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Police log for September 18–24, 2020

September 18

Hillside Road (12:20 p.m.) — Caller reported someone filed a fraudulent unemployment claim in their name.

deCordova Museum (4:58 p.m.) — Caller reported individuals parking and unloading fishing gear. Officer located the parties and advised them to move along.

South Great Road (7:54 p.m.) — Jonathan Caso, 23, of 63 Florence Rd. in Waltham was arrested for OUI–liquor and speeding. He was later bailed to appear in Concord District Court for arraignment.

September 19

Weston Road (9:07 p.m.) — Street sign knocked over. DPW notified.

September 20

Mill Street (6:36 p.m.) — Caller reported that a forklift was parked in her driveway. Forklift was found to belong to a landscaping company doing work on the property.

Lincoln Woods (7:32 pm.) — Caller reported fireworks going off opposite Lincoln Woods. Officers checked the area but were unable to locate.

September 21

Lincoln Woods (10:57 a.m.) — Caller reported that employees from the mall were seen throwing trash in his dumpster. Officers spoke to the business owner, who will look into the issue and make sure it doesn’t happen again.

Harvest Circle, 1:05 p.m. — Officer took a report of an attempted fraud via on online takeover of the party’s computer. Report taken. The party suffered no financial loss.

Carroll School, Baker Bridge Road (2:55 p.m.) — Caller reported leaf blowers were being used at the school. Officer responded and found no leaf blowers being used.

Lincoln Road (11:32 p.m.) — Resident called reporting that they were possibly scammed and personal information was acquired online. An officer took a report and advised the person to put a fraud alert on their personal information.

September 22

South Great Road (9:50 a.m.) ­— Caller reported that two males pulled up their driveway in a vehicle. One man got out and walked around the side of the house while the other went to the front door. The homeowner spoke to the man at the front door and asked them to leave the property. The two parties left. Officers checked the area and were unable to find them.

Wheeler Road, Concord — Officer assisted Concord police who are busy with other calls by responding to a crash and assisting the parties in exchanging paperwork. No injuries.

Donelan’s parking lot (5:51 p.m.) — Caller reported he believes his car was scraped while parked in the lot. He was advised to file a report with his insurance company.

September 23

Lincoln School (1:48 a.m.) — Officer checking on a vehicle parked in the school located several teen walking around the property. Contact made with their their parents; teens were advised to drive directly home.

Weston Road (7:21 a.m.) — Caller complained about noise from construction in the area with the sound of music being played. Officer spoke to the workers and asked if they’d turn down the music. The workers were cooperative.

Russett Court (7:22 p.m.) — Caller reported they were scammed while attempting to use their stimulus money. Report taken; the party will follow up with customer service in the morning.

September 24

Bowles Terrace (10:03 p.m.) — Caller reported that someone filed a fraudulent unemployment claim. Report taken; caller was also given the state’s website to file a report.

Lexington Road (1:24 p.m.) — Officer delivered legal paperwork to a resident.

Indian Camp Lane (3:15 p.m.) — Caller requested a well-being check on a resident. While an officer was en route, the caller said they were able to speak with the resident.

Ridge Road (3:29 p.m.) — Caller reported their cat has been missing for a couple of days. Police have no reported of a found cat. 

Twin Pond Lane (4:44 p.m.) — Police received a 911 call reporting that a male had been stabbed in in a vehicle on Twin Pond Lane. As a result of an investigation, a juvenile was arrested and is facing delinquency charges of armed robbery and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. The juvenile was arraigned in Middlesex Juvenile Court on September 25. The victim sought treatment on their own at a local hospital. This was not a random act, but due to the age of the suspect, police could not provide further details. 

Greenridge Lane (7:06 p.m.) — Caller reported hearing gunshots. A subsequent caller reported hearing fireworks in the area. Police were unable to locate.

Lincoln Police Department (2:39 a.m.) — A party walked into the station looking to make a phone call for a ride due to their mobile phone dying. Party made arrangements for a ride home.

