersection of Pine and Pleasant Streets at10:20 p.m., and at the Pine Street Fields at 11:07 p.m.

    4:53 p.m.: After a motor vehicle stop at the intersection of Pine Street and Parsons Lane, a written warning was issued.

    4:34 p.m.: A complaint was made about an animal on Allen Avenue.

    2:46 p.m.: A report was made about lost and found property at a Central Street address.

    1:53 p.m.: A report was made about a motor vehicle crash on Jersey Lane.

    1:48 p.m.: A community policing event was attended to at a Lincoln Street address.

    1:27 p.m.: A report of a structure fire was confirmed at a Boardman Avenue address. “It was just contained to an oven,” said Lt. Robert Cavender. “It was out before we even got there. It was just a small oven fire contained to the oven.”

    1:17 p.m.: Acomplaint about noise at the intersection of Sea and Summer Streets was lodged.

    8:27 a.m.: A transport was conducted at a Central Street address.

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  • Man seriously injured in Derry explosion

    Man seriously injured in Derry explosion

    DERRY — A man was seriously injured in a fiery explosion at a Chases Grove Road home Sunday night.

    The unidentified man, who suffered potentially life-threatening injuries, was pulled from the burning home at 607 Chases Grove Road by bystanders shortly before 7:40 p.m., according to Battalion Chief Ryan Bump of the Derry Fire Department.

    Firefighters from 12 communities responded to the blaze, which took nearly an hour to bring under control.   

    As firefighters from Derry and other communities fought the flames, emergency personnel from the Salem and Londonderry fire departments treated the injured man and transported him to an area hospital, Bump said in a release. 

    The Derry Fire Communications Center received multiple calls reporting an explosion and fire in the 784-square-foot manufactured home but none of the callers knew if anyone was inside the burning building, he said.

    Firefighters arrived only four minutes later to find half the residence engulfed in flames and to learn the man had been pulled to safety. At the same time that Derry’s Engine 2 responded, the department’s Engine 1 and Medic 1 were responding to another emergency call, Bump said.  

    The fire was declared under control at 8:35 p.m. but its cause remains under investigation. The state Fire Marshal’s Office is assisting Derry with the investigation due to the seriousness of the man’s injuries and the complexity of the fire scene, the battalion chief said.

    Along with Salem and Londonderry, fire crews also responded from Hampstead, Plaistow, Atkinson, Windham, Hudson, Manchester, Nashua, Auburn and Chester. The Derry Fire Department also received assistance from the town Police Department and the Derry Community Emergency Response Team (CERT).

    Staff Reports

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  • Area police news

    Area police news

    BeverlyTuesday

    Officers were sent to Mechanic Street where they restored the peace after a disturbance.

    An ambulance was sent to Federal Street at 7:05 p.m., and another to Pratt Avenue at 9:01 p.m., to transport separate individuals to the hospital.

    Police were sent to the intersection of Essex and Winter streets at 10:41 p.m. to restore peace after a disturbance.

    Wednesday

    Police responded to Hale Street at Prides Crossing for a motor vehicle accident with property damage only.

    An officer was sent to Manor Road at 9:29 a.m. to report on a recent incident of vandalism.

    A call to assist a citizen brought police to Foster’s Point at 2:57 p.m. An ambulance was dispatched, and the person was transported to the hospital.

    PeabodyWednesday

    Police and an ambulance were sent to Peabody Shell, 85 Lynnfield St., at 6:46 a.m. for a hit-and-run motor vehicle accident. The operator was evaluated by Atlantic Ambulance and refused treatment.

    A two-vehicle accident brought police to the intersection of Beckett and Sutton streets for an accident without injuries. Both vehicles were towed, and one operator was summoned to court for unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle.

    An ambulance was dispatched to the McVann O’Keefe Rink, 511 Lowell St., at 11:16 a.m. for a fall with a head strike. The patient was transported to Salem Hospital.

    Police were sent to an apartment at 50 Warren St. for a dispute over stolen medication. Two people, a man and a woman, were arrested and transported to Peabody District Court. The 45-year-old Malden man was charged with two counts of possessing a Class E drug and with larceny under $1,200; and the 57-year-old Peabody woman was charged with distributing a Class E drug.

    Police stopped a vehicle at 12:44 p.m. in the vicinity of 1 Lake Street and transported the 42-year-old Peabody male to Peabody District Court to face three charges: unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, driving an uninsured vehicle and driving an unregistered motor vehicle.

    A Forest Street woman called police at 1:53 p.m. to report that her goat had been stolen.

    Police were called to the intersection of Northend Street and Kenwood Road at 2:52 p.m. for a two-vehicle accident with an airbag deployment, a possible head injury, and fluids were leaking from the vehicle. Both vehicles were towed and one operator was cited for failure to yield. There was no hospital transport.

    A caller from 48 Washington St. called police to report her home had been burglarized. The officer reported there was no issue; window had fallen off.

    Police stopped a vehicle on Lynnfield Street at 5:25 p.m. after a caller reported a gray Jeep driving all over the road before hitting a pole in the vicinity of Bartholomew Street. Police located the vehicle and arrested the operator, a 31-year-old Salem man. He was charged with drunken driving and with leaving the scene of a property-damage accident.

    Police were called to DBVS, 79 Lynnfield St., for a vehicle parked in the fire lane. Arrington Tow was called, and the operator, a 39-year-old Peabody man will be summoned to court for operating an unregistered motor vehicle, operating an uninsured motor vehicle and for driving on a suspended license.

    A cruiser was sent to the Cabaret Lounge, 96 Newbury St., for a female who had called 911 at 11:53 p.m. to request a ride home. The caller disconnected and operator attempted to call back. On the first attempt, there was no answer and a voicemail was left. The second callback reached a crying female who said she wants to go home and declined medical services. On third callback attempt, the caller said she was crying because she had no way of getting home. She disconnected. The responding officer said the female is going home with the male party she came with.

    Thursday

    An officer was called to Route 128 north for a three-vehicle hit-run accident without injuries or hazards. The officer reported it was not an accident, it was a road-rage incident. The officer summoned the operator of Mass. license plate #49NCF49 for an attempted assault witnessed by the owner/operator of Mass. 9CF571 against the operator of Mass. #4NVM54. The officer attempted to contact the operator at a Peabody address, but the vehicle was not there. The officer spoke with a male who said he believes it was another family member operating the vehicle and he provided the name of the person, a 64-year-old Peabody male, and he was summoned to court on an assault charge.

    Salem

    Tuesday

    Police were called to 91 Lafayette St. at 4 p.m. to report on a larceny.

    An officer was called to 22 High St. at 5:02 p.m. to settle a dispute.

    Police went to 40 Leggs Hill Road at 5:28 p.m. to handle a juvenile issue.

    A report of being threatened brought police to 124 Boston St. at 6:51 p.m.

    Officers were sent to 227 Highland Ave. at 7:25 p.m. to settle a disturbance.

    Police stopped a vehicle at 8:42 p.m. in the vicinity of Loring Avenue and Station Road, and after a brief investigation, they arrested 33-year-old Salem man and charged him with disorderly conduct.

    Police reported at 11:29 p.m. that a person had been threatened in the vicinity of 259 Highland Ave.

    Wednesday

    An officer was sent to 30 Walter St. at 9:03 a.m. in response to a holdup or panic alarm. It was unfounded.

    At 11:34 a.m., Police arrested a 32-year-old homeless Salem man on an outstanding warrant after a traffic stop in the vicinity of 220 Highland Ave.

    The report of a shoplifting brought police to 250 Highland Ave. at 3:05 p.m.

    Danvers

    Tuesday

    Police were sent to Cemetery Road at 4:33 p.m. to assist Middleton and Peabody in a police chase.

