– YourArlington.com

Teen victim identified with family approval

A suicide possibly by cyanide poisoning sent numerous emergency responders to Rockmont and Richfield roads near Summer Street about 4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4.

The next day the victim was identified as Jeremy Kremer-McNeil, 15.

Some in the neighborhood were evacuated from the homes as Arlington police and fire crews rushed to the scene, because cyanide is considered a hazardous material.

Capt. Richard Flynn, who reponds to media requests for Arlington police, confirmed that a suicide caused the hazardous-materials response.

The Globe reported that crews rushed to a quiet street after “a young person apparently ingested cyanide.” The story identified the location as 2 Rockmont Road and said the person lived at the home. The updated Globe story quoting a source said the victim was 15.

Elizabeth Vlock, a spokeswoman for Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan, said that because the death is not believed to be suspicious, the identity of the deceased is not being released.

Police do not typically release the names of suicide victims.

Bodie’s statement

In a statement released by John Guilfoil, whom provides public information for Arlington police, schools Superintendent Kathleen Bodie identified the victim after conferring with members of the family involve. She wrote to parents and guardians:

“The media has reported the death of an Arlington teenager. We can confirm the sad news of the passing of Jeremy Kremer-McNeil, a sophomore at Arlington High School.

“Jeremy’s mother, Amy Kremer, was previously a teacher and librarian at Bishop Elementary School.

“We extend to Jeremy’s family our deepest sympathy for their loss.

“Sometimes situations such as this are very difficult to process for some students. Dr. Janger will contact high school parents regarding support for students at the high school.

“Some useful contacts to be aware of: Walk-in evaluation screening is available through Advocates in Waltham from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. (781-893-2003). Counseling resources are also available 24 hours at the Massachusetts Suicide Prevention Hotline (800-273-TALK). You can also find additional resources at our guidance website.

“We hope the community can provide support for Jeremy’s family and friends at this difficult time.”

Town, DA investigating

Police Chief Frederick Ryan reports that the Arlington Police Department, along with the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office, are investigating a death that occurred inside a residence, possibly involving hazardous materials.

Ryan told the Globe that authorities were investigating whether the youth had purchased the cyanide on the Internet.

Police were called Friday to an address on Rockmont Road for a well-being check. First responders located a deceased male in the basement of the home, with evidence that the death may have involved the use of hazardous materials, possibly cyanide, a news release said.

Police and firefighters secured the area and requested a regional hazardous materials team to respond to the scene.

“A loss of life in our community is a tragedy, but with the possible addition of hazardous materials, we need to be extra careful to also protect the first responders and civilians in the area,” Chief Ryan said in the release. “I wish to thank residents for their patience this afternoon, and my most sincere condolences go out to the family of the deceased.”

Officials have determined that there is no danger to the public. The incident remains under investigation. Further inquiries should be directed to the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office.

Roads were blocked off in the area, and helicopters from several television news stations circled until about 6:45 p.m.

Most neighbors were able to return home by 8:30 p.m.

Unregistered Solicitors from Willis, Texas Company Knocking on Front Doors, Breaking into Back Doors If No One Answers

Reading, Wakefield, and North Reading Police Investigating Similar Pattern of Break-Ins

North Reading Police Chief Michael P. Murphy, Wakefield Police Chief Rick Smith, and Reading Police Chief James Cormier report that police in all three communities are investigating a pattern of burglaries and larcenies that appear to be connected to employees of the same door-to-door solicitation company.

Employees for a Willis, Texas-based company, Urban Nation are allegedly responsible for the break-ins, which began late this week.

“It appears that an out-of-state company has transported more than a dozen people into our area and tasked them with selling magazine subscriptions,” Chief Murphy said. “When no one is home, we know of at least one salesmen that broke into a home in Reading and others helping themselves to packages left on the doorsteps in Wakefield. We want to get the word out about this behavior so that residents will be on their guard.”

According to investigators, the burglars/solicitors have been knocking on front doors for a sales call and then breaking in, usually through a rear door, if no one appears to be home.