Property sales in August 2020

8 Silver Hill Rd. — John Peters to Kathy and Andy Gabelman for $925,000 (August 31)

140 Lincoln Rd. — Leo W. Roache to James B. and Diane M. Callahan for $451,000 (August 31)

11 Hillside Rd. — William A. Nockles to Brooks and Patricia Mostue for $575,000 (August 28)

8 Ridge Rd. — Fredrick Pennachi to Amanda G, Papper for $45,000 (August 28)

203 Sandy Pond Rd. — Kevin Styles to Ma Fei and Shen Ping for $1,700,000 (August 25)

161 Tower Rd. — Dana L. Weigent to Robert Neidlinger and Emily Barry for $916,000 (August 21)

94 Mill St. — U.S. Bank and Trust (trustee) to Li Wei and Zhang Xiochun for 1,186,500 (August 14)

252 Lincoln Rd. — John J. O’Sullivan to Camille Petri and Michael Cameron for $1,052,000 (August 14)

67 Conant Rd. — Christopher White to Matthew Bio and Matina Madrick for $1,690,000 (August 14)

43 Birchwood Lane —Addison D. Cole to Barbara M. Pedulla for $547,500 (August 12)

263 Old C0ncord Rd. — Peter H. Guldberg to Fairhaven Bay Lincoln LLC for $3,125,000 (August 7)

131 Lincoln Rd. — Edward W. Schuller to Anna A. Crowe and Russell E. McConnell for $862,000 (August 6)

Diversity forum looks at policing in Lincoln and Middlesex County

In the first of three townwide roundtables on diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism, Middlesex County District Attorney Marian Ryan and local officials outlined progress that’s being made in terms of policing and law enforcement — and what still needs to be done.

“The pandemic and the George Floyd murder have put a focus on policing and law enforcement in a way that has never happened before,” Ryan said at the September 22 event where more than 70 Lincolnites logged on. She noted that Middlesex County was one of the first to sign onto the “8 Can’t Wait” campaign, which outlines eight policing reforms that are being adopted by communities all over the country.

People who are arrested usually have to post bail to be released from jail until their court appearance, “but the consequences fall heavier on some communities than they do on others,” Ryan noted. “If you can’t come up with $100 for bail, it tells you a lot about other things going on in your life,” such as low wages, an unstable housing situation, or no family support, “and that has sent many people into a spiral that was very hard to recover from.”

In 2018, Middlesex County stopped requiring bail for people who were arrested for crimes that wouldn’t involve prison time even if they were to be convicted. In the first six months, the number of people who subsequently didn’t make their court appearances rose by 0.5% but then dropped back down again to the previous level, Ryan said.

Cutting down on the number of people arrested and held in custody became more critical with the advent of the pandemic. As a result, law enforcement has been moving toward issuing summonses rather than making arrests for nonviolent offenses. “In partnership with police chiefs and the sheriff, we’ve brought the number of people in custody to incredibly historic lows,” Ryan said.

Law enforcement is also using diversion programs to keep people out of the criminal justice system. Mental health and substance abuse professionals are working more closely with police during and after calls involving threatening behavior. Restorative justice programs are also being employed to avoid saddling low-level offenders with a criminal record, which severely limits future employment opportunities and thus encourages more crime, Ryan said.

“These measures give us the ability to intervene and address challenges while also holding them accountable for their behavior,” she said.

Lincoln policing

Policing in Lincoln is very service-oriented, as officers rely heavily on partnerships and referrals to mental health, domestic violence, substance abuse and other social services, Police Chief Kevin Kennedy said. Echoing Ryan, he added that the policy of Lincoln police is to issue summonses for violations whenever possible, unless violence or public safety are involved or the person has an arrest warrant for a previous offense. Most arrests in town occur when someone (often a delivery driver) goes through the security check when entering Hanscom Air Force Base and is found to have an outstanding warrant.

