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Townsend Police to Host Child Passenger Safety Event

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Click here to download a flyer for this event.

Townsend MA: The Townsend Police and Fire Departments will jointly host a child safety seat checkup event on June 10, 2017 from 9AM-Noon at the Harbor Fire Station 47 Main Street Townsend MA.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nationally, three out of four safety seats are used improperly. Locally, the Police and Fire Departments want to do their part to help keep children safe while traveling in cars.

Certified child passenger technicians and instructors will offer one-on-one inspections of child safety seats and show parents and caregivers how to determine if their child is in the right seat for the child’s age, height, and weight and will review a checklist of common misuse and explain if there are any corrections needed.

This free event will help parents and caregivers to avoid one of the most common mistakes caregivers make – using the wrong size safety seat as well as to provide tips to ensure that the harness is used properly to afford the child the most protection possible. The child safety seat checkup process also includes looking up the seat to see if the there is any type of recall issued by the manufacturer. A recent recall of the Graco My Ride 65 illustrates the importance of checking recalls and keeping up to date on child passenger safety issues. Find out more about the recall here

https://pages.email.gracobaby.com/myride-harness-recall/

Be sure to make time for this important event!

Townsend Police Investigating Scam Involving Drugs Sent through the Mail

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Townsend Police Department
Chief Robert M. Eaton Jr.
70 Brookline Road
Townsend, MA 01469

For Immediate Release

Friday, Jan. 20, 2017

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Townsend Police Investigating Scam Involving Drugs Sent through the Mail

TOWNSEND — Chief Robert M. Eaton Jr. reports that the Townsend Police Department, working alongside the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the U.S. Postmaster General, is investigating a scam involving drugs that are sent through the mail and landing in Townsend residents’ mailboxes.

On Thursday, Jan. 19, around 4:30 p.m., police responded to a residence on Sumac Drive on a report that the female homeowner had received a package in the mail containing what she thought might be an illegal substance.

Upon arrival, an officer was directed to a bag containing circular pills, which he identified as Adderall. The package was addressed to an individual in California, with the return address made out to the residence on Sumac Drive.

This incident mirrors others that have previously been reported to the Townsend Police Department.

In September, a male homeowner on Walnut Street received a package of Adderall that was addressed to someone in Wisconsin, with his residence listed on the return address. Additionally, in August, a female homeowner on Mason Road received a package with Adderall inside, which had been addressed to an individual in California. The woman’s home address was listed in the return address field, yet the woman did not send the package.

In all cases, the packages were sent back to the return addresses because they didn’t have the sufficient postage to make it to the supposed destination. Townsend residents who have reported receiving these packages state that they did not send anything through the mail, and are surprised to find the drugs in their mailboxes. Townsend Police believe this is a new system instigated by drug dealers and users to transport drugs through the U.S. Postal Service.

“Scammers are purposely using insufficient postage to transport drugs through the mail system, and Townsend residents have fallen victim in recent months,” Chief Eaton said. “We encourage residents to remain vigilant and keep their eyes peeled for any suspicious packages or unusual persons in their neighborhood.”

The series of incidents are currently under investigation by the Townsend Police Department, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the U.S. Postmaster General.

Townsend Police encourage residents to be careful of their surroundings and take notice of anyone who may be approaching their property on foot. Additionally, anyone who receives an unexpected package in their mailbox is asked to immediately contact the Townsend Police Department at 978-597-6214.

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Townsend Police Officer Brutally Attacked by Suspect in Holding Cell

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Townsend Police Department
Chief Robert M. Eaton Jr.
70 Brookline Road
Townsend, MA 01469

For Immediate Release

Thursday, Oct. 13, 2016

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Townsend Police Officer Brutally Attacked by Suspect in Holding Cell

Police Chief Calls for Support for Regional Lockup for Suspects

Suspect had been Ordered Held at Townsend Police Department for Long Holiday Weekend

TOWNSEND – Chief Robert M. Eaton Jr. is renewing calls for support for a countywide pre-arraignment lockup facility Middlesex after a Townsend police officer was brutally attacked by a dangerous suspect who tried to escape from a holding cell at the Townsend Police Department.

