Police and Fire News

Route 25 Rollover; Harwich students arrested for "silent sit-in"

 One injured, took an hour to free driver

BOURNE - One person was injured in a single vehicle truck rollover on Route 25 eastbound on the Bourne/ Plymouth town line Friday afternoon (11-20-09) around 1:20 PM.

Firefighters from Bourne, Plymouth and Onset spent nearly one half hour extricating the female victim from the vehicle using the jaws of life. The extent of the female victim's injuries is unknown at this time. She is being transported to Tobey Hospital in Wareham. State Police are investigating the cause of the crash. (Photo by David G. Curran)

Students arrested at Cape Cod Tech protest, school in "lock down"
Student Facebook cites heavy-handed disciplinary treatment of students

A heavy police presence was visible outside the school, and police on the scene told a news photographer the facility was "locked down."

HARWICH - Students held a sit-in protest at Cape Cod Regional Technical High School in Harwich early Friday morning, and the event led to the arrests of at least two students.

A Facebook page set up by students said the "silent sit-in" demonstration was meant to call attention to what they say is heavy-handed disciplinary treatment of students by some teachers and school administrators.

Several students and parents outside the school while the protest was going on said more than 400 of the school's 600 students were participating in what began as a peaceful protest. They said many of the grievances were directed toward Dean of Students Paula Maxwell... Harwich Oracle.

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Breaking and entering arrest in Falmouth; Yarmouth Police weekly arrests include felony assault, destruction of property, OUI & warrants

Breaking and entering arrest made in Falmouth

FALMOUTH - In an effort to combat the most recent spike in the Breaking and Entering of residences, businesses and motor vehicles, the Falmouth Police combined information from several sources which led to the arrest of Robert Estrela, 18, of East Falmouth, for Breaking and Entering at a home on Shorewood Drive in East Falmouth.

Release courtesy of the Falmouth Police Department.

Yarmouth PD arrests November 12-19, 2009

Felony assault, destruction of property, OUI and warrants this week

YARMOUTH - During the past week, from Thursday, November 12 through Thursday, November 19, the men and women of the Yarmouth Police Department responded to  551 calls resulting in the criminal charges against 32 individuals. 

The following are some of the more significant criminal events during that period. 

Release and photos courtesy of the Yarmouth Police Department.

Editor's note: The information and images (mugshots) are included in this blog as a matter of public safety.  Inappropriate comments on this blog post will be deleted. All individuals are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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Twin brothers arrested, arraigned after Tuesday's armed bank robbery in Bourne

Twin brothers arrested, arraigned after Tuesday's armed bank robbery in Bourne

The brothers, both covering their faces with jerseys, were arraigned on Wednesday.

FALMOUTH - Twin brother, 37, Sprague G. Buchanan of Dorchester and Travis M. Buchanan of Mashpee were lead into Falmouth District Court this morning (Wednesday, November 18, 2009) after having been arrested yesterday for armed robbery. 

Travis (left) and Sprague (right) Buchanan during their arraignment in Falmouth Wednesday. Screenshots from David G. Curran's video.

Bourne Police allege the brothers are responsible for robbing the Rockland Trust Bank on Clay Pond Road in Bourne Tuesday afternoon.  According to a Bourne Police spokesman, something that appeared to be a handgun was carried into the bank during the robbery.  An undisclosed amount of money was taken from the bank during the robbery. 

It was reported that one of the brothers entered the bank while the other drove the "get away" car, a PT Cruiser.  Originally, it was reported that police were looking for a male suspect and a female driver.

The brothers were arrested in Mashpee and held overnight on $25,000 bail until their arraignment in Falmouth Wednesday morning.  During the arraignment, both brothers covered their faces with their jerseys as the state recounted the events of the day of the robbery.  During their arrest, both admitted to being the two suspects wanted for the heist.  Money from the robbery and a metal gun-like object were confiscated.

During the arraigment, the state's prosecutor asked that Sprague's long history of larceny and drug arrests and convictions be taken into account when considering bail. Bail was set by Judge Christopher Welch at $100,000 cash for Sprague Buchanan and $150,000 cash for his brother.

As the brothers were led from the enclosed glass area out of the courtroom, they turned with faces still covered and waved to the court.

Read the original story here.

Photo and video by David G. Curran.

Sprague Buchanan, one of the twin brothers responsible for yesterday's armed bank robbery in Bourne is lead into Falmouth District Court this a.m.

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Police investigate armed robbery at Bourne bank Tuesday, arrest made in Mashpee

UPDATE: Police have arrested two brothers for the armed robbery in Bourne. According to the Cape Cod Times, the brothers, Sprague G. Buchanan of Dorchester and Travis M. Buchanan of Mashpee, both 37, are twins.

See updated story here.

