Police and Fire News

Man sentenced in hotel child molestation case; Two OUI arrested in 12 hours; Hyannis shoplifter resists arrest; Yarmouth ice-pick stabbing

Man sentenced in Hotel child molestation case
HYANNIS - A Waltham man convicted of molesting a young boy in a poolside restroom at the Cape Codder Resort in 2006 has been sentenced to 7-9 years in prison. John E. Cox was accused of sexually assaulting the boy in May of 2006. The break in the case came about a year later when a DNA match tied Cox to the crime. He later confessed in court. CWN file scene photo by Frank Paparo. On right: sketch of suspect released at time by Barnstable Police.

Solar glare nearly causes tragedy in Dennis

     ^{Dennis Police at what could have been a tragic crash late Friday afternoon.}
DENNIS - On Friday, just before 4 p.m., what could have been a tragedy ended up as a fender bender on Route 6A in East Dennis at the intersection of School Street and Airline Road. A Buick Century wagon with two women on board was traveling west on 6A into the setting sun when a Honda sedan, driven by a female driver, the lone occupant, attempted to make a right turn to head west on 6A as well. Reports at the scene indicate that the Honda driver did not see the Buick and pulled out. Fortunately, the Buick was traveling at a very safe speed and the driver was able to avoid a direct hit, glancing off the Honda instead. There were no injuries and both vehicles were driven from the scene. Story and photos by Kevin Morley.

Two injured in Yarmouth crash
YARMOUTH - An apparent rear-end collision sent two people to Cape Cod Hospital shortly before 7 p.m. Friday evening. The crash ocurred on Route 28, just west of the lights at South Yarmouth 4 corners. The two patients were transported by Yarmouth Fire Department ambulances with injuries that were not life-threatening. Both vehicles were towed from the scene. Yarmouth Police are investigating. Story and photo by Richard Copley.

Morning two-car crash sends one to the hospital
Two alleged OUI crashes in Yarmouth in 12 hours

 
SOUTH YARMOUTH - Just after 9 a.m. Yarmouth Police tell CWN they responded to a motor vehicle crash at the intersection of Regional and Diane Avenue in South Yarmouth. Yarmouth Police Patrol Officers Andrew O'Malley and Kalil Boghdan arrived at the scene and found that a 2002 Dodge Caravan had collided with a 2005 Toyota Prius.

Members of the Yarmouth Fire Department provided medical treatment to the operator of the Toyota for injuries considered not life-threatening. Patrol Officers O'Malley and Boghdan met with the operator of the Caravan 45-year-old Tracy Rogers and conducted and interview and a series of field sobriety tests which indicated that she was intoxicated and was placed under arrest for operating under the influence of alcohol and failing to stop for a red light.

In a related story, on Thursday evening at 8:48 p.m. the Yarmouth Police Department received a cell phone call from a concerned citizen who had just witnessed a 2002 white Chevrolet van crash into the traffic island and chain link fence at the intersection Wood Road and Route 28 in South Yarmouth and drive off. The concerned citizen remained behind the vehicle and on the phone with Yarmouth Police Dispatcher Jayne Fogarty as Yarmouth Police Patrol Officer Raymond A. Scichilone spotted the vehicle and stopped it on Forest Road.

With back-up assistance from fellow Yarmouth Police Patrol Officer John Dimitres, an interview and subsequent field sobriety tests were conducted that indicated that the operator 38-year-old Emily L. Lewis of Yarmouthport was intoxicated and she was placed under arrest for operating under the influence of alcohol, leaving the scene of a property damage accident, failing to stop for a red light and speeding.

Both women were due to be arraigned in Barnstable District Court Friday morning.

Scene photo by Richard Copley,
mugshots furnished by YPD.

Shoplifter allegedly resists arrest

   ^{Police and an ambulance outside the CVS in Hyannis.}
HYANNIS - At 9:15 a.m. Friday, Barnstable Police responded to a male shoplifter at the CVS at North Street and & High School Road in Hyannis. When confronted by loss prevention, he began allegedly began to get combative. When police arrived he reportedly tried to get away and apparently fell on the ground on his own receiving a small scrape on his forehead. Hyannis rescue responded and transported the suspect under police escort to Cape Cod Hospital. The unidentified suspect was reportedly charged with shoplifting and resisting arrest. Story and photos by Frank Paparo. 

Police Investigate Early Morning Stabbing in West Yarmouth
YARMOUTH - On Friday at 03:38 a.m. the emergency room staff at Cape Cod Hospital notified the Yarmouth Police Department that a stabbing victim had just arrived in the Emergency Center.

Members of the Yarmouth Police Patrol Force responded to CCH and met with a 43-year-old West Yarmouth man who was suffering from multiple stab wounds to his face and chest and a female friend who witnessed the incident. Yarmouth Police Patrol Officer Christopher Marino's initial investigation indicated that the attack had occurred earlier in the morning at 251 Old Town House Road in West Yarmouth. The preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect was fighting with his girlfriend and the victim was injured when he intervened. Prior to his involvement the suspect had struck the woman several times-pulled the phone from the wall so she could not call the police-and struck her with it.

Yarmouth Police Detective Charles Earl Peterson began a follow-up investigation and Barnstable County Sheriff's Officer Crime Scene Investigator William Jacques provided crime scene management and evidence collection services.

