UPDATED: Suspected Meth Lab Discovered in Watertown Square

 

A Watertown man was arrested Friday for running what authorities said is a small meth lab in his home on Winter Street. Watertown Police, Drug Enforcement agents hazardous materials teams and firefighters gathered around white house on Winter Street near the parking lot of the Watertown Free Public Library where the evidence of the drug making was found on Friday. Neighbors smelled a strange odor coming from the house on Winter Street at the corner of Whooley Way and police decided to get a warrant when the landlord saw something suspicious, said Watertown Police Lt. Michael Lawn, according to WBZ-TV. While police were obtaining the warrant the resident of the house arrived and tried to push through police to get to the house. Police arrested 31-year-old Kyle Tuschall, on a charge of assault and battery on a police officer. Drug charges will likely be added later, Lawn said, according to a report on NECN.com.

Medical Examiner Releases Ruling on Deaths of 2 Boston Firefighters

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner ruled that the death of two Boston Firefighters – including Watertown-native Edward Walsh – was accidental. The deaths of Walsh and Firefighter Michael Kennedy in the 9-alarm Back Bay fire were caused by smoke inhalation and thermal injuries. The cause of the fire was sparks from welders that ignited the building next door. No criminal charges have been filed, but the Suffolk District Attorney’s Office continues to investigate the incident, according to WBZ-TV. Walsh was honored with a wake and funeral Mass in Watertown.

Watertown Police Cruisers Get New Look

Some Watertown Police officers will be hitting the streets in cars with a new look. 

In an effort to reduce distracted and aggressive driving the Watertown Police Department’s traffic Division will use lower profile cars. Most cars have black and white paint and large, easily spotted “Police” decals. The new cars have solid black paint and subdued decals. While the decals are not easily spotted during the day, they illuminate at night when lights shine on them, according to the Watertown Police Sgt. David Sampson.

Police Log: Suspect Chased Down at Mall, Counterfeit Bill Used

The following information was provided by the Watertown Police Department. Arrests

May 26, 3:36 a.m.: An officer observing traffic on Galen Street spotted a car go through a red light. The car was pulled over on California Street and the officer detected an odor of alcohol on the driver’s breath. Field sobriety tests were performed and a 32-year-old Waltham man was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and failing to stop at a light. The officer also discovered the driver did not have a license, so he was charged with unlicensed driving.

Man Arrested After Altercation at Super 8 Motel

A Framingham man faces multiple charges after police responded to an altercation at the Super 8 Motel. On May 27 at 11:03 a.m., police responded to a domestic incident at the motel. Keith Herring, 24, of 101 Phelps Road in Framingham, allegedly grabbed his girlfriend’s throat, slammed her head in a door and took her cell phone, according to Watertown Police Lt. Michael Lawn. Police arrested Herring and charged him with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, domestic assault and battery, intimidating a witness, attempted murder and larceny over $250, according to police.

Police Log: Man Fights Officers When Arrested and More

The following information was provided by the Watertown Police Department. Arrests

May 21, 10:07 a.m.: Police arrested a 33-year-old Watertown woman on a charge of domestic assault and battery, and officers found a bottle with 27 pills that did not belong to her. She was also charged with possession of a Class E drug. May 21, 7:19 p.m.: Security stopped a suspected shoplifter and the man fought security when they tried to detain him. He continued to fight when police arrived and tried to arrest him.

Police Log: OUI Arrest After Driver Hits Curb in Front of Cop and More

The following information was provided by the Watertown Police Department. Arrests

May 15, 6:18 p.m.: A man riding his bicycle on the sidewalk on Main Street suffered injuries when a car door suddenly opened and send the bicyclist flying. The car was parked at the Metro Mini Mart. When police arrived, they discovered the driver did not have a Massachusetts license. The 28-year-old Waltham man was arrested on a charge of unlicensed driving.

Police Chief Sees Heroin as a Growing Concern in Watertown

From overdose deaths to drug dealing and car break-ins, Watertown first responders have seen an alarming increase in the use of heroin in town and problems associated with the drug. Last year, Watertown had eight deaths from overdoses on heroin, Town Councilor Tony Palomba said Wednesday night. Police Chief Edward Deveau said his officers and other departments have seen an rise of use and overdoses. “Last year in Middlesex County there were 53 deaths (from heroin overdoses),” Deveau said. “There have been 40 in the first two months of this year.”