Police/Fire

Nigerian Man Pleads Guilty to Fraudulently Obtaining Passport, Including in Watertown

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The following release came from the United States Department of Justice:

A Nigerian man, formerly of Massachusetts, pleaded guilty today to his role in separate schemes to launder criminal proceeds from fraud and obtaining a United States passport through false statements.  

Chukwunonso Obiora, 36, pleaded guilty to one count of passport fraud conspiracy and one count of money laundering conspiracy. United States District Judge Indira Talwani scheduled sentencing for Oct. 8, 2024. Obiora was arrested on a complaint in October 2023 in Atlanta, Ga.

Police/Fire

Watertown Police Welcome New Furry Friend to the Force

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The Watertown Police Department is having a contest to name its new comfort dog. (Courtesy of Watertown Police)

The Watertown Police welcomed a new have a new addition to the department of the four-legged variety, and they are seeking help naming him. See the welcome announcement below. Watertown PD welcomes a new member to the team! Officer Anna Margaryan met her new partner, an 8 week old golden retriever who will serve as our department’s first comfort dog.

Police/Fire

Police Log: Man Arrested for OUI in Police Station Lot, Shoplifter Caught with Scooter

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The following information was provided by the Watertown Police Department. June 14, 1 p.m.: A man pulled into the parking lot at the Watertown Police Station and encountered an officer in the authorized-personnel-only section of the lot. He was going at high rate of speed before he pulled up, and was honking his horn. The man yelled at the officer, who believed the man might be intoxicated. The man had an odor of alcohol, and glassy eyes.

Police/Fire

Retiring Watertown Detective to Share His Crime Investigating Knowledge & Work on Cold Cases

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Longtime Watertown Police Detective David MacNeil is moving on to new challenges, including teaching crime scene investigation and working on cold cases. (Photo by Leah O’Brien Photography)

During his time at the Watertown Police Department, David MacNeil has trained at national crime investigation centers, taught trainings himself, he was the inspiration for a character in books and movies, and he got to visit Scotland Yard. Now, in his retirement, the Watertown native plans to share what he’s learned with others in law enforcement, and to help solve cold cases. MacNeil retired at the end of April after 36 years as a Watertown Police officer, including the last 22 as a detective. He is now the president of MacNeil Investigations & Forensic Consulting where he will focus on private investigations, and training law enforcement in crime scene investigation practices and forensic science.

Police/Fire

UPDATED: Statewide 911 Outage Over

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UPDATE: The Massachusetts 911 system has been restored. The public may now resume calling 911 for emergencies. Thank you for your patience + cooperation. 

The State 911 Department continues to investigate the cause of the disruption. The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Fire and Police departments regarding issues with 911 service:

There is a statewide 911 outage. To reach Watertown Fire or Police please call 617-972-6500 or pull one of the 300+ red fire boxes throughout the city.

Police/Fire

Police Log: Man Faces OUI Charges, Resident Scammed Out of $60,000

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The following information was provided by the Watertown Police Department. June 6: A resident reported she had been the victim of a scam. In late February she was contacted by someone claiming to be an employee of Amazon, who said that numerous Apple products were being sent to an address in Albany, New York, using her account. The woman was not aware of the orders. She then spoke to someone who said he was a U.S. Treasury Department detective.

Police/Fire

Police Log: SWAT Team Arrests Man in Connection with Shooting, Two Bikes Stolen & More

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The following information was provided by the Watertown Police Department:

May 29, 6 a.m.: A NEMLEC (Northeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council) SWAT team came to Watertown to serve a warrant obtained by Randolph Police related to a shooting in that community on April 28. They served it at a home on Warren Street. During the search, six firearms were found, including one on which the serial number had been defaced and three that had been reported stolen. Shamere Ross, 33, of Watertown, was arrested on charges of possession of firearms, as well as for his involvement in the Randolph shooting. May 29, 1 p.m.: A man went into Nike carrying a shoebox.

Police/Fire

Details of How a Man Tricked a Watertown Woman Into Ending Her Pregnancy Revealed, Suspect Arraigned

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The man accused of giving a Watertown woman medicine that, unknown to her, would end her pregnancy, was arraigned in Court on Tuesday. More details of how he tricked his ex-girlfriend were revealed. Robert Kawada, 43, of Brookline, was charged with poisoning, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon on a pregnant person and assault and battery on a household or family member. Also, he was held on $100,000 bail, ordered to stay away from the victim, and to wear a GPS device, according to WCVB Channel 5. The woman met Kawada on a dating app in January, and they went on a few dates.