Kennedy presented demographic data on motor vehicle stops from January 2018 to June 2020 showing that Hispanics are greatly overrepresented when it comes to motor vehicles summons issued in Lincoln. The reason is that undocumented immigrants are allowed to register cars but are not allowed to have driver’s licenses, so they get a disproportionate number of citations for driving without a license. Massachusetts legislators tried unsuccessfully this summer to remove that restriction.

Lincoln police adhere to the guidelines outlined by President Obama’s Task Force on 21st-Century Policing, which was convened after the 2014 police shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mo, and subsequent unrest, Kennedy said. Statewide police reform is on the horizon as well; the Massachusetts State House and Senate each passed reform bills in July, but the bills were not reconciled in committee before the end of the 2020 legislative session.

Kennedy also outlined a detailed list of policies and trainings required of officers, including training on crisis intervention and de-escalation, the use of force, domestic violence, racial profiling, fair and impartial policing, and more. When the state does enact a policing bill, “we certainly welcome whatever reform there is going to be, and we will change our policies, practices, and procedures to comply,” he said.

Lincoln police are looking into holding a multi-night “citizens’ police academy” where residents can learn about specific issues surrounding policing in Lincoln. Also on the table are body-worn and cruiser cameras. The police will make a spending proposal next year for such equipment, but questions about its use in various circumstances (inside private homes, when taking viciim statements, etc.) must first be resolved. 

“There’s a whole host if issues that have to be discussed as a community,” Kennedy said.

Lincoln does not have any minorities on its force of 13 officers and five dispatchers. “We have to get more creative. Traditional approaches to [police] recruitment are not helping us to achieve the goals we want” in terms of diversity, Kennedy said. “We’re open to whatever way we can go about engaging and recruiting a diverse workforce.”

“We have a lot of work to do and we’re nowhere near where we want to be in terms of diversity,” agreed Town Administrator Tim Higgins.

The next two roundtables on diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism are:

  • “What is the Role of Town Government?” — Wednesday, Oct. 7 at 7 p.m.
  • “What is the Role of Community Groups?” — Wednesday, Oct. 21 at 7 p.m.

Click here for more information and registration links.

Lincoln Squirrel is a finalist for journalism award

The Lincoln Squirrel is proud to announce that it’s a finalist for an Investigative Report of the Year award from LION (Local Independent Online News Publishers) for a series of stories about the Lincoln Water Department. A huge and heartfelt thank-you to everyone who gave their time for interviews and other assistance in writing these stories.

Here’s what the Squirrel submitted for the award, in chronological order of publication:

Here’s the list of all the nominees in LION’s “Investigative Report of the Year – Solo” category:

  • The Austin Bulldog for its investigation of the Travis Central Appraisal District that exposed faulty management decisions that resulted in more than three times the number of formal Appraisal Review Board hearings, skyrocketing costs, doubled complaints, and more litigation over unresolved value disputes
  • California Health Report for its investigation into how much federal money for mental health care California counties left on the table
  • The Charlotte Ledger for its investigation of the complicated and troubling history of a man who was once one of Charlotte’s most influential economic development officials, who in recent years had a string of court cases involving stalking and harassment
  • The Lincoln Squirrel for its investigation revealing that a major town department had almost no oversight by officials for years

The online awards ceremony will be on October 22 at 7 p.m.; click here for details and registration.

Police log for week of Sept. 11, 2020

September 11

Marconi Auto, Concord Rd. (4:00 a.m.) — Officer checked on a party sitting in a vehicle; all was well.

Page Road (12:45 p.m.) — Caller asked to speak with an officer regarding a possible violation of a civil order. Officer spoke to the party and determined there was no violation.

Old Sudbury Road (3:02 p.m.) — Caller reported a low-hanging branch partially in the roadway. An officer coned off the roadway and contacted the DPW to respond.

[Read more…] about Police log for week of Sept. 11, 2020

Lincolnites honor Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Lincolnites formed a circle of light at the vigil for Ruth Bader Ginsburg (click to enlarge). Photo by Allen Vander Meulen.

