Police and Fire News

Mills stabbing; Crashes

Top story: Man stabbed in Marstons Mills

     ^{Barnstable Police are investigating a stabbing at this residence in Marstons Mills}
MARSTONS MILLS - Sometime late Friday morning a stabbing occurred at 539 River Road in Marstons Mills. The victim was apparently driven to the Centerville, Osterville, Marstons Mills fire station and then taken by COMM ambulance  to CCH with injuries described as serious but not life threatening. Barnstable Police tell CWN that when they went to the residence a SWAT unit was called in as a precaution. When the search was made no one was found and the scene was secured. A County Investigation Officer (CIO) was called for pictures and the SWAT team left. Two marked BPD cars were posted at the intersection of River Road and Wakeby Road during the incident. Barnstable Police detectives are continuing to investigate. (Story and photos by Frank Paparo/CWN).

One person seriously injured in Yarmouth crash
YARMOUTH - One person was seriously injured in a bizarre crash in Yarmouth Friday evening. A Lincoln sedan apparently lost control and struck trees off Wood Road behind the State Police barracks. The driver 59-year-old Patricia Slawski of Yarmouth was taken to Cape Cod Hospital. She'll face charges of operating under the influence of alcohol, operating to endanger, operating without a license and marked lanes violation. Meanwhile in a related story, State Police plan to charge another driver with operating under the influence of alcohol after a  single-vehicle crash early Saturday morning on Route 6 westbound in West Barnstable just before the Oak Street overpass. That driver was taken to CCH for evaluation after the crash. (Photo by R. Copley/CWN).

Crashes slow afternoon commute
MASHPEE - Two crashes slowed traffic along major roads during the afternoon commute. In Mashpee two vehicles collided on Falmouth Road (Route 28) by the Honey Dew Donuts just before 4:30 p.m. A Cotuit ambulance helped out at the scene. The injuries were not believed serious but traffic was heavily backed up. Then a short time later a UPS truck and a car collided on the Yarmouth Road section of Willow Street. One person was evaluated and again traffic backed up. Both crashes are under investigation-TC.

Two-vehicle crash in Falmouth
EAST FALMOUTH - Two vehicles collided in Falmouth around 4 p.m. A Toyota Camry appeared to have turned left from northbound Central Avenue into Hanson Circle in front of a Ford Escort wagon that was unable to stop before striking the Camry in the passenger side.

The driver and lone occupant of the Ford declined medical assistance or transport but said he was going to take himself to the hospital. The driver and lone occupant of the Camry stated that he was uninjured. Falmouth PD are investigating the cause of the crash, while Falmouth Fire cleaned up  fluid on the roadway.
(Story and photos by Eric Tinglof/CWN).

Two injured in Cotuit crash

COTUIT - At 2:45 p.m. Friday Barnstable Police and Cotuit Fire responded to a two-vehicle crash at Newtown Road and Route 28 in Cotuit. When they arrived they found that a Chrysler sedan had been broadsided by an Isuzu truck. Cotuit rescue called for mutual aid rescue from Centerville, Osterville, Marstons Mills (COMM) fire. Two people were taken to the hospital by ambulances. The scene and traffic were tied up for an hour and a half for investigation and cleanup. (Story and photos by Frank Paparo/CWN).

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NY man cleared in 2006 P'town death; Gusts in East Falmouth down line, cause arm injury; Two Cape women killed in crash on Cranberry Highway in Wareham

Top story: Two Bourne women killed in Cranberry Highway crash in Wareham

    

WAREHAM

Two injured in Route 132 crash

     ^{A two-vehicle crash caused delays on Route 132 at Rt. 6 during the evening commute.}
WEST BARNSTABLE - At 7 p.m. Thursday State and Barnstable police along with West Barnstable fire were called to a two-vehicle crash on Rt. 132 and the eastbound Route 6 off ramp. An Isuzu Trooper and a Ford Contour had crashed into each other. Two people were taken to Cape Cod Hospital with unknown injuries. Both vehicles were extensively damaged. (Story and photos by Frank Paparo/CWN).

Man acquitted in 2006 P'town death
PROVINCETOWN - A judge Thursday acquitted a New York man of all charges stemming from a deadly incident in Provincetown in 2006. On September 1 of that year Gustavo Ramirez (seen here while in police custody) was driving on Route 6 near the Truro town line when his girlfriend 35-year-old Katherine Wagoner of Troy, NY somehow fell or jumped from his car. She died in a hospital four days later. Ramirez left the scene but was captured a short time later by Truro Police. Judge Richard Connon in Barnstable Superior Court Thursday acquitted Ramirez who had waived a jury trial. Prosecutors had said all along they didn't believe Ramirez had forced Wagoner out of the car but they alleged Ramirez would not let her out of the car and then failed to stop at the scene. Read the original CWN story here. (Photo by Tim Caldwell/CWN file).