A short time later Yarmouth Police Patrol Officers Christopher Van Ness-Sean Brewer-Paul Mellett-K9 Patrol Officer Marc Thibeault-Patrol Sergeant Patrick Carty-and Yarmouth Police Detective Russell Giammarco located the suspect 42-year-old Claude J. Gray in an upstairs bedroom at 251 Old Town Hose Road and placed him in custody. Gray was charged with Felony Assault and Battery by Means of a Dangerous Weapon (Ice Pick), Felony Assault with Intent to Murder, Felony Assault and Battery by Means of a Dangerous Weapon (Telephone), and Felony Intimidating a Witness. He was processed at Yarmouth Police Headquarters and was scheduled for arraignment Friday morning in the Barnstable District Court

Yarmouth Police are currently in the process of completing the investigation. Anyone with any additional information is asked to contact Yarmouth Police Detective Peterson at 508-775-0445 extension 125. Mugshot furnished by YPD.

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Dennis stove fire injures one; Disturbance at Barnstable High

New overnight:
Stove fire smokes up Dennisport cottage, occupant suffers smoke inhalation

     ^{A coffee carafe (inset) caught fire on top of the stove being removed left and blackening the fridge at right.}
DENNISPORT - Sometime around midnight Thursday, the plastic lid of a coffee carafe left on a hot stove burst into flames in a small cottage at 16 Ocean Park East in Dennisport. The sole occupant of the dwelling called 911 -- answered locally by the Dennis Police -- reporting a stove fire. The police dispatcher alerted the Dennis Fire Department at 12:01 a.m. Friday and an engine, ladder truck, and ambulance responded to the short, narrow, u-shaped road on the north side of Chase Avenue on Nantucket Sound.

Police were first on the scene and found a middle-aged man, face blackened with smoke, standing outside the cottage. He had luckily been able to put out the fire himself using a dry-chemical extinguisher and escape the smoke. Upon arrival, firefighters used a smoke ejector fan to clear smoke from the cottage as they removed the electric stove, a microwave oven, and a shelf from the kitchen. The side of a refrigerator was smoke-blackened and bore evidence of damage from the blazing lid. The kitchen walls were coated with soot but the cottage appeared to have no structural damage. After a hands-on inspection of the kitchen wall and a scan with a thermal imaging camera showed no hot spots, firefighters secured from the scene around 12:40 a.m. The victim was transported to Cape Cod Hospital suffering from what fortunately appeared to be minor respiratory injuries. Story and photos by Kevin Morley. 

Disturbance at Barnstable High School

     ^{Students at BHS look on as police investigate a reported fight on campus.}
HYANNIS - Shortly before 2 p.m. Barnstable Police and Hyannis rescue were called to Barnstable High School after a student was injured in a reported fight. The injured student was taken to CCH. Barnstable Police interviewed witnesses while a County Investigation Officer (CIO) responded to take photos of the scene. Further details were not immediately available. Only CWN cameras caught the student being loaded into the ambulance. Editors note: we have per CWN policy not shown the faces of any students to protect their identity as many are juveniles. Photos by Frank Paparo.

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Fatal crash in Dennis; "Dunks" fire in Mashpee; Falmouth crash; Crash slows morning commute on "alley"; Yarmouth Police defuse tense situation

Crash kills one, critically injures second in Dennis, driver charged

     _{One man was killed, another critically injured when this Saab hit a pole, tree and parked vehicle.}
DENNISPORT - Depot Street, north of Upper County Road, was the scene of a horrific crash around 7 p.m. Wednesday.

One young man was killed and another severely injured in a Saab sedan when the driver lost control traveling north.

The vehicle crossed the centerline and struck and severed a utility pole, snapped a locust tree in two, uprooted some cedar trees and hit a parked vehicle before coming to a stop less than twenty feet from a house. The passenger's side of the vehicle was badly deformed.

 

The residents of the house at 313 Depot Street found the passenger slumped across the driver.

Both occupants were unconscious when the residents first approached the wreck.

When police arrived, one officer supported the head of the injured passenger until Dennis EMTs arrived.

Gaining access to the injured men using the Jaws of Life on the driver's side door, the EMTs extricated the passenger, Jacob Gibbs, 24, of Harwich, and rushed him to Cape Cod Hospital where authorities say he later passed away.

A short time later the driver, 28-year-old Liam McInnis of Harwich, was removed from the vehicle with injuries classified as Priority 1, also life-threatening. He was rushed to Cape Cod Hospital as well. Rescuers at the scene had inquired about a Medflight helicopter but it was unclear if he might be later flown to Boston.

When the Saab struck the pole it broke off a 12-foot section and sent it at least 75 feet into the driveway of the home where it came to rest beneath the resident's truck. The truck appeared to be undamaged. When the Saab slid into the driveway of the home, it hit a Jeep Liberty causing minor damage. The owner of the Jeep pulled it away from the wreck and turned her lights on the scene to provide illumination for rescuers.

The Dennis Fire Department issued a department-wide recall to crew the two ambulances and two engines that were dispatched to the scene.

The fire department terminated command at 7:34 p.m., coinciding with the arrival of two NStar trucks.