On Thursday, Sept. 3, the Wakefield Police Department investigated a case in which an Urban Nation solicitor went through a parcel left on a homeowner’s front steps.

The Reading Police Department, on Friday, arrested a man from Urban Nation, after police, responding to calls about aggressive unregistered solicitors, found him with stolen merchandise from a home on Van Norden Road in Reading.

Laderius Alton Lowe, age 22, of Detroit, was charged with Breaking and Entering During the Daytime with the Intention to Commit a Felony and Receiving Stolen Property over $250.

Also on Friday, the North Reading Police received several calls for solicitors going door to door. Homeowners described the solicitor as aggressive in his sales pitch.

Police later encountered another solicitor from Detriot who informed them he works for Urban Nation. An investigation indicated that the dozen or so men from all over the country, including Detroit, St. Louis, and Washington D.C. were dropped off by a rental van in North Reading to conduct their solicitations and that as many as 100 people may have been transported into the Boston area by this company.

“This is a disturbing situation in which a company is allegedly flagrantly violating the law by dropping off unlicensed solicitors who appear to be helping themselves to packages and items from homes in multiple communities,” Chief Smith said. “However, the teamwork and constant communication between municipal law enforcement agencies quickly identified this pattern of behavior, and now we are alerting the public.”

Homeowners are asked to call their local Police Departments if they see any suspicious people or aggressive solicitors in their neighborhoods. While local ordinances vary, North Reading and Reading have by-laws preventing people soliciting door to door without properly registering with the Police beforehand. This process consists of a criminal background check, including fingerprints, and the Chief of Police has the right to refuse permission based on this check.

Police have determined that several of the Urban Nation solicitors have long criminal histories including burglary and larceny in other states.

“We are just grateful that no one has gotten hurt yet as this influx of career criminals has literally been delivered to our doorsteps,” Chief Cormier said. “We will be aggressively patrolling our communities, and we ask everyone to remain vigilant. When in doubt, dial 911.”

– Submitted by police in Reading, Wakefield, and North Reading

– Allison Goldsberry

Medford Police officer Stephen LeBert, who was caught on video threatening a wrong-way driver in July, faces a disciplinary hearing that will determine whether he keeps his job, according to information released by Mayor Michael McGlynn’s office.

In a statement, Mayor McGlynn said the police department’s internal affairs division has completed its investigation of the July 26 incident. Mayor McGlynn ordered that a disciplinary hearing be held to determine whether Officer LeBert, a thirty year veteran, should be discharged, removed, or suspended from his job.

City legal counsel is expected to meet with LeBert’s representation prior to the hearing, which is taking place on Thursday, October 15 at 10:00 AM in Alden Auditorium at Medford City Hall. The hearing officer is Louise Miller, Medford’s Chief Procurement Officer and Director of Personnel and Budget. Witnesses and others connected to the incident are expected to be at the hearing.

In the hearing notice from Medford Police Chief Leo Sacco, Officer LeBert is quoted in a passage about the reason for the hearing. He is alleged to have threatened to shoot the driver, Michael Coates, and to have used several expletives directed toward him. Officer LeBert was off-duty during the time of the incident and allegedly drove his own personal vehicle in an unsafe manner while trying to get the attention of the wrong-way driver.

Officer LeBert is also accused of several departmental violations, including conduct unbecoming of a police officer, conduct injurious to public peace and welfare, and Medford Police policies regarding pursuit and use of force.

“It is well-established that police officers must ‘comport themselves in accordance with the laws that they are sworn to enforce and behave in a manner that brings honor and respect for rather than public distrust of law enforcement personnel,” said a passage in the disciplinary hearing notice. “They are required to do more than refrain from indictable conduct. Police officers are not drafted into the public service; rather, they compete for their positions. In accepting employment by the public, they implicitly agree that they will not engage in conduct which calls into question their ability and fitness to perform their official responsibilities.'”

“Your actions, speech/language and behavior/demeanor on July 26, 2015 violated these fundamental standards as they have clearly increased ‘public distrust for law enforcement personnel’ and can easily be described as ‘conduct which calls into question [your] ability and fitness to perform [your] official responsibilities.'”