Man arrested at Hyannis gas station

     ^{Barnstable Police surround a pickup truck at the Sav-On on West Main Street.}
HYANNIS - At 11:50 a.m. Thursday a pickup truck with a cap was stopped by Barnstable Police at the Sav-On gas station at 100 West Main Street in Hyannis next to the Melody Tent. The officer started checking the plate and called for backup and two additional units arrived and all pulled into the parking lot of the station The pickup came back registered to an address in the midwest but it had Massachusetts plates. Other discrepancies were also reportedly discovered. After much checking one person was placed under arrest and the truck was hauled away. Police had a lengthy talk with a second male in the truck but he was not arrested. We're checking with Barnstable police for more details but the stop comes after the recent gun-point robbery of another Sav-On station on Willow Street in Yarmouth. (Story and photos by Frank Paparo).

Gusts down a power line in East Falmouth causing injury at Uncle Bob's Self Storage

    ^{An employee of Uncle Bob's Self Storage had her arm wedged in a gate as a result of the power outage.}
EAST FALMOUTH - At shortly after 9 a.m. Thursday morning, wind gusts caused the downing of a primary electric line at Maravista Ave and Marivista Extension in East Falmouth in photo below. Falmouth firefighters and police stood by until NStar arrived and restored power to the surrounding area within 30 minutes.

Unfortunately the outage and quick restoration of power caused an injury at another location. An assistant manager, above, at Uncle Bob's Self Storage on Village Common Drive was working to open the vehicle entrance gate at the facility after the power was restored and had her arm wedged in the rapidly opening gate.

Falmouth Fire/Rescue quickly responded to a 911 call and were able to release the woman from the gate.  She was transported to Falmouth Hospital with shoulder and arm injuries that were serious but not life-threatening.    (Story and photos by C. Eric Tinglof)

Single vehicle crash in Hatchville

HATCHVILLE - Shortly after 11 a.m. Thursday morning, a VW Sport Coupe left the road at 285 Sam Turner Road in the Hatchville section of Falmouth. Skidding across the road, the VW destroyed the mail box and a marker post at number 285.

The male driver and his male passenger were uninjured in the crash with the VW sustaining enough damage to its under carriage that it could not be moved without a wrecker.

The crash is under investigation by Falmouth Police. Although Police were unable to comment on the cause at the time, the look of skid marks seemed to indicate speed may have been a factor.

(Story and photos by C. Eric Tinglof)

Yarmouth Police Support Toys for Tots and Cape Cod Cares for Our Troops
YARMOUTH - During this holiday season Yarmouth Police Headquarters will serve as a drop-off point for donated items in support of the Toys for Tots Program and Cape Cod Cares for Our Troops.

The primary goal of Toys for Tots is to deliver a shiny new toy at Christmas as a message of hope to needy youngsters that will help motivate them to grow into responsible-productive-patriotic citizens-and community leaders. The United States Marine Corps Reserve operates the program, which involves the collection of new, unwrapped toys during the holiday season for distribution as gifts to needy children all across Cape Cod.

The primary goal of Cape Cod Cares for Our Troops is to honor our Troops for their service, dedication, and sacrifices to our country. Cape Cod Cares for Our Troops is a non-profit organization operated by the DeSilva family of Brewster. On a weekly basis care packages from Cape Cod are sent to our troops serving in battle in Iraq and Afghanistan as well to children in schools, orphanages, and medical clinics in both countries.

Some of the needed items for our brave Troops are:

Foot Powder         Microwave Popcorn         Socks                    iPods
Hand Sanitizer     Gatorade                                T-Shirts               MP3 Players
Kleenex                  Sunflower Seeds                  Hats                      Music CDs
Q-Tips                     Power Bars                            Gloves                  Movie DVDs
Shaving Items     Beef Jerky                              Batteries              Phone Cards
Toothpaste           Trail Mix                                Travel Games     PlayStations

Anyone who can contribute is asked to bring their gifts to Yarmouth Police Headquarters-located on Higgins Crowell Road in West Yarmouth-at anytime between now and December 25, 2007.

For additional information about USMCR Toys for Tots and Cape Cod Cares for Our Troops please visit their web sites at www.toysfortots.org and www.capecodcares4ourtroops.com.

West Barnstable and other fire departments are also participating in the Toys for Tots program so check with your local department. 

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P'town blaze was set; Dog bite in Hyannis; Dump truck loses gravel on busy East Falmouth road

Fallen utitily pole causes power outage in Wellfleet

     ^{NSTAR crews assess a fallen pole on Gull Pond Road in Wellfleet that knocked out power in the area.}
WELLFLEET - A utility pole toppled down on Gull Pond Road in Wellfleet just off Route 6 about 6:30 a.m. Thursday morning. Power was knocked out to parts of Wellfleet. Gull Pond Road is closed due to downed wires but the good news is NSTAR crews were able to clear wires impinging on Route 6 before the morning commute and the highway is open in both directions with no delays. A clarification to earlier reports we are now hearing the pole was replaced after the "Noel" storm and a CWN reader says they noticed it leaning yesterday. The weight of several transformers may have been too great. (Story and photos by Tim Caldwell/CWN).

