Police/Fire

U.S. Attorney Warns Against Scams, Other Crimes Related to Coronavirus

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U.S. Attorney Andrew E. Lelling warned that District of Massachusetts of the U.S. Attorney’s Office will of Justice will aggressively pursue anyone committing scams and other crimes related to the outbreak of Coronavirus (COVID-19). Lelling sent out the following statement:

“As our communities take extraordinary measures to confront the coronavirus outbreak, some may view this as an opportunity to prey on the public’s fears and anxieties. The Department of Justice is now focused on cybercrime, sale of counterfeit goods, treatment scams and other healthcare and investment scams arising from the pandemic. My office will aggressively prosecute anyone engaged in this kind of activity,” said U.S. Attorney Lelling. “With the outbreak of COVID-19, scammers have found a platform that preys on people’s fears and could make them more likely to be victimized,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “We want you to avoid falling prey to these scams and help us stop them by reporting it at ic3.gov.”

Massachusetts residents who believe they are victims of fraud or other criminal activity related to the pandemic should contact the United States Attorney’s Office at USAMA.victimassistance@usdoj.gov or call 1-888-221-6023 and leave a message. Members of the public can also contact the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) by visiting www.IC3.gov. If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, please call 911.

Police/Fire

Watertown Fire Department Closing Public Access to Fire Stations

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The Watertown Fire Department has closed the town’s three fire stations in response to the outbreak of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). People can still contact the Fire Department with questions. The department added that it will temporarily stop accepting donations, such as food. The Watertown Fire Department sent out the following announcement:

Due to growing concerns over the spreading of the Coronavirus all Watertown fire stations will be closed to the public effective immediately. If you have a question about permits, inspections or other fire prevention functions please call the Fire Prevention Bureau at (617) 972-6510.

Coronavirus

Watertown Police Asking Residents to Call First, Try to Avoid Coming into Station

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In an effort to stop the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), the Watertown Police Department requested that people to avoid coming into the lobby of the Police Station, except in an emergency. Police Chief Michael Lawn sent out the request to avoid coming into the Police Station, and urged people to call. The Watertown Police also changed their policy during this period for filing reports. They can now be taken over the phone. Lawn also noted that officers may ask questions about residents’ health when responding to their home or business.

Joseph Toscano

Fire Department Cancels Ceremony for Fallen Watertown Firefighter

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The sign erected in honor of fallen Watertown Firefighter Joseph Toscano at the corner of Merrifield Avenue and Bigelow Avenue in East Watertown. The Watertown Fire Department cancelled plans to honor Joseph Toscano on the third anniversary of the firefighter’s death due to concerns over the Coronavirus. “This decision has been made taking the orders of the Governor into consideration. We hope that everyone will keep him and his family in their thoughts and prayers at some point tomorrow,” said Watertown Fire Chief Bob Quinn. The Fire Department had planed three minutes of silence at 10:16 a.m Tuesday, followed by a salute to Toscano.

Arrests

Police Log: Man Arrested for Indecent Exposure, Car Bought Online had Been Stolen

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

March 2, 7:11 p.m.: A driver went up on the curb on Nichols Avenue at Bigelow Avenue and when police arrived the woman behind the wheel appeared to be passed out. The vehicle was facing the wrong way, and the motor was running. Officers had to bang on the window to wake the driver. The woman admitted to drinking before driving, and police found five empty 50 ml bottles of Smirnoff pineapple vodka on the front passenger seat.

Arrests

Police Log: Possible Home Break-in, Man Tries to Steal Water Heater

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

Feb. 24, 11:04 p.m.: Police pulled over a vehicle near the intersection of Edenfield and Main Street for an equipment violation. The car had a brake light out and a license plate light out. After looking at her record, police found the driver had a suspended license and outstanding warrants.

Andrea Martocchia

Police Seek Information About Accident That Killed Watertown Teen

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A Watertown resident and Minuteman High School junior died when a car struck him while he was riding a motorcycle in Belmont. Police seek information about the accident to help their investigation. Andrea “Dre” Martocchia, 16, died on Feb. 27 at about 4 p.m. after the accident at the intersection of Winter Street and Robinwood Road in Belmont, heading north toward. Rte.

Around Town

Registration Open for the Sheriff’s Youth Public Safety Academy

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Children interact with local first responders during the Middlesex Sheriff’s Youth Public Safety Academy. Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian has announced registration for the popular Middlesex Sheriff’s Office Youth Public Safety Academy (YPSA) will open at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, March 4, 2020. Now entering its 21st year, YPSA is an educational, low-cost summer camp option for Middlesex County families. The camp is open to children ages 8-12 and is held at the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office Training Academy in Chelmsford.  Last year, more than 1,000 youngsters participated in the program. YPSA is comprised of six, one-week camps, beginning the first full week of July (6-10) and running through the second week of August (10-14).  Transportation to and from designated bus stops, as well as breakfast and lunch are provided daily, with a graduation ceremony held each Friday in Chelmsford. Participants are not required to reside in one of the communities with a designated bus stop, but will be picked up and dropped off at those locations.