Part of the hearing will focus on previous disciplinary actions taken against Officer LeBert, which include three separate suspensions in the 1986 and 1992 and public complaints against LeBert.

The police department’s internal affairs investigation includes video and audio of the incident and interview transcripts, according to the hearing notice.

Medford Police first heard about the July 26 incident via an email sent to Captain Kevin Faller from a California resident who had seen video on YouTube that was apparently taken by a camera on Coates’ dashboard.

LeBert has been on administrative leave since the incident.

The Middlesex Sheriff’s Office is today warning residents of a new round of scam calls in which perpetrators are identifying themselves as deputy sheriffs.

We have received three calls in recent days from residents reporting men posing as deputies phoned them threatening arrest for failure to pay outstanding debts.

“At no time will a legitimate member of law enforcement ever threaten arrest or demand payment for debt over the phone,” said Middlesex Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian.

In each case reported to the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office (MSO), the scammers managed to spoof the office’s main telephone number, making it appear as though the calls were legitimate. None of those who contacted the MSO in recent days reported losing any money. One resident told call was a scam due to previous publicity about similar calls.

Due to the nature of these scams, it is often impossible to trace phone calls or identify suspects. For that reason, the IRS, local police departments and sheriff’s office across the country have tried to educate the public
about their prevalence and ways residents can protect themselves. Earlier this year, the Better Business Bureau rated arrest scams as the number one scam of 2014 (http://goo.gl/RwCQUk).

Individuals receiving similar calls, or who think they may have lost money, are encouraged to contact their local police department. Calls in which scammers identify themselves as members of the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office can also report them to the Sheriff’s Investigation Unit at 978-932-3106.

– Submitted by the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office

– YourArlington.com

State Attorney General Maura Healey has been invited to be the keynote speaker at “The Opioid Crisis: Identifying Community Solutions in Arlington,” a forum to be held Tuesday, Oct. 13, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Town Hall.

Opiate image for forum

The Arlington Youth Health & Safety Coalition — which has representation from the Arlington Public Schools, School Committee, Selectmen, Police Department, Fire Department, clergy, LGBT community, parents and students — is organizing the event.

The following panelists will present on the topic of identifying solutions to the opioid issues in Arlington:

– Moderator Frederick Ryan, Arlington Police Chief;

– Marian Ryan, Middlesex district attorney;

– Mike Duggan, founder of Wicked Sober;

– Rebecca Wolfe, Arlington Police Department clinical responder; and

– Dr. Alex Walley, Boston Public Health Commission’s Opioid Treatment Program.

‘No community untouched’

Following the panel discussion is a question-and-answer session.

Forum participants will learn how prescription drug abuse and opioid addiction affects all members of our community, the facts about the disease of addiction, and the options for treatment and recovery, a news release says.

“No community has gone untouched by this opioid crisis, and that includes our own,” Chief Ryan said in the release. “I strongly encourage members of the Arlington community to attend this event. It is imperative that we understand that addiction is a disease and requires treatment like any other disease. As a community, we must begin to identify a solution in order to prevent future addicts from this terrible disease and to help those currently suffering to overcome it.”

Ryan is projecting that the number of fatal and nonfatal overdoses in Arlington will double this year from 2014. Overdoses killed more people nationwide than car accidents in 2014, the release from John Guilfoil says.

“Opioid abuse disorder affects every member of our community — the disease of addiction does not discriminate,” said Ivy Laplante, director of the Arlington Youth Health & Safety Coalition. “It is up to us, as a community, to come together to identify solutions to aid in long-term recovery.”

The coalition is a division of the Department of Health and Human Services made up of a variety of community members, including: parents, students, school personnel, faith-based organizations, government officials, substance-abuse preventionists and members of law enforcement. Its members believe it is uniquely placed within the community to respond to opiate issues.

Through a comprehensive prevention strategy, the coalition works firsthand to reduce availability of these substances, change community norms and foster a community where youth choose to live substance free.