Top story: Fire Marshal says P'town blaze was arson
PROVINCETOWN - Massachusetts State Fire Marshal Stephen Coan says Tuesday night's fire in Provincetown was no accident. Marshal Coan told CWN "The investigation into the fire at 777 Commercial Street has concluded that the fire was intentionally set and may be connected to the series of recent fires within the community." Officials continue to appeal to the public for information. The state's confidential arson hotline is open at (800) 682-9229 and there is a $5,000 reward for imformation leading to the arrest of those responsible. In photo, Deputy Fire Chief Warren Alexander far right talks with firefighters at Tuesday night's scene. (Story and photo by Tim Caldwell/CWN).

Also on CWN: Composite released of alleged gas station robber (click).

CWN followup: Suspect arrested in Wellfleet break-in
WELLFLEET - Wellfleet Police arrested a local man Wednesday morning in connection with the break-in into an occupied home a week ago (see original story here). 27-year-old Kristofor Parent was scheduled to be arraigned Wednesday in Orleans District Court on burglary and assault charges. 

Man arrested in heroin sting in Falmouth
FALMOUTH - A man was arrested in Falmouth Tuesday as part of a heroin sting. 48-year-old Albert Rosinski Jr. was charged with possession of class B (cocaine), Possession of class A (subsequent offense [heroin]), distributing class A, and possession with intent to distribute class B. Rosinski pled not guilty and was held on $5,000 bail. Prosecutors say tests on the heroin will determine whether or not it is the same batch that was apparently responsible for three deaths in Falmouth and Mashpee. 

Alleged purse snatcher runs out of gas
HYANNIS - An alleged purse snatcher didn't get too far Wednesday. The incident happened at the Christmas Tree Plaza just after 6 p.m. Police were told by the victim the suspect got away in a red pickup. Minutes later a report came in of a disabled red pickup truck at Main Street and Yarmouth Road. Police arriving to assist spotted the purse on the seat of the truck. The female driver told them the suspect went to get gas. Police intercepted him and asked him if they could give him a ride to which he reportedly said yes. Once back at the truck, 19-year-old Wilson Perry III was arrested and charged with unarmed robbery. The victim was not injured.

Man seriously injured after being bitten by pit bull

     ^{Officials were called to this residence on Lincoln Road in Hyannis after a man was bitten by a dog.}
HYANNIS -  At 11 a.m. Wednesday, Hyannis rescue was called to 141 Lincoln Road for serious dog bites to a male resident at that address. When they arrived, they treated 33-year-old Joshua Carlino at the scene for bites on both arms and wrists and then transported him to CCH. He reportedly told officials he was trying to break up a fight between two female pit bulls. Rescue then called the Barnstable PD to the scene as well as the town's inspectional services (wiring, building and health) and the Hyannis fire inspector after several licensing violations were allegedly noted. Barnstable police also waited for the animal control officer to arrive at the scene. (Story and photos by Frank Paparo/CWN).

Single-vehicle crash in Falmouth

FALMOUTH - Wednesday afternoon at 3 p.m. there was a single-vehicle crash on Route 151 at the County Fairgrounds in Hatchville. A Volvo sedan apparently swerved to the left to avoid slowing traffic in the westbound lane. The Volvo crossed the eastbound lane went off the road and impacted a fire hydrant and then crashed into the end of a guard rail. Fire/Rescue units from both Mashpee and Falmouth along with police from Falmouth responded to the scene. The lone female driver of the Volvo refused medical transport. Although this a very busy stretch of Route 151, the road is wide enough to avoid serious traffic delays. Falmouth PD is investigating the crash and there is no word if any charges would result. (Story and photo by Eric Tinglof/CWN).

Dump truck loses partial load of gravel in East Falmouth

 
EAST FALMOUTH - A dump truck could not wait to be rid of its load in East Falmouth Wednesday just after 11 a.m.

The open tail gate of the dump truck caused some of its load of heavy gravel to be dumped on a 100' stretch of East Falmouth Highway in the 300 block just in front of Family Foods and Dunkin' Donuts.

The Falmouth Police Department quickly arrived to control traffic in this very busy section of Route 28.  The Police were able to intercept the dump truck just west of the spill scene as it sat in traffic at a construction zone.

Police had the truck secure the tail gate and return to the spill site. A front end loader from a local construction company was called to the site to help in the pick up of the gravel.

Traffic was delayed for about 45 minutes before police were able to fully open Route 28.

