Police Log: Shoplifter Arrested; Resident Witnesses Attempted Car Break-In

Wednesday, Aug. 11

4:03 am. A Leaning Elm Drive resident complained of a truck emptying a dumpster at Sam's Bistro.

8:43 a.m. A driver complained of a vehicle "all over the road" near the intersection of Salem Street and Pearl Street. Police were unable to locate the driver.

8:48 a.m. Police and firemen responded to a motor vehicle crash at the intersection of Main Street and Haven Street. No one involved in the accident was hurt.

9:46 a.m. Police filed a criminal complaint against Judith Pinkham of 861 Main Street for driving an unregistered, uninsured car with the wrong license plate attached to it.

10:19 a.m. The Reading Fire Department investigated a smell of gas near the intersection of Bancroft Ave and Woburn Street, but couldn't locate the source of the smell.

11:03 a.m. The department of public works reported a wire hanging from a traffic box at the intersection of Summer Ave and Prescott Street.

12:42 p.m. A Pearl Street woman entered the police department lobby to report damage caused by a car to her mailbox.

1:13 p.m. Wakefield police reported a large piece of wood in the road on Haverhill Street.

2:35 p.m. Reading police and fire responded to a small fire described as a kitchen fire on Frank Tanner Drive. Upon arrival, the fire department discovered two cars parked in the fire lane. The cars were moved.

2:39 p.m. An Orchard Park Drive resident reported a sick squirrel in her yard.

8:01 p.m. Police assisted in a child custody exchange.

8:10 p.m. Police advised a group of youths gathered at Washington Park of the park hours.

8:17 p.m. A Washington Street man reported that he was in a fight with his girlfriend.

8:25 p.m. A police officer came upon a disabled motor vehicle with flat tires near the intersection of Main Street and Haven Street. Police held the woman with the car in protective custody. She had been drinking, but police did not charge her with operating under the influence because they did not witness her driving.

9:45 p.m. A Mineral Street resident reported that youths were playing basketball in the area and disturbing neighbors.

10:59 p.m. A Hillcrest Road man witnessed youths trying to break into his car. They failed to gain entry and stole nothing, but damaged his side mirror. He reported that one of the individuals wore a red baseball cap, and described him as a teen of average height and weight.

Thursday, Aug. 12

2:47 a.m. A Haverhill Street resident reported that a young man was banging on her door and asking for help. Police responded to the scene, and the youth told them he was looking for a ride home.

10:01 a.m. Police notified the Department of Public Works of branches hanging into the road on Bond Street.

10:06 a.m. An officer responded to the intersection of Summer Avenue and Prescott Street to manage traffic because the lights malfunctioned.

10:08 a.m. A Latham Lane resident complained that someone rang his doorbell at 1:45 that morning.

11:37 a.m. Police arrested Gabriela Paredes of 71 Montvale Ave. in Stoneham for shoplifting at Stop & Shop on Walkers Brook Drive. Paredes tried to leave the store with $65 worth of Red Bull and baby formula.

11:49 a.m. Police responded to a physical dispute on Harnden Street. One man struck another after a door had been closed on his backside. Neither party pressed charges.

12:36 p.m. An officer assisted two drivers with a "very minor" motor vehicle collision on the 129 rotary.

1:01 p.m. An Old Farm Road resident asked police for advice with a possible fraud situation.

2:09 p.m. A Frank Tanner Drive resident reported an ongoing problem with his neighbor.

2:43 p.m. Police responded to a report of youths gathering in the woods near the intersection of Center Avenue and Pine Avenue. Officers asked the group to move.

2:53 p.m. A Grove Street resident complained of drivers burning rubber up and down the street.

3:31 p.m. An officer responded to a Bear Hill Road residence where an unoccupied vehicle rolled into a yard.

4:31 p.m. A Hanscom Avenue woman visited the police lobby to report a past incident with a neighbor's dog.

5:04 p.m. A Salem Street resident asked for advance regarding a past incident with a house mate.

6:00 p.m. An anonymous caller complained that a band playing in a garage near the intersection of John Street and Union Street was disturbing the neighbors.