Police investigate armed robbery at Bourne bank Tuesday

   Police at the scene of the Rockland Trust Bank on Clay Pond Road in Bourne were an armed robbery occurred Tuesday afternoon.

BOURNE - Bourne Police are investigating a reported armed robbery at the Rockland Trust Bank on Clay Pond Road in Bourne.  The robbery occurred around 1:15 p.m. Tuesday afternoon (November 17, 2009).

According to police radio reports, they are searching for a male bank robber who fled in a gray PT Cruiser registered to a Mashpee address.  A female was reportedly driving the get away vehicle.

State and local police are currently searching for the suspects. An unknown amount of money was taken in the robbery. There were no reported injuries.

We will update this post as more information becomes available.

Photo by David G. Curran.

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Yarmouth Police Department announces Citizen Police Academy alumni sessions

Yarmouth Police Department announces Citizen Police Academy alumni sessions

YARMOUTH - The Yarmouth Police Department will be conducting special Citizen Police Academy alumni sessions designed to reacquaint past Citizen Police Academy graduates with their Police Department.

Since 1995 the Yarmouth Police Department has conducted 17 Citizen Police Academies with over 500 graduates.

To enroll for the alumni session you must be an academy graduate.

The class is 3 hours each and there are 4 opportunities to attend.

The men and women of the Yarmouth Police Department appreciate your support and we look forward to seeing you soon.

Saturday, December 5, 2009

• 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
  
• 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
  

Monday, December 7, 2009

• 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
  

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

• 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Release courtesy of the Yarmouth Police Department.

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18-year-old suspect arrested for Saturday morning shooting in Dennis

18-year-old suspect arrested for early Saturday morning shooting in Dennis

WEST DENNIS - Following an investigation into the shooting of 19-year-old Richard Howerton early Saturday morning (November 14, 2009) on Janet Road in West Dennis, Dennis Police Detective Christine Hornby secured an arrest warrant charging Benjamin Galvin, 18, of 12 Wampanoag Trail in West Yarmouth, with being the shooter. 

The charges include Assault with Intent to Murder, Assault to Rob, Assault and Battery with a Dangerous Weapon and Illegal Possession of a Firearm.

As a result of the issuance of the warrant a broadcast was issued to Cape police departments concerning the events and warrant on Mr. Galvin.

Sunday afternoon Mashpee Police arrested Mr. Galvin on the above warrant, at a location in their Town and subsequently transferred his custody to the Dennis Police Department.

Mr. Galvin is being held without bail on the above charges at the Barnstable County Jail for his appearance in Orleans District Court  Monday morning (November 16, 2009).

The investigation is ongoing.

Release courtesy of the Dennis Police Department.

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Third Cocaine arrest made on Nantucket this week

Third Cocaine arrest made on Nantucket this week

Cocaine distributor arrested on warrants

NANTUCKET - On Friday, November 13, 2009 another arrest was made as a result of the narcotics investigation into distribution and trafficking of Cocaine on Nantucket.  This same investigation resulted in the arrest of two unrelated suspects for trafficking Cocaine earlier this week (Lenworth East and Christopher Stewart, both residents of Nantucket and Jamaican nationals).

"Our detectives (NPD) and the Troopers from the task force did an outstanding job on these operations. It is tough to conduct this type of narcotics investigation on Nantucket where it's such a close community. Their work is literally saving lives and improving the quality of life on the island." - Lt. Adams, Nantucket Police Department

The investigation, conducted over the last few months, is a collaborative effort between the Nantucket Police Department and Massachusetts State Police Detectives assigned to the Cape and Islands District Attorney Office's Cape Cod Drug Task Force. The focus of this ongoing operation is to identify key players and their associates in the illegal trade of narcotics.

The most recent suspect arrested is Francisco Pena, 29, of Celtic Drive in Nantucket.  Pena is an El Salvadorian national. Pena is alleged to have sold approximately 3.6 grams of Cocaine to an undercover MA State Trooper on two occasions (over 7 grams of Cocaine total).  The two warrants Pena was arrested on charge him with two counts of Distribution of Cocaine (Ch. 94C Sec. 32A), a felony punishable up to a 10-year prison sentence, but not less than one year in a house of correction.

Pena's bail was set at $10,000. He was transported to Barnstable County Jail where he will be held until his arraignment in Nantucket District Court on Monday, November 16, 2009.

According to Lt. Jerry Adams of the Nantucket Police Department, the size of the island offers unique circumstances when conducting an illegal drug investigation.  "Our detectives (NPD) and the Troopers from the task force did an outstanding job on these operations. It is tough to conduct this type of narcotics investigation on Nantucket where it's such a close community. Their work is literally saving lives and improving the quality of life on the island," said Lt. Adams.  

Release courtesy of the Nantucket Police Department.