    Officers were called to MB Spirits, 139 Endicott St. at 5:42 p.m. in response to a business alarm indicating a holdup at the left register.

    Police were sent to 2 Old Stonewall Ave. at 10:10 p.m. to check for a rider mower. Area search was negative.

    Wednesday

    An officer was sent to the vicinity of 125 High St. to check the well-being of an elderly male wearing a red jacket.

    Officers were called to the Liberty Tree Mall, 100 Independence Way, at 12:18 p.m. for an intoxicated male. The 36-year-old Danvers male was placed into protective custody until he sobered up.

    An officer was sent too 345 Locust St. at 1:07 p.m. for the larceny of a chicken.

    A Kirkbride resident notified police at 1:21 p.m. of a lost or stolen New Hampshire temporary license plate.

    A case of road rage was reported at 2:13 p.m. from the vicinity of the Thompson house, 160 Water St.

    Marblehead

    Tuesday

    Four officers were sent to the intersection of Spring and Elm streets at 1:14 a.m. for a motor vehicle stop. After a brief records check, they arrested a 47-year-old Salem man. He was charged with unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, operating an uninsured motor vehicle and operating an unregistered motor vehicle.

    Three officers, fire and an ambulance were dispatched to the intersection of Creesy and Green streets at 6:57 a.m. for a motor vehicle crash. One person was transported to the hospital and a driver was cited. The log neglected to indicate how many vehicles were involved.

    An officer was sent to State Street at 10:38 a.m., to investigate a larceny, forgery or fraud.

    Two officers were sent to Baldwin Road at 1:04 p.m. in response to a burglar alarm.

    Two officers responded to a burglar alarm at 10:22 p.m. on Longview Drive, but it was a false alarm.

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  • Police/Fire

    Police/Fire

    In news taken from the logs of Cape Ann’s police and fire departments:

    GLOUCESTER

    Tuesday, April 23

    9:08 p.m.: Suspicious activity was reported on Gloucester Crossing Road.

    8:15 p.m.: Debris in the roadway was reported on the extension of Route 128.

    7:29 p.m.: The Fire Department was assisted with a report from Flatrocks/Seaside Cemetery on Langsford Street.

    2:09 p.m.: Police at the station took a report of fraud.

    11:27 a.m.: No action was required for a report of a disturbance at Harbor Village on Main Street.

    11:21 a.m.: Police were unable to serve a warrant on Blackburn Drive.

    ROCKPORT

    Tuesday, April 30

    7:03 p.m.: After a motor vehicle stop on Wildon Heights, a verbal warning was issued.

    Medical emergencies: Ambulance transport to a hospital was conducted from Curtis Street at 10:39 p.m., South Street at 11:20 a.m. and Kitefield Road at 4:29 p.m.

    10:01 a.m.:  A police wellness check was conducted at a Main Street address.

    Monday April 29

    11:22 p.m.: A person was assisted at a South Street address.

    Medical emergencies: Individuals were taken to a hospital by ambulance from Granite Street at 1:06 p.m., and Sandy Bay Terrace at 10:23 p.m.

    Traffic stops were made on Bearskin Neck at 6:46 a.m., Broadway at 5:42 p.m., and Mt. Pleasant Street at 5:48 p.m. The first drivers received a verbal warning, while the latter was issued a written warning.

    MANCHESTER

    Tuesday, April 30

    10:27 p.m.: Suspicious activity was reported at a Central Street address.

    6:07 p.m.: The erratic operation of a motor vehicle on Pine Street was reported.

    5:35 p.m.: An individual was assisted on Central Street.

    5:15 p.m.: After a motor vehicle stop on the southbound side of Route 128, a written warning was issued.

    12:09 p.m.: A report was made about lost and found property at a School Street address

    9:05 a.m.: A motor vehicle crash was reported on Summer Street.

    7:05 a.m.: Community policing was conducted in the school zone.

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  • Essex crash victim medflighted to Boston

    Essex crash victim medflighted to Boston

    ESSEX — A crash on Apple Street in Essex over the weekend resulted in the driver being transported via medical helicopter to a Boston area trauma hospital.

    The crash, which took place near 129 Apple St. around 1:17 p.m. Saturday, involved a single SUV in which the driver was the sole occupant, according to the Essex Fire and Police Department. The driver crashed his black SUV into a stone wall off Apple Street, said police chief Paul Francis, who did not release the man’s name.

    Firefighters used struts to stabilize the SUV before removing the driver. The driver was then transported by Beauport Ambulance paramedics to a Boston Medflight helicopter waiting at Shepard Memorial Park off Martin Street.

    On Monday, fire Chief Ramie Reader said rescue personnel took only moments to transport the victim to Shepard Memorial Park for the emergency helicopter transport. Medflight helicopters typically use Shepard Memorial Park as a staging area, police said. The park is adjacent to Town Hall on Martin Street.

    Reader said he did not know the condition of the driver, and that the crash is still under investigation.

    “At this time, we don’t know how it happened,” he said.

    “Essex Police and Massachusetts State Police investigated the crash,” Francis said.

    Stephen Hagan can be reached at 978-675-2708 or at shagan@northofboston.com.

    By Stephen Hagan | Staff Writer

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  • Newly promoted to be pinned in ceremony

    Newly promoted to be pinned in ceremony

    On Thursday, police Chief Ed Conley and fire Chief Eric Smith will host a badge ceremony to swear in new and recently promoted police officers and firefighters.

    The public is invited to the ceremony on April 25 at 5 p.m. in Kyrouz Auditorium at City Hall, 9 Dale Ave.

    Being promoted are:

    Gloucester Police: Sgt. Robert Morrissey to lieutenant and Officer Michael Cimoszko to sergeant.

    Gloucester Fire: Firefighter James Hannon V to lieutenant and will swear in new Firefighter Andrew Hugel.

    Mayor Greg Verga will lead the ceremony and provide opening remarks. Conley and Smith will present their members.

    — Times Staff

    In other news taken from the logs of Cape Ann’s police and fire departments:

    GLOUCESTER Wednesday, April 17

    7:05 p.m.: A 911 caller reported smoke coming from his 2016 Ford F150 pickup at Gloucester Crossing Road. No flames were showing. Police provided the driver with a courtesy ride and the vehicle was towed for safety reasons.

    5:51 p.m.: A crash with property damage only was reported on Beacon Street.

    4:42 p.m.: After a reported stop sign violation at 370 Main St., police planned to file a complaint against a Gloucester resident with a charge of driving without a license. A licensed driver was able to drive the car from the scene.

    11:32 a.m.: A crash on Dory Road was under investigation.

    11:12 a.m.: Peace was restored after a reported crash in the vicinity of 382 Main St., Domino’s Pizza.

    12:32 a.m.: A suspicious person was reported at the Jodrey State Fish Pier on Parker Street.

    Tuesday, April 16

    11:43 p.m.: Police responded to two possible car breaks. On Cherry Hill Road, police came across a parked 2003 Nissan Altima, when a sergeant relayed information about a 2017 Volkswagen Passat on Macomber Road. Both cars’ driver’s side and rear doors were found open, and both appeared to have been ransacked. It was not known if anything was missing. Police attempted to reach the owners of the cars.

    10:43 p.m.: Police could not locate a reported disturbance on Mt. Pleasant Avenue.

    6:55 p.m.: The Fire Department was assisted with a call from Summer Street. A caller reported an alarm sounding from a neighbor’s home for roughly an hour with concerns for the neighbor’s well-being. Police were unsure if the home was occupied or not.