The electric wires were buzzing and sparking but power was not lost to the area at the time of the crash, though localized outages were possible during the pole replacement process which was expected to take much of the night and keep Depot Street closed for an extended time.

Dennis Police said Thursday McInnis will be charged with motor vehicle homicide, operating under the influence of alcohol (2nd offense), operating recklessly to endanger, operating with a suspended registration, operating unisured, marked lanes violation and speeding.

Story and photos by Kevin Morley. Map courtesy of Microsoft local/live.

Fire at Dunkin' Donuts
MASHPEE - A fire damaged a restroom at a Dunkin' Donuts in Mashpee Thursday evening. Firefighters quickly doused the flames at the coffee shop at 439 Nathan Ellis Highway (Route 151) after the 6:25 p.m. alarm. The cause is under investigation.

Pickup vs car in Falmouth
FALMOUTH - Just after 5 p.m. Wednesday evening a Chevy Caviler turning into the Falmouth Service Center off of Gifford Street was struck by a Ford F-350 Pickup. The impact drove both vehicles into the Service Center sign and a small tree, destroying both. The female driver and sole occupant of the Chevy was transported to Falmouth Hospital with very minor injuries by Falmouth Fire/Rescue. The driver of the Ford Truck also sole occupant was uninjured. The crash remains under investigation by Falmouth Police who remained on the scene waiting for a wrecker to pull the truck off of what was once the base of the sign. Story and photo by Eric Tinglof.

Car vs pickup in Hyannis
HYANNIS - At 2:30 p.m. this afternoon Barnstable PD and Hyannis Fire responded to the scene of a car rear-ending a pickup truck at West Main Street in Hyannis at the exit to Country Gardens, the scene of many previous crashes. Hyannis rescue evaluated two people in the truck.  Barnstable High School was just letting out and school busses and cars caused a traffic jam in the area. The people in the truck were checked, treated at the scene and refused transport to Cape Cod Hospital.  Photo by Frank Paparo.

Crash slows morning commute
HARWICH - It was a minor crash but it came during the morning commute. A vehicle reportedly lost a wheel between exits 10 and 11 on Route 6 causing a second vehicle to crash. No one was injured but traffic was slowed until the crash was cleared

Yarmouth Police diffuse tense situation
YARMOUTH - On Wednesday at 12:10 a.m. members of the Yarmouth Police Department Patrol Force responded to a Winslow Gray Road home in West Yarmouth regarding a report of an out of control man armed with a large knife threatening people in the home.

Yarmouth Police Patrol Officers Christopher Kent-Sean Brewer-Christopher Van Ness-Christopher Marino-Mark Noone-Melissa Alden-and K9 Patrol Officer Mark Thibeault, as well as Massachusetts State Trooper Matt Covino and Yarmouth Police Patrol Sergeant Patrick Carty all arrived at the scene and encountered a woman who was upset and frightened. She identified herself as the mother of the armed man and expressed concerns for his well-being.  Police Officers located the man bleeding profusely sitting at a kitchen table armed with a knife suffering from self-inflicted stab wounds.  

The Yarmouth Fire Department was contacted and staged in a nearby secure area while Police Officers quickly removed the mother and a young child from the residence-established a secure perimeter-and negotiated with the man to drop his weapon and receive treatment.

During the encounter the man repeatedly threatened the officers with the knife and continued to harm himself.  A Yarmouth Police Officer-equipped with a less lethal weapon-was quickly able to convince the man to cooperate and he was disarmed.

The 23-year old man was treated at the scene and transported to Cape Cod Hospital in Hyannis for medical and psychiatric assistance.

Members of the Barnstable County Crime Scene Investigation Unit arrived and recovered the weapon and provided photographic services.

The man is expected to recover from his wounds and will be summonsed in the future to the Barnstable District Court for charges of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon and Disorderly Conduct.

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Fire at Orleans museum building; Suspect sics pit bull on police during drug bust; Shoplifter arrested; Driver misses deer, hits pole; Stabbing mystery; Threat of gun at Hyannis fight

Woman seriously injured in Route 6 crash
WEST BARNSTABLE - A Bourne woman was taken to Cape Cod Hospital with what were described as serious but not life-threatening injuries following a single-vehicle crash Tuesday night. The car  Yasmine Cormack, 22, was driving went out of control on Route 6 eastbound before exit 5 around 9:15 p.m. and struck a tree in the median strip. It was raining and that stretch of the Mid-Cape Highway has been the scene of a number of hydroplaning crashes. State Police are investigating and believe hydroplaning was a factor in this latest crash.

Fire damages building at French Cable Museum in Orleans
ORLEANS - Fire heavily damaged a storage building that is reportedly part of the French Cable Museum. The building on Cove Road off Route 28 was discovered ablaze around 7:30 p.m. Tuesday evening. Crews from Eastham, Harwich and Brewster assisted Orleans. Orleans Deputy Chief William Quinn told CWN the fire left the building in an unsafe state so heavy equipment would be brought in to demolish it. The State Fire Marshal's office has labeled the fire suspicious. Anyone with information is urged to call the confidential state arson hotline at (800) 682-9229 or Orleans Police. Photo by Jake O'Callaghan.

Falmouth man accused of ordering pit bull to attack officers during drug bost
FALMOUTH - Falmouth Police faced an unusual, dangerous situation while investigating alleged drug trafficking. Police were responding to a number of complaints of drug activity at 279 Maravista Avenue. 