A candlelight vigil for the late Ruth Bader Ginsburg drew about 100 people to Pierce Park on Sunday evening.

The event was organized by Joan Kimball, Barbara Slayter, and Mary Helen Lorenz. The bell at the nearby First Parish Church tolled solemnly at the start of the silent vigil. The silence was broken with the El Malei Rachamim prayer for the deceased, first in English and then sung and read in Hebrew by Andy Ory. FPL director of religious education Margit Griffith gave a prayer of praise and thanksgiving to close the event.

The Jewish tradition views anyone who dies at the start of the Jewish new year (Rosh Hashanah began at sundown on Friday) as a tzadik, or righteous person, especially when the death occurs on the Sabbath (Friday night to Saturday night). 

My Turn: Special thanks from food pantry to Lincoln pair

By Tomasina Lucchese

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP) of Lincoln and Weston would like to thank Katrin Roush and daughter Kyla Chapman for their very successful “flower project”! This mother-and-daughter duo sold flowers, tomatoes, and herbs from their own garden to benefit SVdP. Katrin explained that she wanted to support Kyla’s need to feel helpful and connected to others. They often buy food for the food pantry and the sales idea was “a combination of wanting her to see how she could help out other families, and to have gratitude” (see the Lincoln Squirrel, August 13, 2020).

Kyla Chapman with the produce she sold to benefit the Lincoln/Weston food pantry.

But it’s the SVdP Food Pantry that’s feeling most grateful. It’s because of generous and thoughtful families like Katrin and Kyla that SVdP is able to do this very important work. Thank you for your support and dedication.

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul of St. Julia Parish works with people in need who live, work, or go to school in Lincoln or Weston. We serve more than 260 people from both towns twice a month at the food pantry located behind St. Joseph’s Church in Lincoln. SVdP also offers emergency financial assistance to help with bills, rent, etc.

If you or somebody you know is in need of food or emergency financial help, please call 781-899-2611 x4 or email svdplincolnweston@gmail.com. This is a challenging time for many, and although it can be difficult to ask for help, we are here to support. Everything is kept completely confidential.

Lucchese is Vice President of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Lincoln and Weston.

”My Turn” is a forum for readers to offer their views on any subject of interest to other Lincolnites. Submissions must be signed with the writer’s name and street address and sent via email to lincolnsquirrelnews@gmail.com. Items will be edited for punctuation, spelling, style, etc., and will be published at the discretion of the editor. Submissions containing personal attacks, errors of fact, or other inappropriate material will not be published.

Masked man seen at a house in Sudbury

Sudbury police are now also looking for information on this masked man who was caught on camera in Lincoln last week.

A masked man caught on a home surveillance camera in Lincoln last week has appeared in Sudbury, and police in both towns are asking anyone with information to contact them.

The Sudbury Police Department is investigating an incident that occurred on September 15 at approximately 3:15 p.m. when a man on a black scooter and wearing a similar outfit as the person in the Lincoln photo approached a residence on Rte. 117 in Sudbury (the same road on which the Lincoln home is located).

The man entered the garage of the residence and, when confronted by the homeowner, said he was selling magazines. “We believe this to be a ruse but, if it is true, it is also a violation of the solicitor bylaws,” Sudbury police said on their Facebook page.

The encounter occurred 10 days after the Lincoln incident, which Lincoln police reported on their Facebook page on September 8.

Sudbury police asked anyone who has video of North Road between Longfellow Road and Mossman Road or anyone who remembers seeing a male on a smaller black scooter at the given time to call a detective at the Sudbury Police Department 978-443-1042. “We also welcome the pictured person to contact us, so we can sort out this matter,” police added.

The Chipmunk deadline is coming up!

Calling all creative writers and artists! The deadline for submitting materials for the next issue of the Lincoln Chipmunk (now part of the Lincoln Squirrel) is Monday, September 21. Click here for details on how to submit, and call editor Alice Waugh if you have any questions. We look forward to helping you share your creative work.

