Lowell Police WebNews

Archive for October, 2011

LOWELL, MA (October 26, 2011) – A routine traffic stop by an alert Lowell Police Officer resulted in two persons being arrested and a seizure of (3,977) Oxycodone pills and over $8,000 in cash. The street value of the Oxycodone seized is estimated to be approximately $119,310.00. Oxycodone is an opiate-based prescription pain medication.

 

Arrested were: Alexander Hernandez, 33, of Lawrence, MA and Anibal Torres, 42, of Methuen, MA Both have been charged with Trafficking in Class B Controlled Substance over 200 grams and Trafficking of 200 grams in a school zone (Robinson School) and Conspiracy to Violate the Narcotics Laws. Both defendants are scheduled to be arraigned today in Lowell District Court.

 

At approximately 2:20 a.m. on Wednesday, October 26, 2011; Officer Jose Ramirez observed a vehicle pass by his location on Bridge Street in Lowell. The vehicle’s license plate was not illuminated, making it unreadable to the officer; which is a violation of Massachusetts motor vehicle law. Off. Ramirez affected a stop of the vehicle. While speaking with the driver he further observed that the passenger was not wearing a safety belt, also a violation of Massachusetts motor vehicle law. The on-scene investigation during the vehicle stop led to a large quantity of Oxycodone pills and cash being discovered.

 

“This highlights the point that “routine” traffic stops are anything but, “routine.” In today’s mobile society, anytime an officer stops a motor vehicle for a minor infraction there is the potential that he or she is going to be involved in a much more serious encounter.” Said Deputy Superintendent Arthur Ryan, “In this case Officer Ramirez initiated an action that at first appeared to be minor, but ended up identifying and arresting two individuals that had the potential to cause a lot of harm to our community. The abuse of prescription drugs, in particular, Oxycodone, is an epidemic that is tearing families apart and fueling crime throughout our country. I, as well as the entire Lowell Police Department are proud of the efforts of Officer Ramirez and the efforts all the Lowell police officers to make our City safer and a better place to live.” 

 

These charges are allegations and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

LOWELL, MA (October 24, 2011) – The Halloween season is again upon us.  The Lowell Police Department is asking all parents and “Trick-or-Treaters” to exercise responsibility and to be cautions for the potential hazards that Halloween presents.

 

“Trick-or-Treating” will be authorized in the City of Lowell from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Monday, October 31^st.  The police department will be placing extra patrols throughout the city during the evening on Halloween.  Motorists should use extreme care when driving during these times as there will be many children walking throughout the city and its neighborhoods.

 

Please click the link for detailed halloween safety tips.

LPD Halloween Safety Tips Trifold

Three officers of the Lowell Police Department have been selected to receive prestigious awards.

 

Sergeant Stephen M. Morrill, who works as a patrol supervisor on the day-shift, has been selected by the Hanna Awards Committee, to receive the prestigious, “Trooper George L. Hanna” Award for Bravery.  On August 14, 2010, Sergeant Morrill, while responding to a bank alarm at the Lowell Cooperative Bank on Hurd Street; took gunfire from the robbery suspect and while under fire, continued to track the suspect.  The suspect later committed suicide prior to being apprehended by the police.

 

The award will be presented to Sergeant Morrill by Govenor Deval Patrick and Mary Elizabeth Heffernan, the state’s Secretary of Public Safety and Security.  The ceremony will take place at the State House in Boston on November 18, 2011.

 

The “Trooper Hanna” award is the state’s highest award for valor given to law enforcement officers.  Sergeant Morrill is the second Lowell officer to receive this most distinguished honor.  Officer Howard Osborne, who currently works in the department’s Traffic Division, received this award in 1991 for his involvement in a robbery of the Demoulas’ grocery store on Wood Street.

 

Captain Jonathan “Jack” Webb and Detective Linda Coughlin, who are assigned to the department’s Criminal investigations Division;  have been selected by the Massachusetts Police Association (MPA) to receive the association’s “Distinguished Service Medal.”  Earlier this year, Captain Webb and Detective Coughlin were instrumental in solving a homicide “cold case” related to the murder of John J. McCabe in September of 1969.  These officers will receive their awards at the Clarion Inn and Conference Center in West Springfield, MA on October 27, 2011.