Officer George Reidy, a 16-year veteran of the Townsend Police Department, was treated at an area hospital for serious but non life-threatening injuries after he was attacked by a 21-year-old Tisbury (Vineyard Haven) man who was being held on multiple arrest warrants.

On Saturday afternoon, Townsend Police received a call to be on the the lookout for a man who had walked away from a drug treatment center in another community and could possibly be a danger to himself. Townsend Police located the man and determined he had three arrest warrants:

  • Tewksbury: OUI with Serious Bodily Injury and Negligent Operation of a Motor Vehicle
  • Tewksbury: Protective Order Violation
  • Tisbury/Vineyard Haven: Assault and Battery (Strangulation/Suffocation)

As a result, the individual was taken into custody. A bail commissioner ordered the suspect held without bail for three nights at the Townsend Police Department, due to the holiday weekend. The suspect complained of various ailments throughout the weekend and was transported to two different hospitals and cleared each time to return to the police department. Shortly after the second hospital stint, as the suspect was being brought back to the holding cell, the 6-foot-3, 210-pound suspect allegedly attacked Officer Reidy and tried to strangle him. The suspect also allegedly grabbed the officer’s Taser and tried to use it on the officer, but was unable to operate the device.

The suspect attempted to escape, but was restrained and returned to the cell. He has been charged with:

  • Escape from a Municipal Lockup
  • Attempted Murder
  • Assault and Battery with a Dangerous Weapon
  • Assault and Battery (Strangulation/Suffocation)

The suspect was arraigned in Ayer District Court on Tuesday, and any additional information about his specific case would need to come from the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office.

In addition to the attack on Officer Reidy, holding the suspect cost the Townsend Police Department nearly $4,000 in unanticipated holding, transportation, and medical costs. Chief Eaton does not believe that this kind of policy is sustainable, and it presents a tremendous burden, especially to smaller police departments.

“What matters most of all is that Officer Reidy was not more seriously injured and that was able to go home to his family,” Chief Eaton said. “Small towns throughout Middlesex County and beyond are neither equipped nor funded to hold prisoners long-term. With the budgetary strains we are under and decreased staffing levels seen all over, municipal police departments have long called for a regional or countywide lockup for prisoners, and this case is a perfect example of why it is sorely needed. The care and custody of prisoners removes police officers from the community, as they are forced to stay at the police station to watch prisoners, it costs communities money, and it presents a clear danger to individual officers tasked with supervising and transporting dangerous felons who should be in a more specialized and secure facility.”

A legislative proposal for a regional lockup filed by Senator Ken Donnelly – and spearheaded by Middlesex Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian and the Middlesex County Chiefs of Police Association – is pending and has received support from chiefs of police in all 54 Middlesex County communities. Sheriff Koutoujian and Middlesex County Chiefs, including Arlington Police Chief Frederick Ryan and Bedford Police Chief Robert Bongiorno are currently working with state officials to identify a funding source in order to move forward with the regional lockup proposal, which has received support from chiefs in all 54 Middlesex County communities.

These are allegations. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty.

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Townsend Police Find No Evidence to Support Child Abduction Report

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Townsend Police Department
Chief Robert M. Eaton Jr.
70 Brookline Road
Townsend, MA 01469

For Immediate Release

Thursday, Sept. 15, 2016

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Townsend Police Find No Evidence to Support Child Abduction Report

TOWNSEND — Chief Robert M. Eaton Jr. reports that after a lengthy investigation into a report of child abduction earlier this week, the Townsend Police Department has found no evidence to support the claim.