    4:59 p.m.: A three-car crash with injuries was reported on Blackburn Circle. The Rockport driver of a 2015 GMC told police he or she blacked out while driving on Route 128 south towards the rotary, the crash report said. The GMC reportedly sideswiped a 2014 Volkswagen before it traveled onto the median and crashed into a yield sign. The GMC then continued through the median and onto the traffic circle where it rear-ended a 2016 Volvo, spinning this vehicle 180 degrees. The GMC then came to rest in the center of the traffic circle. All three drivers were taken to area hospitals and all three vehicles were towed from the scene.

    Crashes with property damage only were reported on Washington and Poplar streets at 1:59 p.m., St. Anthony’s Lane at 2:11 p.m., and at the Cruiseport Gloucester on Rowe Square at 3:23 p.m.

    1:45 p.m.: Vandalism was reported on Centennial Avenue.

    1:04 p.m.: An abandoned vehicle was reported on Mansfield Street.

    11:31 a.m.: Police had a vehicle reported disabled on Route 128 northbound towed.

    2:33 a.m.: No action was required for a report of a disabled vehicle on the Route 128 extension.

    Monday, April 15

    10:14 p.m.: A crash with property damage only was reported at the traffic lights on Eastern Avenue and the Route 128 extension.

    Fire Department assisted on Prospect Street at 12:33 p.m., and at a possible gas leak on Magnolia Avenue at 10:06 p.m.

    Vehicles repossessed at 8:51 p.m. on Patriots Circle and 8:54 p.m. on Whittemore Street.

    7:50 p.m.: A report of fraud on High Popples Road was under investigation.

    Disturbances were reported on Main Street at 12:01 and 1:26 p.m. and on Prospect and Pleasant streets at 7:44 p.m., to which police responded.

    6:52 p.m.: Harassment was reported on Oakes Avenue.

    1:16 p.m.: An abandoned vehicle was reported on Derby Street.

    11:55 a.m.: A hypodermic needle was retrieved from Pearl Street and disposed of safely.

    9:30 a.m.: A disabled vehicle was reported at Exit 53 on Route 128 northbound.

    12:06 a.m.: Police planned to file a complaint against a 54-year-old Gloucester resident on a charge of violating a harassment prevention order after responding to a report on Washington Street. A resident explained he was having ongoing issues with his neighbor knocking on his door, and he reportedly did so again that night. Given the order was active and required the neighbor to stay at least 20 yards away, police filed the complaint.

    Sunday, April 14

    10:09 p.m.: Peace was restored after a report that several cars were parked on Magnolia and Western Avenue.

    Crashes with property damage only were reported on on Route 128 southbound at 10:30 a.m., Poplar Park at 11:56 a.m., and Mansfield Street at 9:56 p.m.

    3:45 p.m.: After an off-duty officer called in a disabled vehicle on Route 128 southbound prior to the A. Piatt Andrew Bridge, police planned to file a complaint against a 54-year-old Gloucester resident on a charge of driving without a license. The driver, who was alone in the car, told police she was on her way to Lynn when the hood came loose and struck the windshield, cracking it. She then provided police with an expired registration and a Massachusetts ID card. Dispatch informed the officer the car’s registration was active and the driver had an active learner’s permit. The driver told police she did not have the active registration or permit on hand. Police explained to her she needed to keep her permit with her while driving, and that to drive with a learner’s permit she needed to be accompanied by a licensed driver older than 21 with at least a year of driving experience in the passenger seat. She also needed to have the registration in her possession. Police had the vehicle towed and gave the driver a ride home.

    3:25 p.m.: Police were called to assist with the Blynman Bridge on Western Avenue.

    2:55 p.m.: A motor vehicle stop at the Speedway on Main Street resulted in charges being filed, according to the log. The gray 2007 Chevrolet Colorado pickup was listed in the log as being unregistered. Police had it towed.

    2:54 p.m.: Peace was restored after a report of a disturbance on Leslie O. Johnson Road.

    2:15 p.m.: Police were called to assist with gas leak at a Rocky Neck Avenue restaurant. The caller reported everyone was out of the restaurant and the Fire Department was notified.

    1:12 p.m.: Police assisted the Fire Department with a call from Poplar Park after a medical alarm got no response from a patient. A cruiser was sent to assist firefighters and a patient was transported to Addison Gilbert Hospital.

    1:03 p.m.: Police responded to a disturbance on Main Street.

    12:11 p.m.: Debris in the roadway was reported between the lights and Blackburn Circle on Route 128 southbound.

    10:09 a.m.: A disturbance was reported at Walgreens on Main Street.

    ROCKPORT Monday, April 22

    Fire Department dispatched to Pigeon Hill Court at 2:52 and 11:16 p.m., after a report and request, respectively were received.

    10:56 p.m.: A motor vehicle crash on Old Garden Road was reported.

    7:08 p.m.: After a motor vehicle stop on Main Street, a verbal warning was issued.

    5:46 p.m.: A report was made about an animal at a Gaffield Avenue address.

    2:46 p.m.: A wellbeing check was conducted at the intersection of Main Street and Dodds Lane.

    10:06 a.m.: Police wellness check calls were made to residents around town.

    9:03 a.m.: A report was made about lost and found property at a Granite Street address.

    7:58 a.m.: An individual was assisted on Main Street.

    ESSEX Monday, April 22

    Individuals were assisted on John Wise Avenue ay 11:35 a.m. and 5:22 p.m.

    4:18 p.m.: A complaint was made about an animal at a Lakeshore Drive address.

    1:53 p.m.: After a report of an unknown medical problem, an ambulance was dispatched to a John Wise Avenue address.

    Police investigations were conducted on Southern Avenue at 1:21 a.m. and Honeysuckle Road at 11:06 a.m..

    12:57 a.m.: A report was made about a motor vehicle crash at a Western Avenue address.

    MANCHESTER Monday, April 22

    Complaints about animals on Beach Street at 10:41 a.m., near Black Beach and Kettle Cove at 10:54 a.m., on White Beach at 10:54 a.m., Raymond Street at 10:55 a.m., and Lincoln Street at 6:06 p.m. were lodged.

    Traffic stops were conducted at the intersection of Beach Street and Tappan Street at 9:47 a.m., on Pine Street at 11:19 and 11:37 a.m. when written warnings were issued, and Pleasant Street at 6:04 p.m. The first and last drivers were given verbal warnings.

    2:50 p.m.: A community policing call was conducted at a Lincoln Street address.

    2:35 p.m.: Suspicious activity at a Beach Street address was reported.

    4:06 a.m.: Suspicious activity was reported at a Forest Street address.

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  • State sued over special education for young convicts

    State sued over special education for young convicts

    BOSTON — State education officials are being sued over claims that they aren’t providing adequate special-needs services for older, incarcerated youth serving time in county jails.

    A lawsuit filed in state Superior Court last week alleges the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education failed to fulfill its statutory obligation to provide special education to youth with disabilities in houses of correction throughout the state, which is depriving them opportunities they are entitled to under state law.

    The legal challenge was filed by the Mental Health Legal Advisors Committee and Committee for Public Counsel Services on behalf of several unidentified inmates, who allege that they deprived of services such as speech and language therapy, and little or no access to tutoring from “a grossly understaffed and inadequately monitored” education provider.

    “DESE’s failure to uphold its legal obligation to provide adequate education to incarcerated youth is unacceptable,” Phil Kassel, of the Mental Health Legal Advisors Committee, said in a statement.

    “Every student, regardless of their circumstances, deserves access to a quality education that meets their individual needs.”

    A spokeswoman for the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education said the agency will “review the lawsuit” but declined comment further, citing a policy of not discussing pending litigation. The statement said the agency said it is “committed to seeing that all students with disabilities receive the services they deserve.”

    The plaintiffs argue that the failure to adequately provide special-needs services for students increases a likelihood they will not get a high school diploma, which means their prospects after release from jail “are greatly diminished, economically and otherwise.”