(Story and photos by Eric Tinglof/CWN)

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P'town fire; Harwich crash; Truck takes down wires in Sandwich; Dump truck rollover

Officials: Latest Provincetown fire suspicious
PROVINCETOWN - Anxious moments when fire trucks are sent screaming to the far east end of Provincetown for a report of a fire at 777 Commercial Street about 7:30 p.m. Tuesday. First arriving units found flames burning on the outside of a vacant home leading to an obvious fear even after 25 days since the last fire. The fire was quickly doused. As of late Tuesday evening officials from the State Fire Marshal's officer were wrapping up at the scene. Provincetown Fire Chief Michael Trovato would only say the fire is under investigation and could not say if it was suspicious. Late Wendesday the fire marshal's office confirmed the fire appears suspicious and may be connected to the series of blazes. (Story and photo by Tim Caldwell/CWN).

18-wheeler knocks down utility pole on 6A in Sandwich

     ^{A tractor-trailer took down power lines while trying to make a u-turn on Route 6A in Sandwich.}
SANDWICH - At 3:50 p.m. an 18-wheel truck knocked down a utility pole on Route 6A, directly in front of the mini-golf course in Sandwich. Fire and police had traffic blocked off to secure the area. The utlility pole was knocked down as a result of the driver of the 18-wheeler trying to make a u-turn on 6A. The electricity was out for an undertermined number of Sandwich residents at that time. (Story and Photos by Joyce McGann/CWN)

Dump truck rollover

     ^{A dump truck rolled over by the entrance to the Barnstable landfill}
OSTERVILLE - At 1:30 p.m. today Barnstable police and Centerville, Osterville, Marstons Mills (COMM) fire responded to the corner of Flint Street and Osterville-West Barnstable Road near the entrance to the town landfill for a fully loaded dump truck that rolled over on its side. The area was blocked off at Flint St. by the dump and Osterville-West Barnstable Rd. The driver was transported to CCH by COMM rescue with unknown injuries. A County Investigation Officer (CIO) was called for photos. Police kept the area closed for about two hours while a heavy-duty wrecker worked to right the truck forcing traffic to detour just as schools in the area were letting out. (Story and photos by Frank Paparo/CWN).

Solar glare blamed for Harwich crash

HARWICHPORT - Setting sun appeared to have caused this two-car crash at the entrance to Star Market off Sisson Road Tuesday at 4 p.m. The Saab was turning into the parking lot when the driver was blinded by the sun causing him to hit the Jaguar. No injuries were reported. The fire department was called for a minor hazmat situation (anti-freeze). (Story and photo by Jake O'Callaghan/CWN).

Yarmouth Police Host Brad Erickson Annual Memorial Blood Drive
YARMOUTH - On Wednesday, December 5, 2007 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. the Yarmouth Police Department will host a community blood drive in the memory of fallen Yarmouth Police Patrol Officer Bradford M. Erickson.

Patrol Officer Erickson was killed in the line of duty while working a highway safety detail on Friday, December 1, 2000, and this blood drive is being conducted at Yarmouth Police Headquarters in his memory with the support and assistance of the C-Lab Donor Center at Cape Cod Hospital.

Blood is needed each and every day to save lives in every community. Blood collected in this blood drive will stay on Cape Cod and is used to treat people here.

Any person over 17 in good health and weighing at least 110 pounds can become a blood donor. There is no upper age limit. The entire process of donating blood takes about 45 minutes. After donating, you can relax and enjoy free refreshments before resuming normal activities.

In order to help make the process as efficient as possible, all donors are asked to make an appointment by calling 508-862-5273.

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Storm causes power problems; More crashes: Yarmouth crash, Centerville two-car crash; Power outage; Car strikes utility pole in Yarmouth

New overnight: Rain, winds bring power problems
DENNIS - NStar crews were called out to deal with scattered power outages overnight. First in Orleans where a tree limb caused a short that blew a transformer causing an outage in part of town. Then about 3 a.m. a power line came down across Route 28 in Dennisport. Officials had to close the road until about 4:15 a.m. while utility crews worked to clear the wire. Power in the area was affected for a time.

One injured in reported hit & run crash

     ^{An ambulance takes the driver of this Jeep to CCH after it was rear-ended by an alleged hit-and-run vehicle.}
CENTERVILLE - Barnstable police and Centerville, Osterville, Marstons Mills (COMM) fire were called to the notorious intersection of Lumbert Mill Road and Route 28 in Centerville at about 8 p.m. for a two-vehicle crash with injury. When they arrived they found that a Jeep Cherokee had apparently been rear-ended and spun around and pushed from Lumbert Mill to the shoulder of Route 28 about 150 feet away. The pickup truck that allegedly struck the Jeep then reportedly left the scene up Lumbert Mill Road. The driver of the Jeep was taken by COMM rescue to CCH. At right, the County Investigation Officer (CIO) arrived to take pictures and help the Barnstable PD gather evidence. (Story and photos by Frank Paparo/CWN).