As officers conducted surveillance a vehicle was seen leaving the residence at a high rate of speed and was stopped. The officers noted a smell of burnt marijuana in the vehicle and, following an interview with the occupants, a search warrant was obtained for the Maravista Avenue house.

During the entry into the home an occupant directed his pit bull at the officers according to police. 19-year-old Michael Costa was arrested and charged with assault with dangerous weapon (dog), possession of class D (marijuana), possession with intent to distribute class D, and conspiracy to violate controlled substance laws.

Detectives seized 106.1 grams of marijuana, 2 scales, $1,232.00 in cash and the pit bull.  

Arrest made in shoplifting incident
YARMOUTH - On Saturday at 11:30 a.m. the suspect in a shoplifting assault incident  at the Stop & Shop on February 18th turned himself in at Yarmouth Police Headquarters. A family member noticed his photo in the media and assisted him to police headquarters. After being given his Miranda Warnings, the suspect,  25-year-old William R. Prickett III, reportedly admitted his involvement in the crime and was placed in custody. Prickett was charged with assault and battery and shoplifting. He was arraigned in the Barnstable District Court on Monday. Photos furnished by Yarmouth Police.

Police respond after threat of gun made

     ^{Numerous Barnstable Police cruisers responded after a threat of a gun was made during a fight.}
HYANNIS - At about 1:45 p.m. Barnstable Police were called to the Cromwell Court Apartments at 168 Barnstable Road in Hyannis for a report of a fight in which a threat was made with a gun. Multiple cruisers responded and police got a description of a vehicle that had left the area. They quickly caught up with a suspect vehicle in the area of Nautical Way off Sea Street in Hyannis just a few blocks away. There officers questioned the occupants of the green compact vehicle and another gray compact vehicle with front-end damage that might also have been involved. After about an hour, officers left the scene. It was not immediately confirmed if anyone was charged. We'll bring you further details as we get them from Barnstable Police. Story and photos by Frank Paparo.

Electrical problem smokes Barnstable home, forces evacuation

    ^{Fire officials confer about smoke in a Barnstable home.}
BARNSTABLE - Anxious moments for a Barnstable homeowner when smoke began filling the house.

It happened about 11:30 a.m. at 293 Oakmont Drive. Firefighters vented the home after they checked the electrical system and the heating system which had backfired.

The owner was advised to have repairs done on both. No one was injured. Photos by Frank Paparo.

Driver misses deer, hits pole

   ^{A cross and flowers marking the site of a 2007 fatal accident on Old Chatham Rd. can be seen behind the vehicle.}
SOUTH DENNIS – Shortly before 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, a woman driving an Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera east on Old Chatham Road near the Dennis-Harwich line struck a utility pole at low speed. The driver reported that she had swerved to avoid a deer and that her car veered off the road and skidded on the snow-crusted shoulder. Fortunately, the vehicle was almost at a stop when it hit the pole. Dennis Rescue was called to the scene to transport the woman to Cape Cod Hospital with reportedly minor injuries. A sobering sidebar to the story is that the car came to rest near the site of the June 26, 2007 crash that killed 18-year-old Kelly Ann Brennan of Harwich. A cross and flowers mark the area where the young woman's Mercury Grand Marquis slammed into trees and broke in half. Story and photos by Kevin Morley.

Barnstable Police seek possible connection between stabbing, car vs house
CENTERVILLE - Barnstable Police are trying to unravel a mystery in their town. It began about 10:30 p.m. Monday night when a car flashed its lights at a passing cruiser on Route 28. The vehicle pulled into the Mobil station at Old Stage Road when the driver identified as Richard Villa of Cotuit jumped out and told officer Nicole Provitola he had been stabbed. An ambulance was called. Meanwhile a Centerville woman entered the Barnstable Police Facility to report a vehicle had hit her Centerville home while driving around back. She told police she followed the vehicle to the Mobil station but stated she knew nothing about the stabbing. Police say damage to the house and vehicle indicate it was the one that hit the house. Villa was treated and released at Cape Cod Hospital. Police continue to investigate.

Orleans Police seek e-mail address for emergency notification
ORLEANS - The Orleans Police Department is accepting e-mail addresses for both the business community, as well as the residents of the town. The purpose of the e-mail system is to alert either the businesses in town or the residents of any criminal activity that may be occurring in their area. This could be breaking and entering to homes or cars, door-to-door scams, or counterfeit money circulating. This will also allow residents to inform police of any suspicious activity that they should be aware of, such as suspicious persons/vehicles or questionable e-mails. Those who would like to be a part of this new system should e-mail Detective Kevin Higgins at khiggins@orleanspd.com, and indicate their physical address and the e-mail address that they would like the police to use. If you have any questions, please contact Detective Higgins at the Orleans Police department at 508-255-0117, ext 105.

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Car into pond in Edgartown; 3rd offense OUI; B&E suspects arrested; 2 purse-snatchers arrested

Car plunges into pond on the Vineyard
EDGARTOWN - A Jeep Cherokee went off Atlantic Drive and wound up on its roof in a roadside pond in Edgartown on Martha's Vineyard about 6:30 a.m. Tuesday morning. The driver needed emergency treatment for hypothermia was treated at the island hospital. 54-year old Susan Austin of West Tisbury will face charges of operating under the influence of alcohol, speeding and failing to stop at a stop sign.

