Around Town

Watertown’s Winter Parking Ban is Ending Early

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“The Winter Parking Ban is Now Lifted,” announced the Watertown Police Department on its Facebook page on Friday

The ban usually ends at the beginning of April, but Watertown Police Chief Michael Lawn announced the early end of the overnight-parking ban on the streets of Watertown. Chief Lawn would like to inform you that Watertown has lifted its enforcement of the all night parking ban effective Saturday March 23, 2019.The Department of Public Works, Police Department and Fire Department would like to remind motorists that keeping the streets clear allows for road repairs, street cleaning and easy access for public safety vehicles. To that end, all Departments encourage residents to make full use of off-street parking when it is available.(To avoid any confusion, this means we will not be ticketing for all-night parking beginning tonight).Watertown Police Department Facebook Page

Middlesex Sheriff

Sheriff Peter Koutoujian Named to Advisory Board of National Justice Center

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Middlesex Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian

The following information was provided by the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office:

The Council of State Governments (CSG) Justice Center, a national nonprofit organization that develops research-driven strategies to increase public safety and strengthen communities, announced today that Middlesex Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian has joined its Advisory Board. State officials across the U.S. — including here in Massachusetts — have used the findings and technical assistance provided by the CSG Justice Center to develop legislative efforts. In late 2015, Massachusetts leaders asked the CSG Justice Center to help conduct a review of the Commonwealth’s criminal justice system. As part of that review, the Massachusetts Justice Reinvestment Working Group, which Sheriff Koutoujian served on, was formed and produced the policy framework for the state’s criminal justice reform law in 2017. 

“The CSG Justice Center has been at the forefront of historic criminal justice reform across the country, bringing its expertise and experience to countless jurisdictions,” said Sheriff Koutoujian. “I look forward to working side-by-side with my fellow board members to ensure this critical work of increasing public safety and strengthening communities continues.”

The CSG Justice Center Advisory Board is composed of a bipartisan group of legislators, court officials, law enforcement executives and state executive branch officials, all of whom have significant expertise related to public safety and health.

Around Town

Woman Killed in Three Vehicle Accident on Pleasant Street

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A woman died as a result of injuries suffered in a three-vehicle collision on Pleasant Street on Wednesday night. Watertown Police continue to investigate the accident on Thursday, said Police Lt. James O’Connor. The incident occurred at the intersection of Pleasant and Bridge streets at about 6:20 p.m. Speed appears to have been a factor,Watertown Police Chief Michael Lawn told WBZ Channel 4. (The vehicle) “struck the back of the vehicle in front of it, flipped to its side and flipped into a car traveling the opposite way and then flipped over on its roof,” Lawn told WBZ. The woman was pronounced dead at the scene, O’Connor said.

Around Town

Space Available for Watertown Youth in Sheriff’s Summer Public Safety Academy

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The Middlesex Sheriff’s Office provided the following information:

Opportunities remain for youngsters ages 8-12 who want to register the Youth Public Safety Academy, Middlesex Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian announced Wednesday, March 20. The Youth Public Safety Academy (YPSA) is a week-long experience designed to be a low-cost and educational option for Middlesex County families in the summer. Cadets who attend the camp can spend the week learning safety skills, completing team and confidence-building exercises, and meeting public safety officials from the MSO as well as their hometown. The Watertown week of camp runs from July 15-19 this year. “The response to YPSA this year has been astounding, with over 850 families signing up in our first week,” said Sheriff Koutoujian.  “Watertown cadets will have the opportunity to build relationships with the men and women of our office as well as the Watertown Police and Watertown Fire Departments, so it truly is a fun and educational experience for these children.”

Transportation to and from Watertown, as well as breakfast and lunch, are provided each day.

Police/Fire

Man Faces OUI Charge After Hitting Boy on Bike on St. Patrick’s Day

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A Watertown man faces his second drunken driving charge after he struck a boy riding a bicycle just off Waverley Avenue on March 17. Just before 6 p.m. on St. Patrick’s Day, the 10-year-old boy was riding his bike across Bradshaw Street at Waverley Avenue when he was struck by a vehicle driven by a man later identified as Michael Marini, said Watertown Police Lt. James O’Connor. “Marini turned onto Bradshaw from Waverley,” O’Connor said. “The child suffered minor injuries and was transported to a Boston hospital.”

Police/Fire

Watertown Firefighters Remember Fallen Colleague Two Years After His Death

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Watertown Firefighters salute Joseph Toscano on the second anniversary of the firefighter’s death. Two years after Watertown Firefighter Joseph Toscano lost his life at a fire in East Watertown, members of the Watertown Fire Department gathered to pay their respects. Sunday’s ceremony took place at the corner of Bigelow and Merrifield avenues, just down the street from the home where the fire occurred. The corner was named Firefighter Joseph A. Toscano Square last year on March 17, the one-year anniversary of his death. The event was attended by hundreds of people and drew media from around the region.

Arrests

Police Log: Older Resident Scammed Out of More than $50K, Laptop Stolen from Gym

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

March 5, 1:58 a.m.: An officer patrolling on Nichols Avenue near Dexter Avenue spotted a vehicle run a stop sign. The vehicle was pulled over and Police discovered the driver had a warrant for his arrest. The 63-year-old Brighton man was arrested on the warrant from Newton District Court for distribution of a Class B substance, and he was cited for a stop sign violation. March 5, 5:41 p.m.: Police spotted a man they recognized as being wanted on a warrant driving on Lexington Street near Carey Avenue.