Two-vehicle crash in Marstons Mills

     ^{One person was injured when a Jeep broadsided a VW in Marstons Mills.}
MARSTONS MILLS - At 5:45 p.m. Monday there was a two-vehicle crash at Old Stage Road and Race Lane in Marstons Mills between a Jeep Cherokee and a Volkswagen sedan.

The victim in the passenger car was broadsided by the Jeep and was taken to CCH.

Three cruisers shut down the busy intersection for over an hour so the crash could be investigated and cleaned up.

(Story and photos by Frank Paparo/CWN).

Updated: Cry for help prompts beach search, man lost in fog is safe.
EASTHAM - A cry for help reportedly heard by a beach-front resident prompted a search of the tidal flats and surrounding area in Eastham Monday evening. In the dark and fog Eastham police and fire as well as the Coast Guard searched along the Bay side off First Encounter Beach around 5:30 p.m. Turns out the man who was shellfishing and got disoriented in the fog made it ashore after following the voice of a man walking his dog. The victim called authorities after reading news accounts of the search.

Car crashes into utility pole on Willow Street

   ^{A car slammed into a utility pole Monday afternoon on busy Willow Street in Yarmouth.}
YARMOUTH - Around 3:30 p.m. Monday afternoon, the Lexus SUV above struck a utility pole on Willow Street, just south of Higgins-Crowell Road in Yarmouth. One person was injured and transported to Cape Cod Hospital with serious but not life-threatening injuries.

The Yarmouth Police Department is investigating the crash. Massachusetts State Trooper Matt Covino was the first on the scene.  Trp. Covino can be seen in the photograph above, assisting the injured person in the car. Traffic along the major artery out of Hyannis to the outer Cape was heavily backed up for a time during the evening commute. (Story and photos R. Copley/CWN) 

Driver cited after rear-end collision on Scenic Highway
BOURNE - State Police are investigating a rear-end collision on the Scenic Highway by the Herring Run around 1:30 p.m. Reports say a MassHighway truck was rear-ended by another vehicle. The occupant of the MassHighway truck was taken to Tobey Hospital in Wareham for evaluation. The other driver was reportedly cited for failing to use care in stopping.

Centerville two-car crash

   ^{Monday a car crossed a lane on Route 28 crashing into a guard rail and an SUV.}

CENTERVILLE - A motor vehicle crash occurred Monday morning at 8 a.m. at Route 28 and Tanglewood Drive in Centerville.

The Toyota Camry was traveling north on Route 28 toward Falmouth when the driver lost control and the vehicle crossed into the southbound lane crashing into a guard rail and an oncoming SUV.

The traffic was snarled for some time in both directions as either one or two people were transported to the Cape Cod Hospital by COMM Rescue. 

It was more than an hour before the wrecks were cleared.

(Story and photos by Frank Paparo/CWN)

Gun safety course scheduled in Truro
TRURO - The Truro Police Department is announcing that they will be conduction a Basic Handgun Safety Course on Monday December 10th and Thursday December 13th at the Truro Public Safety Facility Training Room. Both classes run from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Successful completion of this class allows an individual to apply for a Massachusetts license to carry or firearms identification card. This course is normally offered by gun clubs or other organizations for a fee however this course offered by the Truro Police is free of charge but class size is limited to 25 so you are urge to register now by calling Truro Police at (508) 487-8730. For questions contact Ofc. Domingo Gonzalez or Ofc. James Roach at (508) 487-8733. More information can be found at the Truro Police web site.

 

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Fiery Route 6 crash; Gas station robbed in Yarmouth; Cotuit crash; Provincetown, Marstons Mills crashes

Fiery crash on Route 6 in Yarmouth

     ^{A Jeep was demolished after a fiery crash on Route 6 Sunday evening.}
YARMOUTH - One person was taken to Cape Cod Hospital with serious injuries after a fiery crash on Route 6 eastbound just past exit 7 around 7:10 p.m. Sunday. The driver identfied as 29-year old Jamie Frazee of Dennis was pulled to safety from the burning Jeep Grand Cherokee by passersby and a state trooper. Firefighters quickly doused the flames and checked that no one else was in the vehicle. The victim reportedly told authorities another person was with him. Firefighters using thermal imaging cameras and a police K-9 searched the surrounding woods and a State Police helicopter also used a thermal scanner from the air with negative results. The crash stalled eastbound traffic for a time and is under investigation by State Police. (Photos by R. Copley/CWN).

Gas station robbed in Yarmouth
YARMOUTH - On Sunday at 5:22 p.m. members of the Yarmouth Police Department responded to the Sav-On Gas Station at the corner of Willow Street and Camp Street in West Yarmouth regarding a report of an armed robbery.

Yarmouth Police Patrol Officers Kevin P. McIsaac-Olivier Naas-and Albert Sprague as well as Patrol Sergeant Walter R. Warren Jr. arrived at the scene and determined that no one was injured and that the suspects fled in a motor vehicle.