Cell call leads to OUI arrest
CENTERVILLE - A motorist's cell call leads police to an alleged drunk driver. Barnstable Police got the call about a vehicle on Route 28 and Lumbert Mill Road in Centerville late Monday afternoon. When they caught up to 46-year old Michael Gallagher of Marstons Mills he was arrested on suspicious of operating under the influence of alcohol (3rd offense) and marked lanes violation.

Three B&E suspects under arrest
HYANNISPORT - Three suspects are now under arrest in connection  with a Sunday night breaking and entering on Kearsarge Road Sunday night. A caretaker checking the property discovered the three suspects reportedly trying to steal tools. Quick police work led to the arrest of 27-year old Derek Miller and 26-year old Jason Dillree both of Hyannis. 26-year old David Pane of Barnstable later surrendered to police. All three face a charge of breaking and entering in the nighttime.

2 Cape Codders arrested off-cape for purse-snatching
MATTAPOISETT - A purse-snatching in Fairhaven touched off a townwide manhunt Monday involving law enforcement officials from several communities, reverse 911 calls and the use of a state police helicopter.

Jimmy Perry, 17, of 43 Oneida St. in Mashpee, and Joshua Orr, 18 of 400 Bearse's Way in Hyannis, were arrested at about 11:25 a.m. Monday when dozens of local police officers, responding as part of the Southeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council, converged on the vehicle they were riding in on North Street near the ramps to Interstate 195.

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Yarmouth crash; White Hen Pantry robbed; Couple escapes Falmouth car fire; Route 6 ramp rollover

Driver arrested for OUI after car vs pole in Yarmouth

     ^{A Mustang snapped a utility pole with transformer on Higgins-Crowell Road.  Four occupants escaped injury.}
YARMOUTH - A single-vehicle crash in Yarmouth is causing major problems this Monday morning. At about 3:30 a.m., a Ford Mustang crashed into a utility pole on Higgins-Crowell Road in West Yarmouth, right at the old police station near the intersection with Route 28.

The impact of the crash brought down the entire pole, along with a bank of transformers. In addition, the Mustang snapped off a fire hydrant.

Somehow all four occupants got out of the vehicle safely, as there were wires everywhere. They were all evaluated by Yarmouth rescue but declined transport to Cape Cod Hospital. The driver 19-year old Nicholas Hayward of West Yarmouth was charged with operating under the influence of alcohol.

Higgins-Crowell Road was closed between North Road and Route 28 for nearly 12 hours while crews replaced the pole and the hydrant. A substantial oil spill was on the road from the transformer. Yarmouth firefighters reamined on the scene to mitigate the spill with absorbent material.

At the same time, rescuers were also responding to a bizarre call on Route 28 in South Yarmouth for a report of someone who fell out of a tree. That person was taken to Cape Cod Hospital for evaluation. Further details were not immediately available. Top photo by Richard Copley. Photo right by Tim Caldwell.

Armed robbery reported at White Hen Pantry
OSTERVILLE - Barnstable Police are looking for two white males who held up the White Hen Pantry on Falmouth Road (Route 28) about 12:15 a.m.  Monday morning. A gun was reportedly shown and the pair made off with an undetermined amount of cash. The clerk was not injured. Further details were not immediately available.

Rollover on Route 6 off-ramp
SANDWICH - State Police are investigating a rollover crash off Route 6 Sunday evening. The crash happened on the off-ramp from exit 3, Quaker Meetinghouse Road. The driver and two passengers escaped injury.

Couple escape Falmouth motor vehicle fire

FALMOUTH - Just after 1:30 Sunday afternoon at 50 Mill Farm Road in East Falmouth, a smoking radio in an older model Volvo quickly turned into a full-blown car fire after the car was parked in the drive way.

All occupants of the Volvo were able to exit the car and call Falmouth Fire who arrived within four or five minutes to find the Volvo fully involved. FFD was able to extinguish the fire quickly with extinguishers and water, preventing serious damage to other vehicles parked nearby. The fire was strong enough to burn part of the lamp post in the front yard but no other damage was apparent. There were no injuries.

Story and photos by Eric Tinglof .

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Yarmouth crash; Falmouth fire; Route 6 Sandwich crash; Bourne crash results in OUI charge; Man arrested for 6th OUI in Truro

Two injured in crash involving cruiser
YARMOUTH - Two people were injured in a crash in West Yarmouth shortly before 1 a.m. Sunday morning involving a police cruiser (right) and a civilian vehicle on Route 28 near Springer Lane. Yarmouth Police tell CWN the crash involved a westbound gray 2005 Ford Focus operated by Jessica D. King of South Yarmouth and an eastbound fully marked white 2005 Ford Crown Victoria police cruiser operated by Yarmouth Police Patrol Officer Justin Haire.

The head-on crash occurred as Patrol Officer Haire was in the process of providing back up assistance to another Yarmouth Police Officer who was conducting a motor vehicle stop in front of the Cape Cod Irish Village Resort.

Members of the Yarmouth Fire Department were called to the scene and both operators were transported to Cape Cod Hospital in Hyannis were they were both examined and released.