Creating a climate

“In order to combat this crisis, we need to come together as a community to talk about it,” said James Feeney, acting director of Health and Human Services. “By furthering the conversation around opioid addiction, we can hope to reduce the stigma associated with it and create a climate where those families in Town facing a crisis are comfortable seeking help.”

The forum is open to the media, and the public is encouraged to attend.

Story updated 6:14 PM Tuesday, September 22, 2015

Update: According to DA Ryan, the missing woman was found dead on Tuesday. The investigation is no longer considered a criminal one and no further information is being released by authorities.

Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan, the Reading Police Department, and the Massachusetts State Police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating a missing Reading woman.

Dorothy Brownsberger, 48, of Reading, has not been seen or heard from since leaving her home at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, September 20. A

uthorities are also asking the public to be on the lookout for Mrs. Brownsberger’s vehicle, a 2007 yellow Hummer with the Massachusetts registration plate 785JP1.

Mrs. Brownsberger is described as a 5’04” white female, weighing 105 pounds, with long brown hair.

Anyone who may have seen Mrs. Brownsberger or her vehicle is asked to contact Reading Police at 781-944-1212.

– Submitted by DA Marian Ryan’s office

Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan has announced that a warrant has been issued for Michael J. Purpura, 36, of Westwood, on a charge of attempted kidnapping. Purpura turned himself in to Medford Police yesterday and is the suspect in the September 15 rape of a woman in the Fenway neighborhood of Boston. Purpura appeared in Roxbury Municipal Court today and was held without bail pending a 58A dangerousness hearing scheduled for Thursday, September 24, at 2:00 p.m.

“The Winchester Police Department has issued a warrant for the arrest of this suspect in connection with the attempted abduction of a child,” said District Attorney Ryan. “We will be closely monitoring the criminal proceedings in Suffolk County and continue to move forward with our own investigation.”

Winchester Chief of Police Kenneth Albertelli added, “This is a very disturbing case in which a man allegedly attacked a young girl. Our detectives worked aggressively and diligently to put together a case and I am grateful that this appears to be an isolated incident.”

On Saturday, September 19, 2015 at approximately 4:20pm, Winchester Police responded to a report of an attempted abduction of a child. The victim was walking in the vicinity of Winchester High School when she was allegedly approached and grabbed by the defendant. The victim broke free and ran to a group of people who called 911.
Winchester Police and the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office investigated this incident.

This charge is an allegation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

– Information from DA Marian Ryan’s office. Photo courtesy Winchester Police.

Senator Pat Jehlen, Representative Evandro Carvalho, and Representative Mary Keefe joined in testimony before the Joint Committee on The Judiciary recently in support of reforms for police investigations into officer-involved deaths.

Representative Carvalho filed H. 1227 An Act relative to maintaining the integrity of the judicial system, while Senator Jehlen and Representative Keefe filed separate legislation H. 1428 An Act regarding judicial investigations of law enforcement officer-involved deaths. The elected officials urged the Committee to release a bill to establish uniform, independent investigations of all officer-involved deaths.

The legislators also jointly submitted written testimony signed by 20 of their colleagues.

“Police officers do a dangerous and difficult job. Without the trust of the communities they serve, their job becomes all the more difficult,” said Senator Jehlen (D-Somerville). “By building an independent, uniform system to investigate officer involved deaths, both the public and the law enforcement community can trust that the truth will be found.”

“In the wake of protests across the nation, it has become clear that a large segment of the population does not trust the current system of investigation,” Representative Keefe (D-Worcester) stated Wednesday. “When the community lacks faith in the impartiality of law enforcement and the judicial system, it makes the jobs of our men and women in uniform much more difficult. The legislature must act quickly and pass a bill this session to repair community relations and encourage community trust in law enforcement.”

“As we grapple with the challenges of policing in today’s national climate, I hope policy makers can embrace smart system reforms like the Special Prosecutor Act to address points of contention made visible over the last year,” said Representative Carvalho (D-Boston). “By embracing independence and transparency in the investigation of officer-involved deaths, Massachusetts can continue to lead the way on criminal justice reform.”

