Government

Watertown Police Writing Policy for Dealing with Immigrants, Sanctuary City Question Remains

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The Watertown Police Department will soon be releasing a written policy about how officers deal with immigrants, and will be reviewed by the Town Council. Town Manager Michael Driscoll told the Town Council Tuesday night that he expects it to be finished sometime in June. The Town Council has also been asked to pass a Sanctuary City ordinance to join other communities that have vowed to protect immigrants, documented or not. Town Council President Mark Sideris said Tuesday that he has not scheduled a date to discuss the subject. “I want to wait for the (Police Department’s) policy to see what it says, first,” Sideris said.

Police/Fire

$25K Reward Offered for Information on Missing Watertown Man

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A $25,000 reward is being offered for help finding missing Watertown man Nolan Gargas, and a tip line has been set up. 

The reward offer for information leading to finding the missing 26-year-old was announced Thursday, according to WHDH Channel 7, and confirmed by Watertown Police. The report also announced a new “Find Nolan tip line.” Gargas was last seen Sunday, May 21, and his grey 2006 Toyota was found in Nahant, but searches on land and sea could not locate him. He is described as 6-feet-2, 150 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes, and he was last seen wearing a green and white plaid shirt, brown pants and boots. Anyone with information is asked to contact the tip line at 617-202-0411.

Police/Fire

Police Still Trying to Locate Missing 26-Year-Old Watertown Man

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On May 21, 2017, Nolan Gargas’ family reported him missing and Watertown Police are seeking help locating him. Gargas’ grey 2006 Toyota with Massachusetts license plate 169 RK5 was found Sunday in Nahant and searches by authorities in the area could not locate him. He is a white male, age 26, 6-foot-2, 150 pounds, and was last seen wearing a green and white plaid shirt. He is also an experience hiker. Anyone with information about the whereabouts of Nolan Gargas should contact the Watertown Police Department at 617-972-6500 or Nahant Police at 781-581-1212.

Police/Fire

Watertown Police Emphasizing Building Relationships in Community

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When Watertown Police officers are on patrol, Police Chief Michael Lawn wants them to get to know the people in town and form relationships in the areas where they patrol. 

This is part of the Watertown Police Department’s emphasis on community policing, Lawn to the Town Council at Saturday’s budget hearing. “I tell them, I want you to get out of your car and talk to people,” Lawn said. “You are not starting a new program or making speeches, but talk to people.” As one example, he pointed to Sgt. John MacLellan, who one afternoon bought a bunch of big lollipops and gave them to a group of kids in East Watertown.

Police/Fire

Pedestrian Struck Monday Morning Near Watertown Square

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A pedestrian suffered “serious injuries” after being struck by a vehicle cross the road near Watertown Square on Monday morning. A man was hit near Watertown and California streets before 9 a.m. on Monday, according to Watertown Police Lt. James O’Connor. O’Connor said the injuries were serious, but did not have any more information. Police have closed Watertown Street at Aldrich Road, and they are redirecting traffic down California Street.

Police/Fire

Police Searching for Missing Watertown Man, May Have Been in Nahant

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A Watertown man has been reported missing since Sunday morning, and Watertown Police seek help in finding the 26-year-old man. Nolan Gargas, 26, was last seen on Saturday night, and his mother said she believes he drove to Nahant to photograph the sunrise, which is something he sometimes does, according to a report by NBC Boston News. Missing: Nolan Gargas, 26 yrs old, wht male, 6’2″, 150 lbs. Last wearing grn&wht plaid shirt. Maybe in Nahant area.

Police/Fire

Police Log: Bike Stolen from Car Rack, Teens Suspected of Stealing Laptop

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The following information was provided by the Watertown Police Department. Arrests
May 10, 9:27 a.m.: An officer spotted a man known to have a suspended license driving in East Watertown. He was pulled over on Templeton Parkway and officers also found he had an active warrant out of Brighton District Court. The 30-year-old Somerville man was arrested for driving with a suspended license and the warrant charge. May 10, 11:45 a.m.: An accident was reported at the Arsenal Mall and when police arrived they saw a Toyota 4Runner leaving the area.

Police/Fire

Watertown Firefighters Battle Warehouse Fire, Hot Weather

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On one of the hottest days of the year, Watertown Firefighters had to battle a fire on the roof of a warehouse on Bridge Street. The warehouse, which is attached to the back of the Olympia Moving & Storage building, was being demolished on Wednesday. Watertown Fire officials believe that is what started the blaze. “We are pretty certain that the were beginning to cut with a power saw and the sparks caught the corrugated foam under the rubber roof – the insulation – on fire,” said Watertown Deputy Fire Chief Rob Iannetta. A second alarm was not required to battle the blaze, Iannetta said, but an additional fire engine from Newton came to assist the Watertown Fire Department.