    “A high school diploma is necessary to have any reasonable chance to compete in today’s job market,” the lawyers wrote.

    “Without meaningful employment opportunities, youth are substantially more likely to live in poverty and depend on public benefits as adults.”

    “This poverty can exacerbate mental health issues, as well as perpetuate cycles of homelessness and unemployment,” they added.

    A report by the group Citizens for Juvenile Justice highlighted what it described as a lack of education opportunities for 18- to 21-year-olds serving time at houses of correction, alleging that the state, county, and municipal officials are violating young peoples’ right to an education under the state constitution.

    But the group says the DESE lawsuit is “narrow” in scope and won’t have an impact on the overall problem of educational opportunities for incarcerated youth.

    It has called for taking other steps including a proposal that would raise the age of juvenile jurisdiction by the courts to include 18 to 20 year olds.

    “Even if it is successful, the needs of general education students in both HOCs and DOC, as well as special education students in DOC, are not addressed by the litigation,” the group said.

    “It would be more efficient to raise the upper age of juvenile jurisdiction to ensure a state-wide fix, rather than focus on improving county-by-county programming for young adults in HOCs that are reluctant or outright resistant to do this.”

    On Thursday, supporters of the “raise the age” proposal held a rally outside the Statehouse, where formerly incarcerated youth called on lawmakers to approve the legislation.

    Christian M. Wade covers the Massachusetts Statehouse for North of Boston Media Group’s newspapers and websites. Email him at cwade@cnhinews.com.

    By Christian M. Wade | Statehouse Reporter

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  • Police/Fire

    Police/Fire

    In news taken from the logs of Cape Ann’s police and fire departments:

    GLOUCESTER

    Friday, April 12

    7:28 p.m.: Debris in the roadway was reported on Washington Street.

    6:35 p.m.: No action was required for a report of a hold-up alarm at the Market Basket on Gloucester Crossing Road.

    5:35 p.m.: Larceny was reported on Granite Street.

    4:57 p.m.: A caller reported the theft of a computer delivered to his home on on Bayfield Road. The report states the driver took a picture of the box when it was delivered, but when the person went to grab the box, it was not there. The resident suspected the driver took it and he planned to follow up with the FedEx fraud division.

    3:36 p.m.: A burglary/past break-in was reported on Nashua Avenue.

    3:04 p.m.: Police planned to file a criminal complaint against a 16-year-old on a charge of assault and battery on Pleasant Street.

    2:17 p.m.: A crash with property damage only was reported at 129 Prospect St.

    12:47: Police took a report of fraud on Prospect Street.

    Thursday, April 11

    8:07 p.m.: After a traffic stop on Eastern Avenue at Webster Street for a car without any tail lights on, police filed a criminal complaint against a 22-year-old Gloucester resident on charges of a motor-vehicle lights violation and driving without a license. The driver produced a registration but not a license when stopped. Using a translation service, the man provided the officer with a passport. Dispatch confirmed the man had no license status, only a learner’s permit. The driver contacted his boss who translated for them both. The driver was told he was going to be summonsed to court for unlicensed driving and a licensed driver arrived to take the SUV away.

    6:36 p.m.: A 29-year-old Gloucester resident was arrested on two counts of breaking and entering into a vehicle/boat in the daytime to commit a felony, resisting arrest and larceny under $1,200. A witness reported seeing a man rummaging through the passenger seat of his father’s car as it was parked on Elwell Street. The witness contacted his brother who was at home and called police. The brother went outside and saw the 29-year-old going through the vehicle from the passenger seat. He asked the suspect what he was doing, and he said he thought the vehicle belonged to his cousin. The brother said he did not believe the suspect and asked him to empty his pockets, but he did not recognize any of the belongings. The father then came out and checked his car, telling police he left his doors unlocked. He did not notice anything missing, with items from the center console strewn about, including a plastic change holder that had been removed and discarded on the floor. The suspect repeated that he thought the car belonged to his cousin, but refused to say what he was doing, what he was looking for, or who his cousin was. He could not describe the vehicle his cousin owned. The man said he had come from a local establishment and police said they could smell an odor of alcohol about him. Police went to arrest the man, but he resisted. One of the officers drew his stun gun and ordered the suspect to stop resisting and the man complied. The man was searched and police found miscellaneous property in his pockets. During booking, officers learned from dispatch there was a second report of a car break in the area, with the owner of a 2010 Toyota Corolla, reporting loose change, a half a roll of quarters and a Zippo lighter missing from his vehicle, consistent to what was found in the suspect’s possession. Police later obtained security camera footage showing the suspect walking onto Elwell Street and checking the driver’s side door of a 2020 Chevrolet before walking down the street and getting into the passenger side of the father’s car.

    Debris in the roadway was reported on Route 128 north at 2:21 p.m. and between Grant Circle and A. Piatt Andrew bridge on Route 128 south at 2:03 p.m..

    6:16 a.m.: An unwelcome guest was reported on Sheedy Park at Pleasant Street.

    Wednesday, April 10

    Crashes with property damage only at 5:16 p.m. on Grant Circle, and at 6:11 p.m. on Elm Avenue. 

    5:22 p.m.: Vandalism to a car was reported on Rockland Street. During the night, someone took a blow torch to the Ford Escape and damaged it. There were no suspects in the incident.

    5:20 p.m.: An assault as a result of a landlord/tenant dispute was reported on Centennial Avenue.

    4:59 p.m.: A hit-and-run crash with property damage only at 178 Washington St. resulted in police planning to file a criminal complaint against a 49-year-old Gloucester man on charges of driving with a revoked license as a habitual traffic offender, leaving the scene of property damage and negligent driving. Police came upon the scene and found a parked rented 2023 Nissan on the northbound side of Washington Street with damage to the driver’s side rear quarter panel. The other car, a 2018 Jeep Compass, had fled the scene. The red Jeep could be seen on video provided by a nearby restaurant fleeing to the intersection of Grove Street and turning right. The video showed the crash, with the Jeep traveling at a high rate of speed, crossing the white fog line, striking the parked car, and pushing it forward one foot. The Jeep crossed the double yellow center line nearly striking an oncoming vehicle. The driver of the oncoming vehicle told police he turned around on Washington Street and attempted to follow the Jeep on Grove Street but lost it as it sped away. Police eventually located the Jeep matching the description given in a driveway on East Main Street. The Jeep was found with a jack under the passenger side and the damaged front tire was raised in the air. Police spoke with the driver who eventually admitted to driving the Jeep, which he did not own. He told police he fled because his license was revoked.

    3:32 p.m.: Police responded to a report of trespassing on Atlantic Street.

    2:59 p.m.: A disabled vehicle was reported on Grant Circle.

    12:45 p.m.: Police took a report of stolen property.

    12:30 p.m.: Police took a report of drug activity.

    10:12 a.m.: Police took a report of fraud, identity theft. A resident reported she had contacted Xfinity after her cell phone stopped working a couple of days before. After speaking with the Xfinity fraud department and obtaining a new SIM card, the resident noticed an attempt to withdraw $2,500 from her bank account and attempted charges to her Amazon account. Both of these were stopped. The resident has since contacted her bank and changed all of her passwords linked to her phone.

    ESSEX

    Friday, April 19

    3:15 a.m.: An individual was assisted at a John Wise Avenue address.

    Thursday, April 18

    Assistance was given to individuals on John Wise Avenue  at, 4:36, 5:05 and 5:19 p.m. and on Martin Street at 5:18 p.m.

    Medical emergencies: Taken to a hospital by medical ambulance was person having difficulty breathing on Lufkin Point Road at 12:56 p.m. and a person who had fallen on Grove Street at 4:07 p.m.