– Submitted by State Senator Pat Jehlen’s office

– Allison Goldsberry

A traffic stop made by police, after a detective observed erratic driving and littering, led to the arrest of a suspect for drugs and illegal firearm possession.

According to police, on Tuesday night Detective Sergeant Leo A. Sacco III saw a BMW travelling erratically on Salem Street heading in the direction of Medford Square. After Sgt. Sacco saw the driver toss trash out the window, he called for marked units to assist with pulling the car over since he was in an unmarked vehicle. Police stopped the car at Main and South Streets, not far from the police station.

Sgt. Sacco told the driver, Wendell Calvin Cole, 32, of Roslindale, not to litter, and released him with a verbal warning. However, according to a statement released by police, Sgt. Sacco “was able to develop some other information” about Cole that led him to believe he was in Medford for a drug transaction. Sacco and other narcotics detectives watched Cole and witnessed his alleged involvement in a drug deal at Brooks Park and Main Street, just a quarter of a mile from where he was initially stopped by police.

Police confiscated crack cocaine from the man they saw involved in the drug deal with Cole. K-9 Officer Harold MacGilvray and his dog, Marco, assisted at the scene and Marco brought officers to the trunk of the car, which had a cooler with soda and water, including a can with a false bottom that concealed drugs. Police found 22 grams of crack cocaine and 13 grams of heroin. They also seized a a loaded .45 caliber Colt pistol from the passenger area of the car.

Cole faces several charges related to illegal distribution of narcotics and unlawful possession of a firearm.

Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan moderated a panel discussion with recovering opioid users at Lowell General Hospital on Thursday, September 17 as part of the Lowell Opioid Task Force’s event, “Crafting a Solution from the Inside: A Public Policy Dialogue Forum.” The panel consisted of six recovering users, founder and president of Middlesex Recovery Doctor Brian O’Connor, and District Court Drug Court Coordinator Marie Burke, and addressed numerous topics including how the panelists began using opioids and the steps they took towards recovery.

This forum marks the launch of District Attorney Ryan’s “Mobile Public Policy Forum,” which features recovering opioid users discussing their personal experiences while offering recommendations to improve access to care and other critical services

“For too long the opioid crisis has been an analysis of the numbers: number of overdoses, number of deaths, number of arrests,” said District Attorney Marian Ryan. “This event was evidence that the opioid crisis is not about statistics – it is about the lives that drug use impacts. Opioid users, their families, their friends, are all victims of the devastating effects of drug use. The opioid crisis spreads across every socioeconomic class and every level of education. I thank our volunteers who shared their emotional life stories and their struggles to combat this disease. From these very personal stories we can now trace the beginnings of these courageous speakers’ descent into addiction and better understand how they have taken steps towards successful recoveries.”

Lowell Police Superintendent William Taylor added, “I am extremely grateful to District Attorney Ryan for putting together this discussion on the ongoing opioid crisis. This event was the most informative and substantive conversation on addiction I have participated in for some time. The candid stories, by members of the panel, should be heard by all members of our community. They provided a unique first hand story of addiction, recovery and hope. Everyone needs to hear this.”

Chairman of the Board for the Greater Lowell Health Alliance and VP of External Affairs for Lowell General Hospital Michelle Davis stated, “We are proud to host such an incredible event. It was such a gift to hear the real stories of those who have struggled with opiate addiction and found a path to recovery. The hospital staff in attendance found these stories so powerful and compelling that we are actively working to schedule a similar event to present to our staff and physicians.”

The next “Mobile Public Policy Forum” will take place in October in partnership with the Eastern Middlesex Opioid Task Force and participating partners including Hallmark Health, Lahey Health, and Cambridge Health Alliance. The Task Force’s mission is to bring together leaders from law enforcement, health care providers, and policy makers to propose unique and innovative solutions to the opioid crisis.

“Opioid deaths and overdoses in Middlesex County have skyrocketed in recent years,” said District Attorney Ryan. “Now is the time to admit that our current practices are not working as quickly or as effectively as we need. To address this rampant problem our office and its community partners are now reexamining conventional approaches to drug addiction in order to address not only the legal ramifications and health risks of opioid use, but also prevention and care. Moving forward we plan to use these inspiring stories to create policy changes in the Commonwealth.”

