Police Log: Resident Victim of Two Frauds, Man Caught after Fleeing Home Depot with Drills

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

Feb. 14, 8 p.m.: Target security stopped a shoplifter who had been seen taking nearly $1,200 in merchandise. The woman was caught with athletic clothing, sleepwear, underwear, coats, boots and gloves. When police arrived they spoke to the woman and checked her record, finding that she had warrants for her arrests.

Middlesex Sheriff Named Vice President of National Sheriff’s Group

Middlesex Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian (left) was sworn in as vice president of the Major County Sheriffs of America (MCSA) by President Grady Judd on Thursday, February 14, 2019 during the MCSA winter conference meeting in Washington, D.C.

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

Middlesex Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian has been selected by his colleagues from across the country to serve as vice president of the Major County Sheriffs of America (MCSA). 

A professional law enforcement association comprised of sheriffs of the nation’s most populous counties and parishes, MCSA members represent over 100 million people across more than 30 states. “I am honored to be selected for this leadership position to help showcase the innovative work being done by sheriffs from across the country,” said Sheriff Koutoujian.  “I look forward to working with President Grady Judd, the executive board and membership to promote the incredible work our colleagues do on a daily basis to increase safety in our communities.”

Sheriff Koutoujian, who had been tapped to serve in an acting capacity in mid-December by President Judd, was formally voted to the post on a permanent basis by his colleagues at the MCSA’s annual winter conference on Thursday, Feb. 14. “I am honored and excited to work shoulder to shoulder with Sheriff Koutoujian in the coming year,” said President Judd.  “I believe Peter is a visionary with the strong leadership and fresh perspective that will propel the MCSA to next level.”

A longtime state legislator and former prosecutor with the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office, Koutoujian has led the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office since 2011.  During his tenure as sheriff, he has overseen the implementation of several statewide and nationally recognized initiatives including a specialized treatment unit for incarcerated military veterans, a medication assisted treatment program and the launch of a groundbreaking new housing unit for incarcerated young adults (ages 18-24).

Police Log: Two Drug Arrests, Compromised Email Leads to Scam

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

Feb. 4, 4:14 p.m.: An officer patrolling on Walnut Street ran the plates of a vehicle in the area and found the registered owner was wanted on an outstanding warrant. The vehicle was pulled over and the driver was identified as the owner. The 71-year-old Newton man was arrested on the warrant from Gloucester District Court for leaving the scene of an accident involving property damage.

Police Chief Expects Suspect in Area Break-ins to be Charged with More Crimes Watertown

The suspect arrested for a string of home break-ins around the Boston area was charged with one offense in Watertown, but Police Chief Michael Lawn said he expects the suspect to be charged in connection with more of the recent burglaries. The most recent string of break-ins in Watertown took place on Feb. 1, 2019, but dozens of break-ins have occurred in town. During three of the most recent burglaries, residents were there when their homes were broken into. “Since the end of September we have had approximately 24 residential burglaries and home breaks in town.

Boston Man Arrested for Breaking Into Homes in Watertown, Other Communities

Police arrested a Boston man suspected of breaking into 19 homes over the past five months in five communities, including Watertown. Jargle Soto-Suazo, 33, of Boston, was apprehended following an alleged break-in that occurred in Brookline on Thursday, Feb. 7, according to the announcement from Middlesex District Attorney Marina Ryan’s office. DA Ryan, Watertown Chief of Police Michael Lawn, Medford Chief of Police Jack Buckley, Brookline Chief of Police Andrew Lipson, Quincy Chief of Police Paul Keenan and Acting Arlington Chief of Police Julie Flaherty announced that Soto-Suazo is believed to be responsible for the uptick in housebreaks in the communities of Watertown, Medford, Brookline, Quincy and Arlington. 

Police departments across Middlesex and Norfolk Counties have been investigating the reported crimes since September 2018. The statement read:

As part of the ongoing joint investigation into the alleged burglaries, police from multiple departments located the defendant displaying suspicious behavior in the area of Colbourne Street in Brookline.