    MANCHESTER

    Thursday, April 18

    Traffic stops were made at the intersection of Pleasant Street and Old Essex Road at 7:52 p.m., at the intersection of Bridge Street and Highland Avenue at 9:39 p.m., and on Lincoln Street at 10:41 p.m. Officers issued a written warning and two verbal warnings, respectively.

    Investigations were conducted by police on School Street at 3:23 p.m. and Tucks Point Road at 9:53 p.m.

    3:11 p.m.: An individual was aided at a Central Street address.

    Complaints about animals on Beach Street at 10:26 a.m., The Plains at 11:17 a.m. and Smiths Point Road at 2:15 p.m.

    10:05 a.m.: A report was made about a motor vehicle crash at a University Lane address.

    9:36 a.m.: The Manchester-by-the-Sea Fire Department doused a fire in a red dump truck in the vicinity of 129 Pine St. According to a post on Facebook, the North Shore Regional 911 Center alerted the Fire and Police departments to a reported vehicle fire. Engine 1 and C1 responded and crews using a single line quickly extinguished the flames. There were no injuries.  

    1:05 a.m.: Police issued a verbal warning to an. individual on Beach Street.

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  • Family fighting teen killer’s possible parole board release

    Family fighting teen killer’s possible parole board release

    GROVELAND — Sean Aylward lost his sister more than three decades ago. It still bothers him that he never got to see her go to the prom, graduate high school, attend college, get married or have children.

    Beth Brodie, who was murdered at age 15, also didn’t get a chance to be an aunt to Aylward’s son, who is now 30.

    “We didn’t get to experience all of that,” Aylward said.

    Brodie, a Pentucket High School cheerleader, was murdered in 1992 by Peabody resident Richard Baldwin, a then-16-year-old boy she had briefly dated. He beat her to death with an aluminum baseball bat.

    Baldwin in 1994 was sentenced to life in prison without parole for Brodie’s murder.

    But in 2013, a controversial state Supreme Judicial Court ruling allowed teen killers once sentenced to life without parole to seek release. The ruling expanded upon a 2011 United States Supreme Court decision holding that because the brains of juveniles were not fully developed, a sentence that forecloses all possibility of rehabilitation is unconstitutional.

    On May 16, Baldwin has a hearing scheduled before the parole board in Natick. Aylward and his family are “adamantly opposed” to any consideration of Baldwin’s release.

    “Our pain and suffering has not subsided since Beth was taken from us. It has in fact increased more pain, suffering and tears for us and Beth’s large circle of friends. The impending threat of parole is re-traumatizing and cannot be mitigated by the mere passage of time,” the Brodie family wrote in a statement posted on social media.

    “Granting parole would only serve to undermine justice and disregard the severity of the crime committed. Releasing this offender, without a doubt, would pose a continued threat to society. We urge the parole board to uphold the original sentencing and deny any requests for parole,” Brodie’s family continued.

    It was unclear what attorney would be representing Baldwin before the parole board.

    Aylward, who lives in Atkinson, New Hampshire, and is a manager at Commonwealth Motors in Lawrence, became an activist after the 2013 SJC decision.

    He, along with other family members and Beth’s friends, maintain social media posts in her memory and dedicated to justice for Brodie on social media. They’re hoping others will join a letter-writing campaign and ask the parole board to deny Baldwin’s release.

    “We need to get people thinking about it,” Aylward said last week. He said he wants the parole board not to view the hearing as “just another day at work.

    “This is a first degree killer,” he said, noting the board may be acquainted with the law “but they didn’t know Beth.”

    Another teen killer is Jamie Fuller, 16, who was convicted of murdering Amy Carnevale, 14, in Beverly in 1991. Fuller is scheduled for a hearing before the parole board on April 25.

    The parole board hearings, at 12 Mercer Road, Natick, are open to the public.

    In 2019, Baldwin had a parole board hearing scheduled. However, the hearing request was subsequently withdrawn.

    Aylward said he will be prepared to fight parole for as long as Baldwin lives.

    “It’s our job to bring Beth back to the story,” he has said.

    Follow staff reporter Jill Harmacinski on Twitter @EagleTribJill.

    By Jill Harmacinski | Staff Writer

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  • Three-car crash in Manchester-by-the-Sea sends two to hospital

    Three-car crash in Manchester-by-the-Sea sends two to hospital

    MANCHESTER-BY-THE-SEA — At least two people were injured, one seriously, when a three-car crash Sunday shut down the southbound lanes of Route 128 for approximately 30 minutes.

    The crash, reported the by North Shore Regional 911 Center at 8:35 p.m., spanned approximately 1,000 feet, according to Manchester-by-the-Sea Fire.

    The crash took place between School Street and Pine Street, fire Chief James “Jake” McNeilly said.

    One individual suffered “serious injuries,” while a second suffered minor injuries, McNeilly said.

    “Both patients were taken to Beverly Hospital,” McNeilly said. “We had vehicles in every lane so it forced us to shut down the highway so we could transport the patients and the tow trucks could remove the vehicles.”

    Four other people involved in the crash refused medical care at the scene, Manchester Fire said.

    Manchester Police Officer Zak Johnson said the initial crash involved a black hatchback that hit a guardrail on the travel side of the highway and then spun and crashed into the guardrail across the road.

    The lone occupant was able to get out of the vehicle and get into a vehicle that pulled over to help, Johnson said.

    At that point, two approaching vehicles crashed into the Good Samaritan’s car, one after another, Johnson said.

    “Technically, there were three crashes in one crash,” Johnson said. “He got into the Good Samaritan’s car and then was slammed by the two other cars.”

    McNeilly said one vehicle flipped over in the crash, a second suffered severe damage to the front-end and a third had minor damage.

    “Route 128 was totally shut down for roughly 30 minutes,” Manchester Fire posted to Facebook.

    Among the first to arrive was Manchester Fire Lt. Robert Cavender, who requested an “all-tone” to be transmitted, callling all available fire personnel to the scene

    Manchester Fire units responded and were joined by mutual aid units from the Beverly and Essex Fire Departments. An additional ambulance from Beauport Ambulance responded to the crash as did personnel from the Massachusetts State Police and Department of Transportation, and Todisco Towing.

    Stephen Hagan may be contacted at 978-675-2708, or shagan@gloucestertimes.com.

    By Stephen Hagan | Staff Writer

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  • 40 years later, Carver still seeking new trial in deadly Elliott Chambers fire

    40 years later, Carver still seeking new trial in deadly Elliott Chambers fire

    BEVERLY — For most people, their last image of James Carver is from a black-and-white photo from 1989, the year he was convicted of setting a fire that killed 15 people at the Elliott Chambers rooming house in Beverly.

    For four days last week, a different version of Carver appeared in a courthouse in Lawrence — in a wheelchair, in handcuffs, wearing court-provided headphones so he could hear the legal arguments over his latest effort to gain freedom.

    Carver, now 60, is asking for a new trial, the fifth time he has done so since he was sentenced to life in prison for the notorious Elliott Chambers fire on July 4, 1984. His attorneys say there is new evidence in the case due to advances in fire science and eyewitness identification, and that a new jury should hear that evidence.

    “It is overwhelmingly clear that justice was not done and that Mr. Carver is entitled to a new trial,” attorney Lisa Kavanaugh told Judge Jeffrey Karp on Friday in Lawrence Superior Court.

    The fire at Elliott Chambers, now the location of a CVS on Rantoul Street, was one of the deadliest in the state’s history. A jury found that Carver, who lived in Danvers at the time, set the fire in a fit of jealousy over his former fiancée dating a man who lived there. Fifteen people died, including a 9-year-old boy who was visiting his grandmother, the rooming house manager.

    Carver’s previous requests for a new trial have been denied four times. But the legal team representing him now, which includes attorneys from the state public defender’s Innocence Program and the Boston College Innocence Program, says that advances in fire science and eyewitness identification principles provides new evidence that merits a new trial.