 

All of us at the Lowell Police Department are very proud of these officers.  Their actions are indicative of the dedication exhibited by each and every member of this department on a daily basis,” said Superintendent Ken Lavallee.

In the Lowell Police Department’s continuing efforts to eradicate illegal drugs from the city, detectives assigned to the department’s Special Investigations Section (SIS) under the command of Lieutenant Barry Golner; conducted four search warrants at locations throughout the city.

The warrants were executed at 25 Read Street (2^nd Floor), 106 Liberty Street #15, 70 Smith Street (1^st Floor), and 433 Lincoln Street #2.

As a result of the searches, police seized cocaine, heroin, ecstasy, and unlawfully possessed ammunition.

(10) adults and (1) juvenile have been arrested.

The City will be receiving $900,000 in funding through Governor Patrick’s Safe and Successful Youth Initiative. The City of Lowell will partner with Middlesex Community College, the Career Center, the United Teen Equality Center, Lowell Community Health Center, as well as the Boys and Girls Club, Big Brothers, Big Sisters and the YWCA. Funds will be used to target proven-risk youth, who are individuals that have been identified as already involved in the criminal justice system and/or documented as gang-involved. Through this funding, the City of Lowell and project partners will be providing employment and educational opportunities, case management and behavioral health treatment services. Furthermore, the Boys and Girls Club, Big Brothers, Big Sisters and the YWCA will be providing prevention services to offspring and siblings of the proven-risk youth. Superintendent Kenneth Lavallee stated, “The City of Lowell and the LPD are extremely grateful to the Governor and the members of the legislature for making this funding available. This funding will enable the City to positively impact the lives of proven-risk youth, their children and siblings. The LPD is confident that this grant will greatly enhance the opportunities and services available to these individuals and provide them with a myriad of alternatives to criminal behavior and gang involvement.”

 

 The Governor’s press release is available at this link: http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=gov3pressrelease&L=1&L0=Home&sid=Agov3&b=pressrelease&f=111013_youth_violence_grants&csid=Agov3

At approximately 3:40 p.m. on Sunday, October 9th, police responded to the vicinity of Mammoth Road and 8^th Avenue for a crash involving two pedestrians struck by a motor vehicle. 

 

Catherine Gaudette, 17, of Dracut, MA operating a 2002 Honda Accord (with 3 passengers) struck Doris Milagro-Ortiz, 45, of Lowell who was crossing Mammoth Road near 8^th avenue.  The Honda continued for approximately 50 feet, crossed the marked lane and struck Tina Phoeuth, 22, of Lowell who was entering her parked vehicle on Mammoth Road.  The three male passengers in Gaudette’s Honda have been identified as Andrew Dubois, 17, of Dracut and two male juveniles, 15 and 16, respectively; of Dracut.

 

Doris Milagro-Ortiz remains in critical condition at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston.  Tina Phoeuth remains in serious condition at Lowell General Hospital.

 

The crash was investigated by Lowell officers assigned to the Lowell PD’s Traffic Division who have been trained in crash reconstruction. 

 

Prior to the crash, Gaudette and two of her passengers were allegedly inhaling the vapors from a can of compressed air, which is commonly used to clean computer equipment.  The chemical propellant in the product is difluoroethane, which is known to be abused by individuals to obtain a “high.”  Inhaling the chemical propellant allegedly results in hypoxia, allegedly resulting in the body being temporarily deprived of oxygen in the lungs, allegedly creating the “high.”  Gaudette allegedly lost consciousness temporarily while driving northbound on Mammoth Road prior to crashing into the two pedestrians.

 

Gaudette will be charged with Assault and Battery with a Dangerous Weapon (motor vehicle) Causing Serious Bodily Injury (2 counts), Negligent Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Impeded Operation, Failure to Slow for a Pedestrian, Operating at Speed Greater than Reasonable, and Failure to Drive in Marked Lanes.

 

Gaudette will be summonsed into court for the aforementioned charges on a later date (yet to be determined).

 

These charges are allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

 

Press Conference scheduled today at 3:00 p.m. at the Lowell Police Station in the main lobby. 