On Sept. 13, at approximately 3:10 p.m., three teenage boys reported to Townsend Police that an older man allegedly jumped out from behind a large rock formation near the police station and startled them. The man allegedly attempted to grab one of the teens and then allegedly struck another on the back of his neck. The teens reported that the man then ran off into the wooded area near the outside perimeter parking lot of the Townsend Senior Center and Library. Townsend Police and the Lunenburg Police Department’s K-9 unit were not able to locate the suspect after an hour-long search.

Townsend Police continue to investigate the matter. However, after multiple interviews with the teens and their parents, following up with numerous leads and tips sent into the department, and reviewing video surveillance from the Senior Center and Library, Townsend Police have found no evidence to substantiate the abduction report.

“We do not believe there is any threat to the safety of our community or residents,” Chief Eaton said. “We have conducted a thorough investigation, and will continue to follow up on all leads, but at this time we have no evidence to corroborate the teenagers’ allegations.”

Anyone with information on this incident is asked to please contact the Townsend Police Department at 978-597-6214.

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Townsend Police Investigating Suspicious Man Who Allegedly Attempted to Abduct Teens

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Townsend Police Department
Chief Robert M. Eaton Jr.
70 Brookline Road
Townsend, MA 01469

For Immediate Release

Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2016

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Townsend Police Investigating Suspicious Man Who Allegedly Attempted to Abduct Teens

No Threat to Public Safety

TOWNSEND — Chief Robert M. Eaton Jr. reports that Townsend Police Department is investigating a report of a suspicious man who allegedly attempted to abduct three teenagers this afternoon.

At approximately 3:10 p.m., three teenage boys reported to Townsend Police that an older man allegedly jumped out from behind a large rock formation near the police station and startled them. The man then allegedly attempted to grab one of the teens and then allegedly struck another on the back of his neck. The suspect is described as an older man with a long gray beard who was wearing a red t-shirt, khaki shorts and a Boston Red Sox or possibly a Boston Bruins hat.

The teens reported that the man then ran off into the wooded area near the outside perimeter parking lot of the Townsend Senior Center and Library. Several officers from the Townsend Police Department and the Lunenburg Police Department’s K-9 unit immediately arrived on scene, but could not locate the subject after an hour-long search.

Video surveillance from the Senior Center and Library did not yield any information related to the identity of the suspect.

“We continue to investigate this incident and follow up on any leads,” Chief Eaton said. “We want to stress that after reviewing video surveillance of the area and speaking with the reporting parties, we do not believe that the public is in any danger. We want to thank the community for their patience and understanding during our investigation.”

Anyone with information on this incident is asked to please contact the police department at 978-597-6214.

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*Joint Press Release* Pepperell, Townsend and Ashby Police Provide Residents With Back to School Safety Tips

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Pepperell Police Department
David Scott, Chief of Police
59 Main St.
Pepperell, MA 01463
Townsend Police Department
Robert M. Eaton Jr., Chief of Police
70 Brookline Road
Townsend, MA 01469
Ashby Police Department
Fred Alden, Chief of Police
893 Main Street
Ashby, MA 01431

For Immediate Release

Friday, Aug. 26, 2015

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 978-743-0004
Email: john@jgpr.net

*Joint Press Release* Pepperell, Townsend and Ashby Police Provide Residents With Back to School Safety Tips

PEPPERELL — Pepperell Police Chief David Scott, Townsend Police Chief Robert M. Eaton Jr. and Ashby Police Chief Fred Alden would like to provide safety tips for all residents as students prepare to return to school over the next two weeks.

Students in grades one through 12 in the North Middlesex Regional School District will begin classes next Tuesday, Aug. 30. Pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students begin classes on Tuesday, Sept. 6.

“We want the transition back to school to be as smooth as possible for both students and parents,” Chief Scott said. “The tips provided will help to ensure safety for all and to make the process as stress-free as possible.”