    Craig Beyler, a fire science expert for the defense, said investigators at the time of the 1984 fire relied on “myths and misconceptions” about fire science that were common at the time. The investigators concluded the fire was started by someone using an accelerant, such as gasoline, to ignite a stack of newspapers on the floor of an alcove in the building.

    Investigators relied on the “myth” that fire does not burn down, and that the fire actually started in the overhead area of the alcove and could have been caused by an electrical problem, Beyler said.

    Carver’s attorneys also question the reliability of eyewitness accounts that either placed Carver at the scene of the fire or said he later confessed to setting it. They said a “vast body of scientific research” has emerged since Carver’s trial that bears on the reliability of a witness’ identification of Carver.

    Nancy Franklin, a psychologist who specializes in cognition and memory, including eyewitness identification, testified that the witness who identified Carver at the scene had limited time to observe him, in unreliable lighting conditions at night. The witness was a taxi driver who made his observations while stopped at a traffic light at the corner of Rantoul and Elliott streets.

    There are also questions about how “police feedback” influenced the witness, saying his descriptions of Carver became more detailed as the police continued to develop more evidence against Carver, Franklin said.

    Carver’s lawyers have also submitted evidence suggesting that Carver did not get proper representation from his original defense lawyer due to the lawyer’s “personal and criminal misconduct,” including substance abuse.

    In a court filing opposing Carver’s request for a new trial, prosecutors in the Essex County District Attorney’s office said the new evidence is not strong enough to “cast real doubt” on the justice of Carver’s convictions. They said the original investigators did consider whether the fire could have started overhead and “dropped down” to the floor of the alcove, but dismissed that possibility.

    As for the new science that might be used to challenge a witness’ identification of Carver being at the scene of the fire, prosecutors said that same science could also be used to revisit testimony from other witnesses who did not identify Carver as the suspect they saw that night.

    The new science “constitutes a double-edged sword, and would be as likely to harm the defendant’s case as to help it,” prosecutors said.

    They also said there was plenty of evidence beyond the fire investigation and eyewitness accounts that led to Carver’s conviction — including threats and confessions made by Carver himself.

    “We had a lot of evidence from the defendant’s own mouth,” Assistant District Attorney Catherine Semel told Karp at Friday’s hearing.

    Another hearing in the motion for a new trial is scheduled for May 29. Karp’s ruling is not expected for months and will be subject to appeal.

    Karp called the matter a “significant case,” saying, “The defense is asking me to vacate a 40-year-old conviction in a 40-year-old case where 15 people died.”

    Carver, who is serving time at Old Colony Correctional Center in Bridgewater, was transported to the courthouse in Lawrence each day for the hearing. His daughter attended the hearing on Thursday, sitting in the front row. She declined to comment for this story.

    Staff Writer Paul Leighton can be reached at 978-338-2535, by email at pleighton@salemnews.com, or on Twitter at @heardinbeverly.

    By Paul Leighton | Staff Writer

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  • House unveils $57.9 billion budget plan

    House unveils $57.9 billion budget plan

    BOSTON — More money for public transportation, education, housing, and workforce development are among the highlights of the House of Representatives’ version of next year’s state budget, which was rolled out Wednesday.

    The $57.9 billion House budget — which is about $150 million more than Gov. Maura Healey’s preliminary budget — boosts local aid in the fiscal year that begins on July 1 to more than $1.25 billion. It also calls for spending $6.86 billion on Chapter 70 school aid, also an increase over the current fiscal year.

    House Ways and Mean Chairman Aaron Michlewitz, D-Boston, said the plan will “allow the commonwealth’s economy to grow, while remaining competitive, and also recognizing the financial realities” facing the state government following several months of declining revenue.

    “This budget aims to do that with major investments in housing, education and workforce development … all while keeping Massachusetts a competitive engine,” he told reporters at a briefing where he touted the state’s fiscal outlook. “We still have the ability to navigate through these choppy waters and meet the needs of our residents.”

    House Democrats shrugged off Healey’s calls to cap spending increases at 2.9% over the previous fiscal year, proposing to hike spending by 3.3% next fiscal year.

    House Speaker Ron Mariano said despite the increased spending, the Legislature will need to tighten the state’s fiscal belt in the next year amid economic uncertainty and diminishing revenue collection.

    “This fiscal year is not going to be like the past few,” the Quincy Democrat said in remarks Wednesday. “And there will be an ever greater demand for fiscal responsibility throughout this budget cycle.”

    A key provision of the plan calls for spending what House leaders described as a “record” $555 million for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority in the next fiscal year to cover the cost upgrades and training new workers at the beleaguered agency.

    If approved, the House plan would earmark $314 million for direct operating costs at the MBTA, $184 million for the state’s 15 Regional Transit Authorities, and $75 million for MBTA capital investments.

    The plan also calls for spending $40 million to create an MBTA Academy to oversee recruiting and training efforts, and create a pipeline for skilled workers.

    Another $20 million would be set aside for reduced fares for riders with low incomes, which was recently approved by the MBTA’s Board of Directors.

    The plan also calls for spending $1 billion in proceeds from the millionaires’ tax on a range of education and transportation programs, along with new initiatives. The new voter-approved law, which went into effect in January, set a 4% surtax on incomes above $1 million.

    The House plan calls for $475 million to continue the Commonwealth Cares for Children program, which has provided grants to about 7,500 child care providers to help them keep their doors open during the pandemic.

    It also recommends spending $35 million to provide “unlimited” free phone calls for inmates at state prisons, correctional facilities and county jails.

    Increased funding for job training, housing, higher education, and expanding behavioral health services also are part of the proposal.

    Healey unveiled a $56.1 billion budget in January that called for capping spending increases at 2.9% across the board, citing the state’s declining revenue collections.

    Debate on the spending plan comes amid concerns about the state’s finances with taxes and other revenue coming in below benchmarks in recent months despite a slight uptick in the previous month, as well as federal pandemic aid drying up.

    Healey wielded her executive powers in February to slash $375 million from the current fiscal year budget to close a gap between spending and revenue.

    The so-called 9C cuts, which didn’t require legislative approval, hit a variety of state agencies and departments, with one of the largest reductions being a $294 million cut at the state’s Medicaid program for fee-for-service payments.

    Lawmakers are expected to file hundreds of proposed amendments to the House’s spending package, the fate of which will be debated in closed-door leadership negotiations.

    The budget also needs to be approved by the state Senate before heading to Healey’s desk for review.

    Christian M. Wade covers the Massachusetts Statehouse for North of Boston Media Group’s newspapers and websites. Email him at cwade@cnhinews.com.

    By Christian M. Wade | Statehouse Reporter

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  • After year of hoaxes, real bomb targets Satanic Temple

    After year of hoaxes, real bomb targets Satanic Temple

    SALEM — Police say an actual explosive device was used against the Satanic Temple this week, following numerous hoax threats over the past year as well as an arrest of a man in January who had planned an attack.

    Salem police were called to the Satanic Temple around 4 p.m. Monday as staff arrived to find a previously activated explosive device on the property at 64 Bridge St. The incident was traced back to 4:14 a.m., when cameras captured a person throwing “an explosive device onto the porch of the Satanic Temple,” a police press release Monday night said.

    “No one was present in the building at the time,” the release read, “and the device and damage it caused were not discovered until staff arrived at approximately 4 p.m.”

    Addressing the matter Tuesday morning, Salem police Chief Lucas Miller said the Satanic Temple is “a target on a scale much larger than Salem, and I do think that we need to really examine security there.”

