Police/Fire

Police Log: Drug Dealer Arrested in Parking Lot, Employee Attacked by Man Breaking Into His Car

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The following information was provided by the Watertown Police Department. Arrests
Sept. 20, 8:28 p.m.: Police were called to Target for a man who was seen opening a locked case and taking video games, which he then concealed in a backpack. After stopping the man, security found a magnetic key which he said he used to open the case. They found that he had $129.97 worth of PlayStation 4 games, $33.98 worth of clothing, a bottle of nail polish worth $7.89, and a board game that cost $21.99.

Break ins

Two Watertown Homes Broken Into, An Attempted Break In On a Third

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Watertown Police warn residents to be on alert after two Watertown homes were broken into, and someone tried to break into another. The break ins occurred on Barnard Avenue, Common Street and Lovell Road, from Thursday into Friday, according to Watertown Police Department. “These incidents occurred between the hours of 4:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m. No one was home at the time of the breaks,” a Watertown Police press release said. Anyone who saw something suspicious or who has information about the break ins should contact the Watertown Police at 617-972-6500.

Police/Fire

Police Seek Witness Who Saw Man Taking Photos of Kids at the Faire on the Square

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Watertown Police are investigating a man who allegedly took suspicious photos of multiple children at the Faire on the Square. They seek to speak to a witness who reported the incident, but who left before officers spoke to her. The Watertown Police sent out the following statement:
On Saturday, September 22, at approximately 1:20 p.m. while at the Faire of the Square, an unknown adult female, reported to a uniformed officer that she had witnessed a person taking suspicious photos of children at the Faire. The witness told police that she observed an adult male taking pictures using a tablet device of children while the children were using a slide. The report was made to an officer who was standing near the Municipal Parking Lot (Library parking lot).

Arrests

Police Log: Officer Stops Fleeing Shoplifter, Counterfeit Bill Used at Dunkin’ Donuts

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The following information was provided by the Watertown Police Department. Arrests
Sept. 12, 10:30 a.m.: Target security spotted a man grab a mirror and a food shredder and put it into a carriage, which he left on one side of the store. Then he took another mirror and food shredder and went to the register to purchase them. The man left the store and a few minutes later came back and found the carriage with the original items inside and tried to push the carriage through the mall entrance.

Police/Fire

Middlesex Sheriff Hosting Citizens Academy for Adults with Developmental Disabilities

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The Middlesex Sheriff’s Office provided the following announcement:

The Middlesex Sheriff’s Office will be hosting a program designed specifically for adults with developmental disabilities in Newton next month, Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian has announced. The Special Citizens Academy is a four-week program that provides participants with education on topics such as internet safety and awareness, fire safety and first aid, and scam prevention.  Academy attendees will also receive demonstrations from the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office (MSO) K-9 Unit, SWAT officers and Community Command Center staff. “We offer a variety of specialized programs here at the MSO, and the Special Citizens Academy is a meaningful way to engage with those in the disability community so they know we are here to help,” said Sheriff Koutoujian. “For those interested in public safety, this is a wonderful opportunity to learn how law enforcement professionals work to keep them safe.”

The MSO is hosting the Academy in partnership with the City of Newton, the JCC Greater Boston, and Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Boston.

Police/Fire

Watertown Police Department Welcomes Six New Officers

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The Watertown Police Department has half a dozen new police officers patrolling the streets after the WPD’s latest recruits were sworn in on Thursday afternoon. Police Chief Michael Lawn welcomed the new officers: Megan Murphy, Kyle Rooney, Don Pham, Lauren Giordano, Michael Del Russo and Colin Geaghan. All six made it through the WPD’s vetting process, including numerous interviews, a background investigation, physical and psychological testing. Then they attended a 24-week Police Academy. The new officers have already experienced an intense situation.

Fatal Collision

Man Charged With Stabbing Tow Truck Driver Held Without Bail

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Phillip Horner held without bail accused of attempting to stab to death tow truck driver who hit and killed his mother Benita in Watertown. #wbz pic.twitter.com/XsD0nqo9HE
— Beth Germano (@BethWBZ) September 20, 2018

The man who allegedly stabbed a tow truck driver, who hit and killed the man’s mother, was held without bail after his arraignment on a charge of armed assault with intent to murder on Thursday afternoon. Philip Horner, 38, of Quincy, faces charges after the incident that took place at the intersection of Nonantum Road and Galen Street late Wednesday morning. The tow truck struck Benita Horner, 68, of Belmont, who died at the scene. Thursday afternoon, Waltham District Court Judge Gregory Flynn ordered Horner to be held without bail.

Police/Fire

Pedestrian Struck, Killed by Tow Truck in Watertown, Driver Stabbed Multiple Times

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A woman crossing the road was struck by a tow truck and killed in the intersection of Galen and Nonantum streets, then a man known to the woman attacked the driver of the truck, who was taken to hospital with injuries. The incident in the major intersection across the Charles River from Watertown Square occurred about 11:20 a.m., according to a press release from the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office. The accident remains under investigation and the man who allegedly stabbed the driver was taken into custody. An investigation of the incident continues this afternoon in the intersection, and drivers are encouraged to avoid the area. The Middlesex DA’s office sent out the following press release:
Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Watertown Chief of Police Michael Lawn have confirmed that an investigation is underway in Watertown today following a fatal pedestrian collision and an apparent non-fatal stabbing.