– Submitted by DA Ryan’s office

– Allison Goldsberry

Medford Police have arrested two suspects they say allegedly beat and robbed a man early in the morning on October 1.

The victim, a 23-year-old male, went to 92 Surrey Street around 2:00 AM because he thought he was meeting a woman he had spoken to on meetme.com to hang out and smoke marijuana. According to police, the suspects posed as a woman on the website to lure the victim.

Police say three suspects were waiting in the area for the victim, who was beaten up before he could dial 911. He was struck over the head with an aluminum bat and after he was on the ground he was hit by some type of object similar to a broom stick or lacrosse stick. The victim was robbed of his cell phone, car keys, money, and marijuana.

The victim was able to make it home and call police. He was later taken to the hospital by his father. He received several staples to close a large wound on his head.

Police identified three “persons of interest” due to surveillance video in the area. They discovered that two of the suspects, Eric Darden, 20, and Bryan Newell, 20, both of Medford, had outstanding warrants for misdeamoners. Both were arrested on those warrants and after being interviewed about the Surrey Street robbery, they were placed under arrest. Police say a third suspect has been identified and will also be charged.

According to police, the suspects are allegedly connected to at least two other street robberies that happened in Medford and another city. The suspects are believed to have used meetme.com to lure victims in those robberies, which took place in Medford in August on Rockwood Terrace and Paris Street during the early morning hours.

Darden and Newell are each charged with armed robbery, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, and larceny.

The police are continuing to investigate and anyone with information can contact the Medford Police Detectives at 781-391-6767 or can text a tip via Tips411.

– Allison Goldsberry

Medford Police officer Stephen LeBert, who was caught on video threatening a wrong-way driver in July, has resigned from the police department, according to a statement released by Mayor Michael McGlynn.

Officer LeBert had been on administrative leave with pay since the incident. His status will change to administrative leave without pay as he waits for his retirement papers to be processed.

LeBert faced a public disciplinary hearing on Thursday, October 15. That hearing is no longer taking place.

In the July incident, Officer LeBert is accused of threatening to shoot the driver, Michael Coates, and to have used several expletives directed toward him. Officer LeBert was off-duty during the time of the incident and allegedly drove his own personal vehicle in an unsafe manner while trying to get the attention Coates, who claimed he accidentally drove the wrong way around the Winthrop Street rotary.

Officer LeBert is accused of several departmental violations, including conduct unbecoming of a police officer, conduct injurious to public peace and welfare, and Medford Police policies regarding pursuit and use of force.

LeBert, a thirty year veteran of the Medford Police, had previous disciplinary actions taken against him, including three separate suspensions in the 1986 and 1992. He also had several public complaints filed against him during his career.

– YourArlington.com

An off-duty Arlington officer aided a 76-year-old man after the man went into cardiac arrest at the town skating rink.

About 10:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 14, police were dispatched to the Ed Burns Arena following the report of an unresponsive male.

On arrival, a police news release said, an officer discovered a male hockey player lying on the ice receiving medical treatment from Officer Michael Hogan, who was off-duty at the time.

Hogan, known for working with police dog Dasty, stated that while he was skating in a men’s league hockey game, a teammate collapsed on the ice.

He recognized that the man was in cardiac arrest and not breathing. As the only person at the rink who knew how to administer CPR, he immediately began performing the life-sustaining measures.

While Hogan was administering CPR, another individual called 911, while a third individual grabbed an automated external defibrillators from the lobby of the Summer Street rink to give to Hogan.

Hogan continued rendering aid to the man until the Arlington Fire Department arrived and transported the stricken man to the Lahey Hospital and Medical Center.

The man is recovering at a local hospital.

“I commend the fast thinking and diligent work of Officer Hogan,” Chief Fred Ryan said in the release. “Without his quick actions, this man may not have survived.”

– YourArlington.com

Arlington police are investigating an armed bank robbery at the Winchester Savings Bank, across from Parallel Park, at Medford Street and the Mystic Valley Parkway, near West Medford on Friday, Oct. 16.