The on-scene investigation indicates that a group of 4 black males robbed the lone gas station
attendant of a small amount of cash while one of them brandished a handgun as they asked the attendant to help them with the outside tire pressure pump. Yarmouth Police immediately notified area police agencies including the Barnstable-Dennis-and Massachusetts State Police but as of this point, the suspects and suspect vehicle have not been located.

All suspects should be considered armed and dangerous. Anyone who spots the suspects or suspect vehicle should use caution and immediately contact the closest law enforcement agency by dialing 911.

All Descriptions are Subject to Adjustment

Suspect Vehicle:

2000 or Newer Black Nissan Pathfinder SUV
Florida Plates
Dark Tinted Windows
Roof Rack

Suspects:

Driver- black male 30-40 years old almost shaved head
Gunman-black male 30-40 years old muscular build
Passenger-black male 30-40 years old heavy set
Passenger-black male 30-40 years old large build

Anyone with specific information about this violent crime is urged to immediately contact Yarmouth Police Detective Eric H. Nuss at 508-775-0445 extension 132.
(Photo by R. Copley/CWN).

Two injured in Cotuit vehicle vs pole

     ^{Two people were injured when a vehicle struck a pole on Putnam Avenue in Cotuit.}
COTUIT - Barnstable Police and Cotuit Fire were called to the scene of a single vehicle crash on Putnam Ave at Little River Road about 2:30 p.m. When they arrived rescuers discovered the vehicle had struck a utility pole which had come completely down across the road and  into the front yard of a residence, leaving the vehicle tightly stuck under the wires and yellow covering that holds the pole to the ground. Once the power was secured the two occupants were removed and taken to CCH with what were described as serious but non-life threatening injuries. A neighbor told CWN he believed the driver may have fallen asleep at the wheel. Putnam Ave. had to be closed for about 3 hours from Nixon Road to Little River Road while NStar workers made sure the power lines were safe, a wrecker removed the car and the pole was replaced. (Story and photos by Frank Paparo/CWN).

Driver "walks away" from Provincetown rollover

     ^{The driver of this Nissan SUV was gone when officials arrived on scene early Sunday.}
PROVINCETOWN - Somehow the driver of a Nissan Pathfinder walked away from a rollover crash on Provincelands Road sometime before sunrise Sunday. It appeared the vehicle lost control on a slight curve just west of the area referred to be locals as the "quarter mile." Several sections of split rail fence were destroyed and a section of concrete dug up before the vehicle appeared to have cartwheeled down a slight embankment. The road is in the Cape Cod National Seashore and National Park Service Rangers headed by Ranger Mike Minnerath (right) are investigating the crash. Some 10 hours later the unidentified driver turned himself into Provincetown Police. (Story and photos by Tim Caldwell/CWN).

Vehicle vs tree in Marstons Mills injures driver
MARSTONS MILLS - One person was injured after a pickup truck struck a tree in Marstons Mills Sunday morning. The crash happened around 8 a.m. in the 400 block of Flint Street. The victim was taken to CCH by Centerville, Osterville, Marstons Mills ambulance with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Barnstable Police are investigating the cause of the crash.

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Hyannis incidents; Falmouth crash; Harwich Firefighters do Christmas; P'town tree restored

Police rush to reported disturbance at Hyannis condo complex

     ^{Police cruisers surround a condo complex after a reported disturbance in one of the units.}
HYANNIS - At 2 p.m. Saturday Barnstable Police responded to a 911 call at Founders Court condos 979 Falmouth Road (Route 28) reporting screaming, banging and yelling from one of the apartments. Originally only two units arrived then a third and fourth were called in because police cound not enter the condo and no one answered the door. They also had only a limited view of the inside. A Barnstable Police Sergeant was also unable to raise anyone. A neighbor reportedly told police there had been serious domestic disturbances there in the past and police were apparently also familiar with the occupants and needed to make sure no one was injured. All five officers went inside but could not find anyone. When they were satisfied that everything was OK they left. Police were taking no chances remembering an incident at the same complex about 10 years ago when an estranged husband forced his way into an apartment and shot and killed his ex-wife while the small children were in another room before turning the gun on himself.
(Story and photos by Frank Paparo/CWN).

Stubborn grass fire keeps Hyannis firefighters busy

HYANNIS - At 11:30 a.m. Saturday Hyannis Fire received cell calls from passing motorists on Yarmouth Road reporting a fire in the woods behind Robies Refrigeration along the railroad tracks. Firefighters parked the engine in the lot and walked to the rear of the area while police checked out the Mary Dunn Way side. They found the area blocked by a Jersey barrier and had to walk the hoses in on foot. The fire was put out in 20 minutes. (Story and photos by Frank Paparo/CWN).