    “The Temple is very cooperative with the Police Department, and they’re receptive to any ideas we have about improving security, so that’s something we’ll be looking at very closely,” Miller said. “The FBI has joined this investigation, and they’re the big kids when it comes to law enforcement. They have really talented investigators and resources that a small police department doesn’t really have, so they’re a very welcome addition.”

    The Satanic Temple has been a regular target of hoax threats in recent years, with many of those threats also impacting the nearby Carlton Innovation School and in at least one case resulting in an evacuation of the school to Salem High. (tinyurl.com/2s4cc5f2)

    There had been two arrests, however, in separate incidents in the past two years. A Chelsea man was arrested in June 2022 for arson at the Satanic Temple after he set fire to the front porch, and earlier this year a Michigan man was arrested and charged in that state with planning to bomb the building. Authorities have not linked any of the incidents at this time.

    “Salem detectives have worked closely with Temple staff on investigating these threats and incidents,” the news release read. “The bombing is currently under investigation by detectives from the Salem Police Criminal Investigation Division, along with the Joint Terrorism Task Force.”

    Monday morning’s bombing could have been worse, Miller explained.

    “The device failed to cause as much damage as we believed the person who threw it intended, but it did cause damage and did ignite,” he said. “But it didn’t have nearly as powerful an effect as the perpetrator intended.”

    The Carlton School was operating normally Tuesday morning, Miller said. The Police Department has “spread out both our school resource officers and our regular beat officers to pay specific attention to schools today,” he added.

    “The schools weren’t the target here. The Satanic Temple was,” Miller said. “With Carlton’s proximity, while concerning, there’s no indication the device was powerful enough to impact the school.”

    Mayor Dominick Pangallo also addressed the incident in a statement, saying “while I am glad no one was injured in this attack, I nevertheless condemn this action in the strongest possible way.

    “Salem is a welcoming place and violent attacks like this are utterly reprehensible,” Pangallo wrote. “On behalf of the city, I want to extend our support for the staff and members at the Temple and the residents of the neighborhood who have been impacted by this crime. We’ll continue working to identify ways to improve the security of the area, to help ensure the safety of all our community members.”

    By Dustin Luca | Staff Writer

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  • Police accuse Essex driver in hit-run that left woman seriously hurt

    Police accuse Essex driver in hit-run that left woman seriously hurt

    BEVERLY — Police have arrested an Essex man who appears to have been the driver in a Sunday night a hit-and-run crash that left an Ipswich woman seriously injured.

    On Monday, police arrested Diego Mattos-Vazualdo, 47, of Essex, charging him with negligent operation of a motor vehicle and leaving the scene of a personal injury accident.

    Officers responded to 375 Rantoul St. about 10:15 p.m. on the report of a female pedestrian who had been struck by a vehicle. The victim was identified as a 27-year-old Ipswich resident.

    Upon locating the woman, police immediately began treating her and tried to make her comfortable. The woman, whose ID has not yet been released, was transported by ambulance to Beverly Hospital to stabilize her injuries — which were believed to be serious — before being Medflighted to Brigham & Women’s Hospital in Boston.

    At this time her condition has not been updated.

    A preliminary investigation revealed the victim had walked into the street and was first struck by a vehicle moving traveling southbound.

    The operator of that vehicle remained on the scene and is cooperating with police.

    The woman was then struck by the second vehicle, operated by Mattos-Vazualdo, who was traveling northbound. He stopped for a matter of seconds, then fled the scene.

    Based on witness statements, an accurate description of the fleeing vehicle was obtained and relayed to surrounding areas.

    Essex police were able to stop a vehicle matching that description, and the operator, identified as Mattos-Vazualdo, told Essex officers he thought he may have struck something.

    He was transported by Beverly Officers back to police headquarters where he was charged. He was expected to be arraigned in court later Monday.

    The investigation remains ongoing with Beverly police and the assistance of the State Police Crash Recon team.

    By Buck Anderson | Staff Writer

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  • Police/Fire

    Police/Fire

    In news taken from the logs of Cape Ann’s police and fire departments:

    GLOUCESTER

    Sunday, March 24

    6:23 p.m.: Fireworks were reported on Macomber Road.

    4:13 p.m.: A crash with property damage only was reported at Market Basket on Gloucester Crossing Road.

    3:30 p.m.: A resident came into the police station lobby to report identity theft. The resident explained someone used his Social Security number to create an account under his name. The account showed a balance of $1.01. Police said the resident contacted the company to report the fraudulent activity and the company canceled the account. The residentreported a separate incident in October 2023 in which someone tried to initiate a purchase using his credit card and the transaction was denied, and that reported that recently, his email was logged in from Vietnam, but his account has since been secured.

    Noon: A person reported the theft of approximately $100 in cash and a check that had been placed in the car’s visor after she went to Addison Gilbert Hospital on Washington Street and parked at the nearby Seacoast Nursing Home. She parked at 10 a.m. and noticed the money was missing around 10:50 a.m. on March 21. The bank put an immediate stop on the check to keep it from being cashed.

    11:32 a.m.: Police were called to help the Fire Department make entry into a residence on Sayward Street due to a person who fell and was home alone. The person refused medical treatment.

    10:27 a.m.: A caller from a vacant lot on Main Street reported someone was spitting on him. The indiviuals were separated and police cleared the scene.

    10:17 a.m.: A caller from Granite Street reported a carbon monoxide detector had activated. The caller was advised to step outside and the Fire Department was dispatched.

    8:15 a.m.: A resident reported someone tried to get into her shed. Police saw the shed door had a piece broken off and the door handle was found on the ground nearby. Police said it did not appear anyone got into the shed because the door was frozen shut due to the rain and falling temperatures overnight.

    Saturday, March 23

    Crashes with property damage only: at 11:36 a.m. on Blackburn Circle with a person reportedly taken to the hospital; at 9:03 p.m. on Grant Circle, Washington Street and Ashland Place.

    Disturbances were reported on Poplar Street at 12:38 p.m. and Sayward Street at 2:26 p.m.

    11:11 a.m.: Smoke alarms were reported sounding at 264 Main St. Gloucester Fire Department was dispatched.

    11 a.m.: Police on Friday, March 22, learned a man had two fully extraditable warrants issued in Texas against him and that he might be living in Gloucester at his parents’ house. The offenses included making terroristic threats against a police officer/judge and multiple warrants out of Collin County, Texas. On Saturday, the Collin County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the warrant service was active and fully extraditable. Police requested a warrant against the man on a charge of being a fugitive from justice. The 36-year-old was arrested at a residence on Essex Avenue on a straight arrest warrant Monday, March 25, by a detective, a deputy from the U.S. Marshals Service and a trooper from the State Police Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section. The man was placed into custody without incident and taken to the Rockport Police Department for booking. He was later taken to court.

    ROCKPORT

    Sunday, March 31

    Traffic stops were conducted on Broadway at 6:33 and 6:56 p.m. Both drivers were given verbal warnings.

    9:58 a.m.: After an alarm was reported, the Fire Department was dispatched to a Beach Street address.

    9:52 a.m.: A police wellness check made at a Main Street address.

    7:58 a.m.: After a report was received at High Street address, a verbal warning was issued.

    Saturday March 30

    6:42 p.m.: A noise complaint was made at a Sandy Bay Terrace address.

    Medical alarms were activated on Curtis Street at 12:03 p.m. and High Street Court at 6:06 p.m. Both later proved to be false.

    5:38 p.m.: A report was made about lost and found property at a Granite Street address.

    2:08 p.m.: A report was made about road conditions on Main Street.

    1:26 p.m.: A motor vehicle crash was reported on Blue Gate Lane.

    12:09 p.m.: After a well-being check at a South Street address, an ambulance transport was conducted.

    12:04 p.m.: A report was made about a neighbor dispute on Granite Street.

    12:04 p.m.: After a motor vehicle stop on Thatcher Road, a verbal warning was issued.