As a precaution, a shelter-in-place affected St. Agnes, Arlington Catholic High School, Bishop and Thompson schools, the town police Twitter feed said at 2:10 p.m. It was lifted at 2:46 p.m. Release of students at the four schools was delayed but had occurred by 3 p.m.

Jessica Sacco, who works for police spokesman John Guilfoil, said in a 4:15 p.m. news release that Arlington police responded at 1:30 p.m. for a report of a robbery.

An investigation indicates that a partly masked man came into the bank, brandished a handgun and demanded cash. He fled on foot with an unknown amount of money and was spotted in a dense residential neighborhood, removing his mask and a dark-colored sweatshirt.

The suspect, a black male in his 20s, is about 5-foot-9 with a medium build. He was last seen wearing dark pants and a light shirt.

Out of an abundance of caution, schools in the area sheltered in place during the search, which involved the Massachusetts State Police Airwing. The suspect was not found.

Chief Fred Ryan praised the preparedness of the schools: “The lockdowns were conducted flawlessly, with minimal disruptions. The schools showed that they are prepared for these kinds of situations, in which a potentially dangerous individual is believed to be in the neighborhood.”

School Committee Chair Paul Schlichtman told the Arlington list: “There is no indication of anyone [at the schools] being at risk, and the police advisories were precautionary. None of our other public schools were impacted by the robbery at the Winchester Savings Bank branch at Mystic Valley Parkway and Medford Street. Parents in all nine Arlington Public Schools were sent an advisory at dismissal time.”

An Arlington squad car was seen speeding down Medford Street with sirens wailing about 1 p.m., past workers who were dismantling the scaffolding that has for months shielded the Regent Theatre and other businesses there.

Craig Rabe, owner of the Computer Cafe in Arlington Center, said he was driving home when saw the police had just gotten out of their cars and hadn’t blocked the street yet. He got out and snapped the photo published with this story.

Arlington police have thanked officers from Medford, Somerville and Winchester for their assistance.

If anyone has any information on the robbery, they are asked to call the Arlington Police Department at 781-643-1212.

Photo by Craig Rabe taken from Mystic Valley Parkway looking down Maynard Street behind Winchester Savings Bank shows police with guns drawn, seeking suspect.

Middlesex County District Attorney Marian Ryan in partnership with Hallmark Health System and Senator Jason Lewis, hosted a special meeting of the Eastern Middlesex Opioid Task Force today at Lawrence Memorial Hospital. The forum, Crafting a Solution from the Inside: A Public Policy Dialogue Forum, involved a panel conversation with Alan Macdonald, President and CEO, Hallmark Health System, Marie Burke, District Court Drug Court Coordinator, Dr. Brian O’Connor, President, Middlesex Recovery PC, and six individuals in various stages of recovery in addiction.

The conversation, part of District Attorney Ryan’s new county-wide Mobile Public Policy Forum, was moderated by the District Attorney. These forums are designed to encourage individuals in recovery to share their personal experiences with key stakeholders offering recommendations to improve access to care and other critical services.

District Attorney Ryan is using these forums to bring together leaders from law enforcement, health care providers, and policy makers to propose unique and innovative solutions to the opioid crisis. The inaugural forum was held last month at Lowell General Hospital.

“The task force has taken a multi-pronged approach to the opioid crisis,” said District Attorney Marian Ryan. “A major part of the solution is education. The personal stories shared in these forums will help us shape our approach moving forward to ensure we are using the most effective solutions to address this epidemic.”

“We are proud to be working in partnership with the Eastern Middlesex Opioid Task Force,” Alan Macdonald, President and CEO of Hallmark Health System added. “It is heartening to see such a dedicated group of clinicians, first responders and behavioral, and social health professionals joining together each month to address the multifaceted issues connected to opioid addiction.”