The Barnstable County Sheriff's Department provided photographic services and the Yarmouth and Massachusetts State Police secured the immediate area while traffic was diverted for about 3 hours to allow members of the Massachusetts State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Unit to conduct an investigation.

Anyone with additional information is asked to contact the Yarmouth Police Department at 508-775-0445 or the Massachusetts State Police at 508-993-8373. Photo by Richard Copley.

Fire damages attic of Falmouth home
FALMOUTH - Fire damaged the attic of a home in Falmouth just after midnight Sunday morning. Crews were called to 128 Seacoast Shores Boulevard to find the attic full of smoke. Investigators believe heat from a flue pipe for a wood stove caught insulation on fire in the attic. The fire was quickly extinguished and no one was injured.

Crashes close Route 6
SANDWICH - Two apparently simultaneous crashes, one of which was reportedly a head-on collision closed down Route 6 west of exit 2 around 11:15 p.m. for nearly an hour Saturday night. One person reportedly attempted to flee when State Police first arrived but was quickly captured and arrested on unknown charges. Sandwich rescue checked 5 other victims. No one was seriously injured. Further details were not immediately available. 

Crash results in OUI arrest
BOURNE - On Saturday evening at about 8:45 p.m. Bourne Police responded to a report of a one car crash near 15 Shaker Drive off of County Road in the Monument Beach section of town. Officers located a Ford Mustang that had struck a Verizon Telephone Company pedestal on Shaker Drive. The unidentified operator was reportedly arrested for operating under the influence of alcohol and transported to the Bourne Police Station for booking. Further details were not immediately available. Story submitted by AAP.

Man arrested for 6th OUI in Truro
TRURO - A Fall River man was arrested for his 6th operating under the influence of alcohol charge Saturday evening.

About 5 p.m. Patrolman Nicholas Ambrosini spotted a GMC pickup truck that was reportedly operating erratically on Route 6.

Police say 64-year old Victor Seltsam failed sobriety tests and that a computer check showed his license was also suspended for the previous OUIs so he was additionally charged with operating after suspension and marked lanes violation. 

Mugshot furnished by Truro PD.

Barnstable Police seek home invasion suspect
CENTERVILLE - Barnstable Police are seeking a man who masquerading as a maintenance man allegedly forced his way into a Centerville residence Friday. He demanded the woman there turn over medication to him. The suspect then cut the phone cord before leaving in a pickup truck. Anyone with information is asked to contact Barnstable Police.

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Gas station robbery; Snow causes 5-car pile-up on Route 6; Cape woman injured in Plymouth crash

Gas station robbed in Bourne
BOURNE - Police are on the hunt for two men who robbed the Sagamore Mobil gas station on Route 6A near the Sagamore Bridge around 7:15 p.m. Reports say one of two white males, who were masked and dressed all in black, brandished a gun and the pair made off with an undetermined amount of cash on foot. The clerk was not injured. A Sheriff's Department K-9 dog was attempting to track the suspects but lost the scent possibly where a getaway car was waiting. Bourne and Sheriff's Department investigators processed the scene for evidence. Photo courtesy of AAP.

CWN storm team coverage: Snow causing numerous crashes
Firefighters rescue dog from icy pond in Mashpee
Roads already treacherous
This nasty winter has already caused havoc triggering a five-car pileup on Cape Cod among dozens of others.  CAPE COD - A major winter storm dumped a few inches of snow on Cape Cod before changing to rain creating slush. Sleet and rain have mixed in but hazardous driving continues especially on secondary roads and temperatures may drop overnight causing roads to ice up again. Check here for updates.

Mashpee firefighters are telling us of a dramatic rescue this afternoon in their town. About 1:30 p.m. a Jack Russell terrier fell through the ice on Wakeby Pond several hundred feet from shore. Fire Lt. Richard Thayer and Firefighter Nicole Stanley donned survival suits and paddled out to the last location the dog had been seen. They were able to spot the dog under the ice and break a hole the ice to enable them to pull the dog to safety while Lt. Thayer did mouth to mouth on it. The dog was then rushed to the nearby Leach Animal Hospital where veterinarians were working to revive it. Tragically despite the heroic efforts we've learned the terrier did not survive its ordeal. This is the same pond where John Harsch died after falling through the ice while trying to rescue his Samoyed dog in 2005. The dog was saved but Harsch could not be revived. That's why firefighters remind people never to go on the ice alone and if your pet falls through call for help instead of venturing after it. (Thanks to Frank Paparo for forwarding this story). 

9 p.m. update: Rain has been falling for the last few hours. Secondary roads remain slushy and there are still reports of crashes coming in. One of the worst was in Brewster where  a driver was seriously injured when this Pontiac Sedan crashed into a utility pole by 1157 Main Street (Route 6A) around 6 p.m. Friday evening. The driver had to be extricated using the Jaws of Life. Brewster Police are investigating. Further details were not immediately available. Photo courtesy of Kirk Riker.

4 p.m. update: Numerous reports of fender benders continue to come in through the day.

One person was injured when a vehicle slid into a ditch off Route 6 in Provincetown near Howland Street about 3 p.m. 

At deadline another three-vehicle crash with minor injuries was being reported in the same stretch of Route 6 in Provincetown.

CWN's Aaron Bryant caught these two crashes in Mashpee and Bourne after 4 p.m.