    9:19 a.m.: After an alarm was reported, the Fire Department was dispatched to a Beach Street address.

    8:08 a.m.: A medical emergency ambulance transport was conducted at a Main Street address.

    Friday, March 29

    Medical emergencies: Ambulance transport to a hospital was made from South Street at 1:56 a.m. and Sandy bay Terrace at 3:38 a.m. while services were provided at a Rowe Avenue address at 7:22 p.m.

    2:13 p.m.: A motor vehicle crash was reported on Railroad Avenue.

    7:14 a.m.: After a motor vehicle stop on Thatcher Road, a verbal warning was issued.

    ESSEX

    Sunday, March 31

    Citizens were assisted on John Wise Avenue at 11:04 a.m. and 8:31 p.m., and Main Street at 11:04 a.m.

    8:11 p.m.: Suspicious activity was reported at a Water Street address.

    Disturbances were reported on Choate Street at 7:08 p.m. and Western Avenue at 7:46 p.m.

    Ambulance transport was refused by an individual who fell at a Western Avenue address at 11:02 a.m. and a patient who suffered a diabetic episode at a Main Street address at 4:52 p.m.

    4:23 p.m.: A motor vehicle crash on Lebaron Road was reported.

    10:27 a.m.: A report was made after a police investigation was conducted at a John Wise Avenue address.

    Saturday, March 30

    7:07 p.m.: A report was made after a motor vehicle complaint at a Martin Street address.

    9:04 a.m.: A welfare check was conducted at a Main Street address.

    8:54 a.m.: Assistance was provided during a community policing call at a Shepard Memorial Drive address.

    7:57 a.m.: After a report of a fall at a Southern Avenue address, a patient refused a medical ambulance transport.

    MANCHESTER

    Sunday March 31

    Traffic stops were conducted at the intersection of the northbound lanes of Route 128 and School Street at 12:41 a.m. and 1:12 a.m., when written warnings were issued, and on the northbound lanes of Route 128 at 6:09 p.m. when a verbal warning was given.

    12:13 a.m.: Suspicious activity at White Beach was reported.

    Friday, March 29

    2:54 p.m.: Community policing was provided at a Lincoln Street address.

    Traffic stops were made on at the intersection of Route 128 and School Street at 1:59 a.m., when no action was taken, and on the northbound lanes of Route 128 at 2:40 p.m., when a verbal warning was issued.

    Citizens were assisted on Central Street at 9:28 a.m. and 2:15 a.m.

    1:59 a.m.: After a motor vehicle stop at the intersection of Route 128 and School Street, no action was taken.

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  • Money flowing into jails for opioid treatment

    Money flowing into jails for opioid treatment

    BOSTON — Money is flowing into state and county correctional facilities to help treat substance abuse disorders, putting sheriffs and jail wardens on the front lines of the state’s battle against opioid addiction.

    A first-of-its-kind report on funding for the 14 sheriffs offices across the state shows that a sizable chunk of more than $23.5 million in state and federal grants they received last year was earmarked for jail-based, medication-assisted treatment programs.

    The Essex County Sheriff’s Office received more than $2.7 million in federal and state grants for programs in the previous fiscal year, much of which was devoted to medication-assisted treatment and other substance abuse programs.

    The money was provided through grants from the U.S. Department of Justice and the state Department of Public Health, among other funding sources.

    Essex County Sheriff Kevin Coppinger said about two-thirds of the inmate population is struggling with some kind of substance use disorder, and the demand for drug treatment is increasing.

    He has an average of about 170 inmates on medication-assisted treatment and other programs at Middleton Jail and other locations.

    The efforts are crucial to prepare inmates for reentry into the community and reduce recidivism by breaking the cycle of incarceration, he said.

    “When people get released we don’t want them to end up back in the criminal justice system,” Coppinger said. “We want to get them out of here and keep them on the straight and narrow.”

    Essex County was one of the first in the state to set up a detox inside the jail, and has expanded its substance abuse treatments over the years. It has been approved for a license to administer medication-assisted treatments.

    In some cases, inmates request medication-assisted treatment to get clean while they are incarcerated. In others, people committed to the jail are already in a community-based program receiving medication and are able to continue their treatment while they do their time, Coppinger said.

    He said the Sheriff’s Office is building a new dispensary for opioid-related drug treatments at its prerelease center in Lawrence – known as the “farm” – which also will have the authority dispense treatments without transporting inmates to an outside facility.

    “Because we have a license, we can do this now, which is going to help us substantially,” he said. “Securitywise, it’s a no-brainer. We can dispense it in-house now.”

    Sheriffs see spike in need

    In Middlesex County, the Sheriff’s Office received more than $815,000 in grants in the previous fiscal year with the majority of the money devoted to opioid and other substance abuse programs, according to the report.

    The Barnstable County Sheriff’s Office received more than $3.7 million in the previous fiscal year, with more than $520,000 devoted for medication-assisted treatment and reentry services, the report noted.

    The Plymouth County Sheriff’s Office reported a nearly $900,000 grant from the Department of Public Health for medication-assisted treatment programs.

    Sheriffs say while the inmate population in state and county correctional facilities has been declining for years, the demand for substance use and mental health treatment in county jails has been spiking, putting a strain on resources. The grants are intended to offset those costs, but more funding is needed, sheriffs said.

    “It’s never enough money,” Coppinger said. “But I think it’s working based on feedback I’ve received from former inmates and the community.”

    Treatment drugs, costs

    There are three types of medication-assisted treatment in use in state prisons and county jails around the state, to varying degrees.

    Methadone, which is usually dispensed to addicts who visit clinics for a daily dose, has been used for decades to treat heroin addiction. Until recently, it was one of the only options for medication-assisted therapy. Methadone, which acts to block opioid receptors in the brain, can ease withdrawal symptoms that may trigger a relapse.

    Buprenorphine, which is sold by its brand name Suboxone and typically prescribed by a doctor, has become a preferred treatment.

    There’s also naltrexone, a non-narcotic drug often known by its brand name Vivitrol, which is injected monthly.

    None of the drug treatments come cheap. While methadone treatments can cost up to $3,500 a year per patient, even the generic form of Suboxone costs two to three times as much, according to the National Association of State Alcohol and Drug Abuse Directors. Vivitrol costs about $1,300 per shot, according to the group.

    Opioid-related overdoses killed 2,357 people in Massachusetts last year, setting a new record high fatality rate of 33.5 per 100,000 people – an increase of 2.5% from the previous year, according to public health data.

    By Christian M. Wade | Statehouse Reporter

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  • Driver charged after Lawrence crash knocks out utility poles

    Driver charged after Lawrence crash knocks out utility poles

    LAWRENCE — A man was arrested and charged with drunken driving and related charges after crashing into a utility pole at Lawrence Street near Erving Avenue late Wednesday night.

    The driver of a sedan hit a utility pole which caused others in the area to snap, knocking out power in the area, police said.

    Efren Alvarez, 36, of Lawrence was arrested and charged with operating under the influence of alcohol, destruction of property, operating to endanger, speeding, marked lanes violations, leaving the scene of a property damage accident, attaching plates and driving an unregistered motor vehicle.

    After crashing at 11:20 p.m., Alvarez attempted to flee, but was immediately taken into custody. He was treated on scene by paramedics and EMTs from Lawrence General Hospital and then transported by ambulance to the hospital.

    Police asked motorists to avoid the area because of the ongoing work to replace the utility poles.

    More were reported earlier but only a handful of National Grid customers were without power early Thursday afternoon.

    A restoration time of 2:45 p.m. was listed on the National Grid website.

    Follow staff reporter Jill Harmacinski on Twitter/X @EagleTribJill.

    By Jill Harmacinski jharmacinski@eagletribune.com

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