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Pair arrested in Orleans for possession & uttering counterfeit bills; Yarmouth weekly arrests include warrants, coke possession and OUIs

Pair arrested in Orleans for possession and uttering counterfeit bills

Eastham men try to pay for burgers with bogus bills

(Left to right) Benjamin H. Covell, 19, and Tobias R. Larsen, 20, both of Eastham were arrested Friday for passing and possessing counterfeit bills in Orleans.

ORLEANS - Friday, November 13 at 11:42 a.m., Officers of the Orleans Police Department were alerted to a motor vehicle and occupants that had just passed a counterfeit $20 bill at Wendy’s Hamburgers in Orleans. Earlier in the day, the Orleans Police had issued a Merchant Alert to area stores that some counterfeit $20 bills had been passed the night prior.

An alert manager was able to identify the same bill, and was able to provide information to the department. A short time later that vehicle was located behind a gas station, and the occupants matched the descriptions given. Evidence was found within the vehicle and on the persons involved.

Benjamin H. Covell, 19, of Eastham, and Tobias R. Larsen, 20, also of Eastham were placed under arrest. They were both charged with uttering a counterfeit note, and possessing additional counterfeit notes. Larsen also received an additional charge of disorderly conduct, as well as an outstanding warrant out of Barnstable District Court.

Both were arraigned in Orleans District Court, where Covell was released on personal recognizance. Larsen was held at the Barnstable House of Corrections, due to ongoing criminal matters.

Release and mugshots courtesy of the Orleans Police Department.

Yarmouth PD arrests November 5-12, 2009

Warrant arrests, OUI top the list

YARMOUTH - During the past week, from Thursday, November 5 through Thursday, November 12, the men and women of the Yarmouth Police Department responded to  525 calls resulting in the criminal charges against 28 individuals. 

The following are some of the more significant criminal events during that period. 

Release and photos courtesy of the Yarmouth Police Department.

Editor's note: The information and images (mugshots) are included in this blog as a matter of public safety.  Inappropriate comments on this blog post will be deleted. All individuals are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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Dennis Police issue a Level 3 Sex Offender notice

Dennis Police issue a Level 3 Sex Offender Notice

Individual is not wanted by the authorities

DENNIS - The Dennis Police Department has issued a Level 3 Sex Offender community notice for an individual now living in Dennisport.  John J. Stangl, 60, is now residing at the Lamplighter Motel, Room #20 on Route 28 in Dennisport.  He was previous listed as homeless and living in Hyannis. Stangl's  employment status was not noted.

Stangl, shown in a 2009 photograph on right, is a white male, 5'10", 297 lbs, with hazel eyes and brown hair. He has a scar above his right eye.

He was convicted of Open & Gross Lewdness and Lascivious Behavior.  He was convicted of these crimes in May of 1998 then again in September and October of 2008. 

Stangl has been designated a Level 3 Sex Offender by the Sex Offender Registry Board (SORB). The Board has determined that this individual is at a high risk to re-offend and that the degree of dangerousness posed to the public is such that a substantial public safety interest is served by active community notification.

According to SORB, six Level 3 Sex Offenders are registered and residing in the town of Dennis.

Release and photo courtesy of the Dennis Police Department.

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Two bodies found just Off Cape in Mattapoisett

Couple in their 70s discovered dead, one hanged himself

Mattapoisett shown by the red X above is one town past Wareham about ten miles from Cape Cod.

MATTAPOISETT - Police investigators at the scene of a home at 6 Tallman Street in Mattapoisett, Massachusetts Thursday (11-12-09) afternoon.

The  two bodies where found in a residence listed as owned by Joseph Battistelli and his wife, Shirley Battistelli. Police have been at the scene for several hours.

The nature of the deaths are not know at present. Police found Shirley Battistelli, 74, and her husband Joseph Battistelli, 72, dead inside their home.

Shirley Battistelli was found on the first floor of the home. Joseph Battistelli was found in the basement, officials said. He appeared to have hanged himself and to have suffered a gunshot wound, according to police.

Officials said there was no sign of forced entry, and the scenerio bore the usual signs of a murder-suicide.

A reader (below) sent us the Plymouth PD bulletin:
Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz and Mattapoisett Police Chief Mary Lyons announced that two people were found dead today in their home in Mattapoisett. At approximately 2:09 p.m. today, Mattapoisett Police received a call reporting that two people were found dead at 6 Tallman Street, Mattapoisett. Upon arrival at that address, Mattapoisett Officers entered the home and found two people deceased inside. The scene was secured and State Police Detectives assigned to the Plymouth County District Attorney's Office were notified and responded to the scene.

At this point investigators have confirmed that Shirley Battistelli, (DOB 10/15/35) and her husband Joseph Battistelli, (DOB 2/16/37) were found dead inside of their home at 6 Tallman Street.

Photo and video by David G. Curran.

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