Chiefs Scott, Eaton and Alden are asking that residents follow several safety tips provided by Officer Brent Davis:

Students

  • When walking to school, use bike paths and sidewalks where available. In areas where there are no sidewalks or bike paths, walk along the side of the road facing traffic.
  • If riding a bicycle to school and there are no bike paths, ride with traffic; if riding in the dark your bike must have a light on it.
  • Always wear a helmet when riding a bicycle.
  • Wear light-colored clothing and avoid using headphones or other electronic devices that will distract you from traffic.
  • Students that ride the bus should arrive at the bus stop early, stay away from traffic and never walk behind the bus.
  • Make sure the bus comes to a complete stop before trying to enter or exit the bus.
  • Never rely solely on flashing bus lights to stop traffic. If you have to cross the street, observe traffic and watch for the signal from your bus driver that it is safe to cross.

“The start of a new school year can be very exciting for students, and sometimes children can forget to think about safety,” Chief Eaton said. “We urge all who travel along the roadways throughout town to be vigilant, especially during the school week, so we can ensure a safe and happy school year.”

Motorists

  • Avoid having to rush and leave earlier to give yourself ample time to get to your destination. Even if you don’t have a student returning to class next week, you need to be prepared for buses that make frequent stops. 
  • Be aware of traffic around schools, especially when driving during the hours prior to school starting and at dismissal time.
  • As a driver, it is your responsibility to know where school zones are and adhere to the posted speed limit. Speed limits of 20 mph in school zones will be strictly enforced.
  • Crossing guards will be present to assist students in crossing the street safely and rely on the motorist to stop when directed.
  • All drivers must stop when approaching a school bus that has activated its flashing red lights. The initial fine for illegally passing a school bus is $250, with repeat offenders facing increased fines, as well as license suspensions and revocations. Police will be strictly enforcing these laws. 
  • A child’s behavior can be unpredictable. Wait for school bus lights to stop flashing before beginning to move again. 
  • Be mindful that no vehicle may operate less than 100 feet behind a school bus.

“As students return to classes next month there will be increased pedestrian traffic near schools and bus stops,” Chief Alden said. “It is vital that motorists pay extra attention to young students that may be crossing the street or getting on or off a school bus.”

Pepperell, Townsend and Ashby Police are also urging parents and guardians to talk to their high school students about the dangers along Rt. 119. This is especially important in the area surrounding the school, where there is an increase of traffic flow, congestion and ongoing construction. Two police officers will be added in the morning and afternoons to assist the school crossing guard during the first week of school.

For more information on safety procedures, including stranger danger or pedestrian and bike safety, contact your local police department.

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Update: Townsend Police Respond to Major Gas Leak on Main Street

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Townsend Police Department
Chief Robert M. Eaton Jr.
70 Brookline Road
Townsend, MA 01469

For Immediate Release

Wednesday, July 27, 2016

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Update: Townsend Police Respond to Major Gas Leak on Main Street

IMG_5282
The Townsend Police Department responded to a serious gas leak on Main Street this morning. (Courtesy Photo)

TOWNSEND — Chief Robert M. Eaton Jr. and the Townsend Police Department report that repairs to a major gas leak on Main Street will be completed this evening.

Townsend Police report that Unitil expects repairs to the gas line on Main Street to be completed and the road to reopen by approximately 9 p.m. this evening. While the road may reopen to one lane before then, residents are still encouraged to avoid the area.

On Wednesday, July 27 at approximately 9:49 a.m., Townsend Police responded to the area of 55 Main St. for a reported gas leak. According to police, a Unitil crew was conducting routine maintenance when they struck a gas line in the street.

Upon arrival, the Townsend Police and Fire Departments evacuated homes and businesses in the immediate area out of an abundance caution.

While crews repair the gas line, Main Street is closed between Spaulding Street and Proctor Road.