At approximately 5:54 p.m. last evening (10/11/11) police responded to the Market Basket at 1201 Bridge Street for a male shoplifter. When the police arrived, Juan Arce, 34, of Lowell was being detained in the store manager’s office as he was observed by store employee(s) shoplift multiple bags of frozen shrimp (valued at $83.37) and place them in his backpack. Police also found a four-inch knife in Arce’s pocket. When police proceeded to place Arce under arrest for Shoplifting, he violently resisted and physically assaulted the officers on scene, two of whom obtained minor injury, but did not require immediate medical attention. Police were able to subdue Arce and he was successfully placed in custody and transported to the station. Arce was charged with Shoplifing, Assault and Battery on a Police Officer (2 counts), Resisting Arrest, and for violating the City of Lowell’s “Dangerous Weapon Ordinance.” Arce is expected to be arraigned today in Lowell District Court.

At approximately 8:55 p.m. last evening (10/11/11) police and Animal Control Officer (ACO) responded to 32 New York Street for a dog bite.  Police located the owners of (2) 1 ½ year old pit bull dogs (male and female, brother and sister).  The dog owners being Daniel and Lisa King of this address.  The (2) dogs were allegedly fighting with one-another and when Daniel King attempted to break them apart, one of the dogs bit him in his lower leg causing 5-6 puncture wounds.  The owners signed and relinquished full custody and ownership of the (2) dogs to the ACO and they were both brought to Bulger Animal Hospital in North Andover where, due to the severity of injury to both dogs from their fighting and their dangerousness, they were later euthanized.  Daniel King went to LGH for treatment for the dog bite.

On October 6, 2011 at approximately 5:00 p.m., detectives of the Lowell PD’s Special Investigations Section under the command of Lieutenant Barry Golner; conducted a search warrant at 140 Willard Street, Apt. 4 in Lowell.  Prior to executing the warrant, detectives arrested Valentin Silva, 19, of Derry, NH  for being a Fugitive from Justice on an arrest warrant out of Rockingham County, NH.  Silva was observed leaving the location in a motor vehicle prior to execution of the search warrant.

 

Detectives discovered and seized approximately (7) ounces of marijuana, a digital scale, and “ziplock” baggies, which are commonly used in the illegal distribution of narcotics.  Detectives found (1) SKS Assault Rifle (with an obliterated serial number) loaded with (35) rounds of 7.62mm ammunition in a large capacity “banana style” magazine and (1) .40 caliber semiautomatic handgun loaded with (10) rounds of ammunition.  Detectives seized $1,090.00 in cash. 

 

Nicholas Brunelle, 22, of this address was found at the scene, arrested, and charged with Possession of Class D (marijuana) with Intent to Distribute, Possession of a Firearm Without a License (2 counts), Carrying a Large Capacity Firearm (2 counts), Improper Storage of a Firearm, Possesion of a Firearm with Altered Identification, and Unlawful Possession of Ammunition.

 

During the search, detectives found Brunelle’s one-year-old son sleeping in a crib inside the apartment.  The child was released to the custody of his mother, Jasmine Shea, 20, of Lowell.  The matter involving the child will be investigated by the Department of Children and Families (DCF).

 

Brunelle was arraigned in Lowell District Court on October 7, 2011 and is currently being held on $50,000.00 cash bail.

 

These charges are allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

 

-###-

At approximately 7:00 p.m. on Friday, October 7, 2011, Lowell Police officers arrested Luke Hammond, 23, of Coventry, Rhode Island. Hammond was arrested during a motor vehicle stop on Pawtucket Street at Walker Street and charged with Operating a Vehicle Without a License and Possession of a Class D Controlled Substance (marijuana) With Intent to Distribute.

 

While the officers were awaiting the prisoner transportation vehicle, Hammond escaped from custody and jumped into the Merrimack River, which is in close proximity to the arrest location.  A search  for Hammond was conducted by the Lowell PD, Lowell Fire Department – Dive Team, and a State Police helicopter.  At approximately 7:45 p.m., divers located Hammond approximately 15 feet from shore. Hammond was transported to Lowell General Hospital and later pronounced dead.

 

This incident remains under investigation, by the Lowell PD, Massachusetts State Police, and the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office.