Harwich firefighters getting into the spirit

CWN followup: And in P-Town the Christmas tree is glowing brightly again

PROVINCETOWN - The Christmas Tree at Lopes Square is aglow in all its glory again. We told you Thursday about a "Grinch" taking bulbs causing large sections to go out. Seems a Santa worked some magic sometime Friday and our cameras caught the majestic scene Saturday evening. (Photo by Tim Caldwell/CWN).

Single-vehicle crash on Menauhant Road at Menauhant Beach

FALMOUTH - A Lexus sedan driving west on Menauhant Road swerved to the left, crossed the left lane and drove up on the guard rail. Although the aftermath appeared dramatic, the single driver occupant was uninjured and refused transport by Falmouth Fire/Rescue.

A Falmouth fire engine remained on the scene due to leaking fluids while two wreckers worked to remove the vehicle from atop the guard rail.

Traffic in the area was tied up for some time due to the narrow road along the beach area and the limited access for the wreckers.

(Story and photo by C. Eric Tinglof/CWN).

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Centerville MC crash; Edgartown fire; "Tree" vandalism in P'town; No thanks for this accident in Yarmouth

Motorcycle operator injured in crash

CENTERVILLE - A motorcycle operator was taken to Cape Cod Hospital after a collision with another car about 2 p.m. Thursday at Lumbert Mill Road and Captain Lumbert Lane. Barnstable Police are investigating and reportedly cited the operator of an Acura that struck the bike. (Photo by Frank Paparo/CWN).

Fire destroys house on Martha's Vineyard

EDGARTOWN - A fire gutted a house in Edgartown on Martha's Vineyard Thanksgiving afternoon. Flames were through the roof when firefighters arrived on Edgartown Bay Road. One firefighter was taken to Vineyard Hospital after suffering a wrist injury. Investigators are trying to determine if the fire started near a stove in the house. (Photo courtesy of J. Crave).

Holiday "tree" vandalized in Provincetown
PROVINCETOWN - For many years now the start of the holiday season in Provincetown has been marked by the lighting of the Pilgrim Monument. For the past four years another tradition has been taking hold. Local artist Julian Popko has sculptured a Christmas tree out of unused lobster traps in the middle of Lopes Square. This year someone has been removing light bulbs from the display and, as anyone who has worked with such lights knows, if you remove one bulb the whole string goes out. When CWN took this photo Thanksgiving evening all the lights were dark. Reports say that Popko is in Springfield and can't get back to make repairs until next week. A sign attached to the "tree" announces a "Grinch" has been stealing bulbs and ask anyone with information to contact Popko at (413) 543-1956. If you know anything or see suspicious activity you can also contact Provincetown Police at (508) 487-1212. The Lopes Square scene can be seen real-time at this link by selecting the Lopes Square Cam. 

Route 28, two-car accident sends 38 year old woman to the hospital

YARMOUTH - At 9:15 on Thanksgiving morning two cars collided in front of Cape Cod Vacation Condos on Rt 28 in West Yarmouth.

One 38-year-old female was transported by Yarmouth Fire Dept ambulance to Cape Cod Hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening. Rt 28 was briefly closed. Yarmouth Police are investigating.  (Photos by R. Copley/CWN).

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Pharmacy robbery; Subject breaks into occupied Wellfleet home

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Cape Wide News! 

Also on CWN: Truro crash victims identified (click). 

Police seek pharmacy robber
BOURNE - Police are seeking a man who robbed the CVS in Buzzards Bay of a large quanity of painkillers at gunpoint in broad daylight. Around 1:20 p.m. the man -- described as white with a medium to heavy build with brown hair, blue eyes and a scruffy beard -- forced the clerk to open the safe. The man wearing a gray hoodie, and black baseball cap with a logo  made off with OxyContin and other drugs. Attempts to track him with a K-9 were unsuccessful. Anyone with information is urged to contact Bourne Police at (508) 759-4451.

Wellfleet Police arrest B&E suspect
WELLFLEET -On Wednesday at approximately 4:51 a.m. the Wellfleet Police Department received a 911 call from a residence on Woodlot Road in Wellfleet. The occupants reported that a young white male had been inside their residence and had just left. Sgt. Brazile and Officer Pariseau responded and requested assistance from the Barnstable Sheriff's office (K-9, and BCI for photos, prints and a composite artist [right]).

The occupants told police they awoke to find a person in their bedroom. The suspect was described as a white male, young in age, wearing dark-colored clothing. A short struggled ensued and the suspect fled the residence with no one being injured.

Police attempted to track the suspect with a K-9 dog from the Sheriff's Department. The incident is currently under investigation by the Wellfleet Police Department and members of the Barnstable Sheriff's office. A suspect 27-year old Kristofor Parent of Wellfleet was arrested November 28th. 

