Police: Caretaker Pawned Missing Items; Pedestrian Struck by Pickup Truck; Employee Theft

Monday, April 20

At 4:26 p.m., larceny on Highland Avenue. Employee theft at Pep Boys. Shawn Douglas will be summonsed for larceny under $250 and one count larceny over $250.

At 6:04 p.m., minor motor vehicle accident on Lafayette Street. Bumper damage.

Tuesday. April 21

At 6:14 a.m., structure fire on Congress Street. Electrical fire at Shetland Properties. Firefighters shut down power to the building. National Grid notified.

At 6:37 a.m., pedestrian struck by motor vehicle on Congress Street. Fire called in a pedestrian accident while responding to an electrical fire on Congress Street. Victim told officers that employees who had been evacuated from the building because of the fire, were standing in the parking lot while waiting for firefighters to arrive. The victim was clipped by a Shetland Properties security pickup truck. Officers spoke with the pickup driver, who said he had been responding to the electrical fire when he stopped to assess the building. He began to drive, and said he did not see the pedestrian. He stated that he was going between 5 and 10 mph. The driver said the victim stumbled, but did not fall down. Victim was transported to an area hospital.

At 9:17 a.m., possible identity theft on Fort Avenue. Man reported that he had an account with John Hancock that he closed in 1985. He recently received a bill from them for the account. There was no phone number on the bill, and he does not have an account with John Hancock. He was advised not to pay the bill, and to find a legitimate phone number to reach the company.

At 10:36 a.m., fire in chimney on Carrollton Street. Homeowner reported that a wood-burning stove may have come loose. Smoke and fire was moving up the wall next to the chimney. Fire Department extinguished fire. No injuries to residents or firefighters.

At 11:11 a.m., larceny on Canal Street. Report of a past larceny. Homeowner stated that she and her husband employed a caretaker some months back to care for a disabled household member. Homeowner said the woman was an excellent caretaker, but soon discovered items were missing, including an iPod valued at $200 and Beats headphones valued at $300. The couple confronted the caretaker, who admitted to taking the property and pawning it. The caretaker pleaded with them not to go to the police. The homeowner stated to an officer that she and her husband simply wanted their property back. The caretaker acknowledged taking the property and pawned both items for $40 at the Lynnway Mart Pawn Shop. She was advised to go to the pawn shop and purchase the items back and return them to the officer. Officer will then return the property to the homeowner.

At 2:58 p.m., party with stolen credit cards on Boston Street.