In most cases drivers were simply going TOO FAST.

9 a.m. update: A quick burst of snow ill-timed with the Friday morning commute led to numerous fender benders and spin outs. The biggest problem appeared to be on the eastbound exit 7 ramp from Route 6 sometime after 7 a.m. A number of vehicles were involved in a chain reaction crash which shut down the ramp for over an hour.

CWN contributor AAP reports four vehicles including a truck collided at the rotary by the State Police barracks at the base of the Bourne Bridge (right). Several other crashes are also being reported on the mid and upper Cape where the snow hit first. No serious injuries were reported. Forecasters say sleet and possibly rain will mix in later which should keep accumulations down but still make for slippery travel. 

Cape woman critically injured in Plymouth crash
PLYMOUTH - A Sandwich woman was critically injured in a head-on crash on Route 3 in Plymouth Thursday night. State Police believe Marissa Anderson, 22, may have been traveling south in the northbound lanes between exits 5 and 6 shortly before 11 p.m. when she collided with another vehicle. Anderson had to be extricated and was flown from the scene to Boston Medical Center. The highway was closed for about two hours because of the crash. Two 17-year-olds in the other car were taken to Jordan Hospital with minor injuries. The State Police investigation into the crash is continuing.

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Yarmouth stabbing; Harwich rollover ends in OUI arrest; Yarmouth two-car crash sends one to the hospital; Sandwich crash; Pair of OUI arrests in Yarmouth

Police seek assistance in catching thief who allegedly assaulted store guard

YARMOUTH - On Monday at 12:30 p.m. members of the Yarmouth Police Department Patrol Force responded to the Stop and Shop Supermarket at 55 Long Pond Drive for a report of a shoplifter being pursued by a security guard.

Yarmouth Police Patrol Officers Richard F. White, Philip Magnuson and Bradley Donahue arrived at the scene and attempted to locate the suspect. The on-scene initial investigation revealed that an unknown white male was observed stealing three small items. The in-store security guard encountered the suspect who identified himself as Rush Jones. When the security guard attempted to bring him back to the office, the suspect allegedly assaulted the guard and ran off.

Despite a search of the entire area the suspect was not located. Through the efforts of the Barnstable County Sheriff's Crime Scene Investigation Unit and Yarmouth Police Detective Eric Nuss, an excellent description has been developed from the victim and the in-store security surveillance system (above).

Update: the suspect William R. Prickett turned himself in on Saturday February 23rd.

Two arrested in identity-theft scheme in Barnstable
Third subject arrested on drug charges for 2nd time in 2 1/2 weeks
BARNSTABLE - Barnstable Police say a recent incident shows just how fast someone's identity can be stolen. A woman admits to making a foolish mistake by accidentally leaving her wallet at the Burger King in West Barnstable three weeks ago. Two suspects now stand accused of making a beeline for the Cape Cod Mall and charging thousands of dollars in merchandise on the victims credit cards. Police also say the victim had her Social Security card in her wallet allowing the suspected thieves to open new accounts at several stores.

The break came when while interviewing workers at mall stores they discovered the suspects had returned a digital camera. A police officer discovered some photos still on the disk. Yesterday police executed a search warrant 65 Cap' n Jacks Road in West Barnstable and recovered a large amount of merchandise. 30-year-old Chrissy Ferris and 40-year-old Sam Jones were arrested and charged with a number of larceny and receiving stolen property charges.

While at the Cap'n Jacks Road residence police also arrested a third person apparently residing there identified as 18-year-old Keith R. Newell after they reportedly recovered a quantity of cocaine in his bedroom.

He was charged with possession of Class B with intent to distribute.

CWN archives show Newell was arrested for similar Class B offenses in Yarmouth on February 5th.

File mugshot furnished by YPD.

Suspect Arrested After Stabbing
YARMOUTH - On Wednesday evening at 10:10 p.m. members of the Yarmouth Police Department Patrol Force responded to the Dunkin' Donuts at 1050 Route 28 in South Yarmouth for a report of a disturbance.

Yarmouth Police Patrol Officers Chris Capobianco, Peter McClelland, and Mark Noone arrived and found a 21-year-old male with fresh blood on his hands and shirt. He advised the officers that he had been in a fight with another male and that the subject had left. At the same time-fellow members of the Yarmouth Police Department Patrol Force responded to 38A Wedgemere Road in West Yarmouth for a report of a stabbing. Yarmouth Police Patrol Officers Albert Sprague, John Dimitres, and Patrol Sergeant John Lanata arrived and found a 20-year-old male bleeding profusely from his head and abdomen. The Yarmouth Fire Department was called to the scene, treated the stabbing victim for serious but not life-threatening injuries and subsequently transported him to Cape Cod Hospital.

The initial investigation has revealed that an argument allegedly involving drugs led to a fight in the rear parking area of the Dunkin' Donuts and that the stabbing victim left and went to 38A Wedgemere and eventually called 911.

The suspect 21-year-old Justin Richard Jorgensen of Harwich who was initially encountered at Dunkin' Donuts was arrested on charges of assault with intent to murder and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. He was held overnight on $5,000 cash bail at Yarmouth Police Headquarters pending arraignment in the Barnstable District Court this morning.

The knife used in the attack was recovered at the scene.