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Townsend Police Respond to Major Gas Leak on Main Street

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Townsend Police Department
Chief Robert M. Eaton Jr.
70 Brookline Road
Townsend, MA 01469

updatedpatchclearFor Immediate Release

Wednesday, July 27, 2016

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Townsend Police Respond to Major Gas Leak on Main Street

IMG_5282
The Townsend Police Department responded to a serious gas leak on Main Street this morning. (Courtesy Photo)

TOWNSEND — Chief Robert M. Eaton Jr. reports that the Townsend Police Department responded to a major gas leak on Main Street this morning and are asking residents to avoid the area.

On Wednesday, July 27 at approximately 9:49 a.m., Townsend Police responded to the area of 55 Main St. for a reported gas leak. According to police, a Unitil crew was conducting routine maintenance when they struck a gas line in the street.

Upon arrival, the Townsend Police and Fire Departments evacuated homes and businesses in the immediate area out of an abundance caution.

Main Street remains closed between Spaulding Street and Proctor Road as crews remain on scene to evaluate the leak. Police are asking that residents avoid the area until further notice.

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Townsend Police Investigating Bicyclist Struck by Motor Vehicle

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TownsendPD1

Townsend Police Department
Chief Robert M. Eaton Jr.
70 Brookline Road
Townsend, MA 01469

For Immediate Release

Sunday, July 24, 2016

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Townsend Police Investigating Bicyclist Struck by Motor Vehicle

TOWNSEND — Chief Robert M. Eaton Jr. reports that the Townsend Police Department is investigating a motor vehicle crash today where a bicyclist was seriously injured.

On July 24, at approximately 1:28 p.m., the Townsend Police Department, along with Townsend Fire and EMS, responded to Route 119 (Main Street) near Eastman Street.

While at the scene, police learned that a 42-year-old woman from Bedford, N.H. was traveling westbound on Route 119 in a 2008 Mazda CX-9 when she struck a 55-year-old Fitchburg man on a bicycle.

The bicyclist was taken by ambulance to Nashoba Valley Medical Center in Ayer and was later taken by medical helicopter to UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester with life-threatening injuries.

Townsend Police and the Massachusetts State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section are investigating the incident.

The name of the bicyclist is not being released at this time.

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*UPDATE* Student Charged after Altercation at North Middlesex Regional High School

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TownsendPD1

Townsend Police Department
Chief Robert M. Eaton Jr.
70 Brookline Road
Townsend, MA 01469

For Immediate Release

Tuesday, May 24, 2016

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

*UPDATE*

Student Charged after Altercation at North Middlesex Regional High School

TOWNSEND — Police Chief Robert M. Eaton Jr. reports that a student at the North Middlesex Regional High School has been arrested and charged in connection with an altercation that occurred Tuesday morning at the school.

A JUVENILE MALE, AGE 16, OF ASHBY surrendered to police this evening. He has been charged with Assault and Battery with Intent to do Serious Bodily Injury. He will be arraigned in juvenile court, likely tomorrow.

The charge stems from an incident Tuesday morning. At approximately 8:46 a.m. Tuesday, a 16-year-old male student from Townsend was brought into an administrative office after reporting that he had been in an altercation with another student. The student was conscious when he came into the office, but within a few minutes he began to slip in and out of consciousness. Administrators called 911 and the student, whose name is not being released, was taken to an area hospital. He sustained serious head injuries.

The incident remains under investigation by the Townsend Police Department. At this time, it appears that the two males, who were friends, got into a disagreement and the suspect allegedly struck the victim multiple times.

“There is nothing positive to say about this situation. We allege that two boys got into a verbal dispute that unfortunately ended in physical violence and serious injuries,” Chief Eaton said. “We are mindful that two families are directly affected by this senseless situation, and our thoughts and prayers for a complete and speedy recovery go out to the victim.”

These are allegations. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty.

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NEMLEC Member Department

NEMLEC Member Department

NEMLEC Member Department

Townsend Police Department

Interim Chief Rick Bailey

70 Brookline Road
Townsend MA 01469

Police Business: 978-597-6214

In case of emergency, dial 911.