Police log for September 4–10, 2020

September 4

Old Concord Road (12:39 a.m.) — Berkshire Sheriff’s Department requested a well-being check, as a Lincoln resident’s car was found parked out in Lee. Officers checked; house is under construction and no one was home. Sheriff’s Department notified.

Aspen Circle (9:30 a.m.) — Caller wanted to speak with the dog officer regarding a dog that charged her. Dog officer was asked to call the reporting party. The person called again at 3:59 p.m. The dog officer had tried to call earlier but no one answered; she’ll call them back.

Old Concord Road (3:19 p.m.) — Caller complained about cars parked on Old Concord Road. Officers found that road was passable.

Hemlock Circle (4:1 p.m.) — Caller reported an aggressive dog she encountered. Animal Control is already speaking with the owner regarding the other complaint.

September 5

Bypass Road (2:01 a.m.) — Jason Gillis, 32, of16 Phillip Rd. in Burlington was arrested for OUI–second offense and negligent operation of a motor vehicle.

Cambridge Turnpike eastbound (2:43 p.m.) — 911 call about a two-car crash on Rte. 2 at Bedford Road. No injuries; state police are handling the crash report with Lincoln officers assisting.

Weston Road (3:26 p.m.) — Resident reported a brush fire hat they can’t control. Fire Department responded; Weston Fire Department also requested to assist.

South Great Road (4:32 p.m.) — Caller reported that earlier in the day, they witnessed a male party come up to their door of their residence on their surveillance camera. The party had a mask covering their face and was possibly driving a motorcycle. Click here for details.

September 6

Old Concord Road (5:42 a.m.) — Caller reports an odor of smoke in the area. Smoke was coming from a cooking fire.

September 7

Lincoln School (4:36 p.m.) — Caller reported a party walking at the school who appeared to be intoxicated, throwing rocks and mumbling. Police were unable to locate the party at the school but an officer then located a person on Weston Road who fit the description. The officer spoke to the person who was coming from the school and all appears to be fine.

Standish Circle, Wellesley — A Fire Department member responded to Wellesley for a dive team activation for a water incident.

September 8

Virginia Road (10:25 a.m.) — Caller reported an issue with his smoke detector. Fire Department responded and found the detector’s batteries were low.

Trapelo Road (2:41 p.m.) — Party came to the station reporting that her Black Lives Matter sign is missing from her front lawn. Officer took a report.

North Great Road (6:00 p.m.) — Caller reported seeing two bicyclists down on the side of the road near the National Park. Officer spoke to the parties who were waiting for a ride; they declined any medical attention.

Old Cambridge Turnpike (8:06 p.m.) — Caller reported that her dog ran off into the woods and her husband went to find it and hadn’t come back either. An officer responded and located the husband on the roadway. The dog soon returned to the house.

September 9

Lexington Road (11:19 a.m.) — Caller reported that a dog just ran out onto Rte. 2 but subsequently reported that the owner located the dog and is bringing it home.

Page Road (1:25 p.m.) — Court paperwork was delivered to a resident.

Greenridge Lane (1:26 p.m.) — Party reported that someone filed a fraudulent unemployment claim in their name.

Farrar Road (4:41 p.m.) — Caller reported an odor of natural gas in the area. Fire Department responding and reported that a gas company crew was working just over the town line in Wayland.

South Great Road (5:49 p.m.) — Caller reported an odor of natural gas in the area. Tennessee Gas is working in the area and said the odor should dissipate soon.

September 10

National Park, Hartwell lot 2:04 a.m.) — A group was parked in the parking lot. The parties were spoken to and sent on their way.

Concord Road (8:19 a.m.) — Caller reported a deceased animal on the side of the roadway. DPW notified to handle.

Boston Post Road, Weston (10:16 a.m.) — Motorcycle officer assisted Weston police at the funeral of a Weston Fire Department member.

Concord Road (8:19 p.m.) — 911 calls reported two parties yelling at each another on the side of the road in a dispute between the driver and a passenger in a vehicle. Parties were separated and passenger agreed to take an Uber home.