During this legislative session Ryan filed legislation that would limit opiate prescriptions from an Emergency Department or walk-in clinic to a 72 hour supply. A similar provision was later included in Governor Charlie Baker’s opioid bill filed this month. Additional legislative efforts by Ryan include filing legislation to regulate a new synthetic chemical drug, NBOMe – often referred to as “N-bomb.” N-bomb is illegal under federal drug laws but not yet classified as a controlled substance in Massachusetts.

The Opioid Task Force focuses on combating the increase in drug overdoses in the eastern region of Middlesex County, serving the communities of Malden, Medford, Melrose, North Reading, Reading, Stoneham, and Wakefield. Twenty percent of the overdose deaths in Middlesex County in 2015 occurred in these communities, with 80 percent of those deaths caused by heroin.

Led by District Attorney Ryan, the Eastern Middlesex Opioid Task Force includes first responders, police and fire officials, municipal health workers, doctors, nurses, social workers, substance abuse counselors, community-based advocates and probation officers. Numerous elected officials, public administrators, and health care executives have joined Senator Lewis on the Task Force.

– Submitted by DA Ryan’s office

A car crashed into the window of Pure Hockey in Medford Square on Saturday morning. According to published reports, Medford Police said the driver was a woman who just received her license last month. No injuries were reported. The store wasn’t open to the public at the time of the accident.

Courtesy photos (John Costas and social media)

– Allison Goldsberry

Medford Police revived a man who overdosed on heroin just one week after officers received Narcan, a commonly used an opioid antagonist.

According to a police press release, it all began when Medford Police officers Jason Montalbano and Frank Cassarino responded to a report of a car accident on Ninth Street during the afternoon on October 24. Police found an unresponsive man in a blue pick-up truck that had struck a parked car and come to a stop on the wrong side of the street behind Kappy’s Liquors.

The truck was still in drive and was running when police responded to the scene. The driver appeared “unconscious and unresponsive.” Police were able to put the vehicle in park. Police say the driver, who was alone, had signs and symptoms of an opiate overdose. Police also found a small bag of a substance they believed to be heroin inside the truck.

Officers Montalbano and Cassarino administered Narcan to the victim to reverse the effects of the heroin overdose. The driver was later transported to Lawrence Memorial Hospital for examination. He is facing numerous motor vehicle charges, including operating a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs. Luckily, no one was injured as a result of the accident.

– Allison Goldsberry

Medford Police are seeking two suspects they say beat and robbed a parking enforcement officer on Wednesday night.

The incident happened on Capen Street at 10 PM. According to a police press release, the parking enforcement officer said two white males in their 20’s called out to him and then punched him, knocking him to the ground. He was hit again before the suspects took his money and fled toward Winthrop Street.

Police call the incident a “crime of opportunity” and don’t think the parking enforcement officer was targeted because of his position.

Anyone with information about the incident should call the Medford Police Detectives at 781-391-6765. Tips can also be submitted online or via text.

Chief Michael L. Lyle announces that the Melrose Police Department will host its first Rape Aggression Defense (R.A.D) With Keys class next month, at no cost, to all women who are interested in attending.

The class will be led by Detective Dan Ehlers, on Nov. 14 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Mount Hood Club House, 100 Slayton Road.

All training and equipment will be supplied by the Melrose Police Department and complimentary refreshments will be served. The Melrose Running Club donated $5,000 to the department earlier this year to support the program.

“The R.A.D with Keys class is just another way for us to help residents protect themselves and feel safe at all times,” Chief Lyle said. “This is certainly a good opportunity for women to learn the concepts and techniques of self-defense in a safe atmosphere.”

The R.A.D programs are dedicated to teaching women self-defense techniques and concepts against the various types of assaults by applying easy and effective defense tactics. The course begins with awareness, prevention risk avoidance and risk reduction, while progressing on the basics of hands-on defensive training.

To sign up for the class, contact Detective Ehlers at 781-979-4432 or dehlers@cityofmelrose.org

– Submitted by Melrose Police

Two cars were involved in an accident at the corner of Dudley Street and Central Avenue around 3:45 PM on Tuesday afternoon. Several police cars, an ambulance, and a firetruck responded to the scene. There were no serious injuries reported.

– InsideMedford.com