Members of the Barnstable County Sheriff's Crime Scene Investigation Unit were called to the scene and provided evidence collection services at each scene and at Cape Cod Hospital.

Anyone with any additional information about this violent crime is urged to contact Yarmouth Police Detective Charles Earl Peterson at 508-775-0445 extension 125. Mugshot furnished by YPD.

OUI-related rollover crash on Route 124 in Harwich

   ^{Scenes from an OUI-related rollover Thursday in which the driver of the vehicle was placed under arrest.}
HARWICH - Around 11:50 a.m. Thursday a Dodge van traveling south on Route 124 near the Brewster line flipped on its side trapping the driver.  Harwich Fire and Rescue personnel arriving on the scene determined they had to steady the vehicle before the driver could be removed.  Harwich firefighters set stabilizer jacks on both sides of the van and cribbing blocks under the vehicle.

55-year-old Steve Young of Harwich was removed from the wreck and refused medical attention from the paramedics.  After a few minutes, Mr. Young was given a field sobriety test by Officer Paul Boorack and placed under arrest at the scene.

Mr. Young will be charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, failure to stay within marked lanes, and negligent operation of a motor vehicle.    Right: Officer Boorack administers the breathalyzer and takes Steve Young into custody.

Story and photos by Jake O'Callaghan.

Yarmouth two-car crash sends one to the hospital
 
YARMOUTH - Midday Thursday a rear-end crash on Union Street near the westbound ramps of Route 6, sent one to Cape Cod Hospital with injuries considered not life-threatening.  The gray Ford Contour sustained heavy front-end damage upon impact with a Toyota Land Cruiser. A substantial fluid leak was contained by the Yarmouth Fire Department.  Union Street traffic was only delayed for a short time after this pre-noon crash.  Yarmouth Police are investigating the crash. Story and photos by Richard Copley.

Car vs pole closes Route 130 in Sandwich
SANDWICH - Police are investigating if driver fatigue may have caused a car vs pole on Route 130 at Pine Street in Sandwich around 9 a.m. The woman driving the vehicle was taken to Cape Cod Hospital with serious injuries. NStar crews were expected to be on location for some time replacing the pole.

Police Arrest Two Early Morning Drunk Drivers
YARMOUTH - Early Thursday morning, members of the Yarmouth Police Department Patrol Force arrested two persons for drunk driving.

Police say the first arrest occurred at 2:20 a.m. when Yarmouth Police Patrol Officer Scott Lundegren observed a red 1997 Dodge Ram pickup truck operating erratically on Winslow Gray Road and stopped the vehicle in front of Cumberland Farms on Route 28 in West Yarmouth. An interview of the driver 37-year-old Leigh Michele Carlson of West Yarmouth (left) and subsequent field sobriety testing indicated that she was impaired and she was placed under arrest for OUI, operating to endanger and marked lanes violation.

The second arrest occurred at 3:33 a.m. when Yarmouth Police Patrol Officer Christopher Marino observed a red 1994 Geo Prism operating erratically on High Bank Road in South Yarmouth. A stop of the vehicle was conducted and the interview of the driver 18-year-old Kelly Anne McDonough (right) of Dennis along with subsequent field sobriety testing indicated that she was impaired and she was placed under arrest for OUI, marked lanes violation and operating an uninspected motor vehicle.

Both subjects were booked at Yarmouth Police Headquarters in West Yarmouth and were scheduled for arraignment Thursday morning in the Barnstable District Court. Mugshots furnished by YPD.

CWN weather advisory: A winter weather advisory is in effect from 8 a.m. Friday until 4 a.m. Saturday. A prolonged period of snow, sleet and freezing rain is expected. The mix will keep accumulations down but roads may become quite slippery and motorists should plan accordingly. Check the latest forecast in the Cape Cod Today weather center. 

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Baseball-bat attack in Hyannis; CVS struck in Hyannis; Another mills crash injures two

New overnight:
Baseball-bat attack reported in Hyannis
HYANNIS - One person was taken to Cape Cod Hospital and another faces charges after a reported baseball bat attack in Hyannis. Barnstable Police responded to the area of Spring and Center Streets early Thursday morning. The arrested person is a 16-year old juvenile who is facing charges of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. He was not identfied because of his age. The victim, a 23-year old male is expected to recover. Police believe the attack stemmed from an argument over a girl.

CVS struck in Hyannis
HYANNIS - Barnstable Police are investigating a  car vs building at the CVS Pharmacy around midnight. Reports say there were no injuries and the damage is not believed to be serious. Further details were not immediately available.

Mills crash injures two, stalls afternoon commute
MARSTONS MILLS - Two people were taken to Cape Cod Hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening after a crash in Marstons Mills Wednesday afternoon. The crash happened about 4:15 p.m. at the intersection of Route 28 and Route 149. Afternoon rush hour traffic ground to a crawl while the scene was attended to by Centerville, Osterville, Marstons Mills rescuers and Barnstable Police. A police officer was doing paperwork on a minor crash when this second crash occurred. Police say 46-year-old Pamela Rimington of Cotuit was waiting to turn left onto Route 149 when she was struck from behind by 32-year-old Maurico Nunes of Hyannis. Nunes faces charges of operating without a license, operating to endanger and marked lanes violation.

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