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Another pedestrian struck in Hyannis; Car vs dump truck in Truro; Hyannis gas leak & gas spill; Centerville crashes; Falmouth rear-end collision

Pedestrian struck in Hyannis

     ^{A woman who was driving this SUV talks to police after a pedestrian was struck.}
HYANNIS - For the second time this week a pedestrian has been struck by a vehicle in Hyannis. Rescuers were called to a rainy scene on Route 132 by Cooke's Seafood just after 9:30 p.m. Tuesday where a person had been struck by an Isuzu Rodeo. The victim was taken to Cape Cod Hospital by Hyannis rescue with what were believed to be non-life threatening injuries. The woman driving the SUV stayed at the scene. Barnstable police are investigating the incident. At right police check for evidence. A piece of the vehicle was on the ground (inset). A woman struck  by a car on Main Street early Sunday is still in critical condition. (Photos by Frank Paparo/CWN).

Top story: Head-on car vs dump truck on Route 6 in Truro

     ^{A car collided head-on with a dump truck on Route 6 in Truro.}
TRURO - Truro Police were literally just finishing up a reconstruction project from  the fatal crash on November 9th when they had to rush to the scene of yet another horrific crash. Sometime after 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, a Toyota Camry apparently crossed the center line on Route 6 just south of Shore Road (Route 6A) and collided head-on with a 10-wheel dump truck. Rescuers called for a Medflight but it was grounded by bad weather so the car driver 64-year old Charles W. Judge of Wellfleet, who had to be extricated using the Jaws of Life, was rushed by ambulance to Cape Cod Hospital and later flown to Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. The truck driver 77-year old George Morris of North Truro was not injured.

Firefighters had to use sand to control a diesel spill from the John F. Noons dump truck. Route 6 between Shore Road and South Highland Road was closed and traffic detoured for about four hours while the already-in-town Cape Cod Regional Law Enforcement Accident Reconstruction unit and a Mass State Police Truck Team investigated the crash. Another crash in backed up traffic south of the scene slightly injured two people. Witnesses at the scene theorized the car driver may have suffered a medical condition before the crash.
(Story and photos by Tim Caldwell/CWN).

Hyannis firefighters busy with gas leak, gas spill

     ^{Hyannis firefighters scale the roof of a building at 511 Main St. to investigate an odor of gas.}
HYANNIS - The Hyannis Fire dept was called at 12:15 p.m. Tuesday to a heavy odor of natural gas in and around a building at 511 Main St. Hyannis. They climbed atop the roof, searched every place but could not find the cause. There was no one in the building so no evacuation was needed but KeySpan was called to the scene and the Hyannis FD was committed there until the cause of the smell was investigated.

Then at 1 p.m. Tuesday Hyannis Fire was called to Charles St. between Winter St. and Barnstable Rd. for a gasoline spill that was 100 yards long. They checked toward Winter St. and and to Barnstable Rd. and were not able to determine the source of the spill. Because of the rain they had to close Charles St. with the help of a Barnstable Police cruiser because of concerns that the gasoline would go into the storm drains. This tied up Hyannis fire units at both the natural gas smell at 511 Main St. and at this gasoline spill several blocks away. (Story and photos by Frank Paparo/CWN).

Pair of crashes in Centerville

CENTERVILLE - This was the scene (above) on Shoot Flying Hill Rd and Knotty Pine Ln in Centerville when a jeep collided with a box truck at 11 a.m. Tuesday. One person in the Jeep was taken to CCH by Comm rescue with minor injuries. The road was tied up for 45 minutes. Barnstable Police are investigating reports the Jeep veered out of its lane forcing the Spencer Hallett Heating and Plumbing  truck off the road.

At 1:50 p.m. Tueday, Centerville, Osterville, Marstons Mills (COMM) Fire and Barnstable PD responded to another crash (above) with injuries at Old Stage Rd and Main Street in Centerville.

A lawn truck crashed into a Ford Explorer and then went up on the lawn of Unique Realty missing the building and hitting a tree head on at the Veterans monument at that corner. One person was taken to CCH by COMM with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. 

The scene was active for one hour until the County Investigation Officer arrived for pictures and the tow trucks could remove the mess.

(Story and photos by Frank Paparo/CWN).

Falmouth rear-end collision

   ^{The scene of a rear-end collision on Brick Kiln Road in Falmouth.}
FALMOUTH - A two vehicle rear-end collision occurred just after 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, on Brick Kiln Road in front of the Falmouth PAL building.  The crash resulted in one person being transported to the hospital.

An Acura coupe was stopped for a school bus when it was struck from behind by a Ford Expedition.

The young female driver of the Expedition was placed in a neck brace and on a backboard and transported to Falmouth Hospital by Falmouth Fire/Rescue with what appeared to be minor neck injuries.

The male driver of the Acura stated he was uninjured.  Both vehicles had to be removed from the scene by flatbed trucks.  The Falmouth Police Department and DNR officers were able to keep traffic moving through the crash scene.  Traffic was only slowed for a short time. (Story and photos by Eric Tinglof/CWN) 

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