Police: 'He Then Began Screaming and Challenging Officers'

From Chief Richard Smith, a look back at October in Wakefield:

Vandalism reports were received on October 2nd regarding spray paint at both the Walton School as well as in a wooded area along Crystal Lake. Both “tagging” incidents appeared to be similar in nature based on the evidence that was left at the scene and appeared to involve juvenile participants. After further investigation, School Officer Kelley Tobyne was able to identify a male juvenile as the primary suspect. After failing to cooperate with police, this individual will be facing charges through Cambridge Juvenile Court.

On October 4th we received a report of malicious destruction to a motor vehicle on Hemlock Road in the area of Wakefield High School. The victim advised officers that a male party had entered his unlocked vehicle without permission. When confronted, the suspect punched the rear passenger door causing a dent and also broke the rear tail light of the vehicle as the victim attempted to drive away. After a description of the suspect was broadcast, Officer Kyle Meehan was able to locate the individual on Nahant Street heading away from the scene. After a brief struggle, he was able to take the subject into custody without injury.

Officers, on October 9th, were dispatched to the area of #512 North Avenue for a report of a motor vehicle crash where one of the operators had fled the scene. Upon arrival, officers were informed that a grey Jeep Wrangler had sideswiped another motor vehicle on Interstate 95 and then exited at Exit 39. The suspect vehicle then drove onto the front lawn at #512 North Avenue causing damage as it accelerated away at a high rate of speed and out of view of the victim. The witness was able to get a partial plate of “TH1.” Sgt. Geoff Eriksen was able to run multiple queries through the registry and narrow the possibilities down to two that were registered in this area. Officer Joe Lyons responded to one of those addresses in Reading where he located a matching vehicle with what appeared to be fresh damage consistent with the recent report. Charges are pending through Malden District Court.

On October 20th Officer Matt Surette conducted a motor vehicle stop on Vernon Street at New Salem Street on a Mitsubishi that was operating in an erratic manner. As he approached the male operator he noticed his pupils to be pin point and appeared confused. Following this interaction, Officer Surette requested that the male party step out of the vehicle and perform a series of field sobriety tests. The subject was extremely unsteady on his feet and was slow and lethargic. After further investigation the individual was taken into custody and charged with OUI Drugs and Possession of a Class “A” Drug (Heroin).

On October 21 Sergeant Joe Anderson was traveling on North Avenue when he observed a Chrysler with a NH registration weaving within its travel lane and operating at a very low speed. He ran a registry query which came back showing “stolen” status. He then waited for back-up officers in the area and conducted a motor vehicle stop. After further investigation it was confirmed that the vehicle had been stolen out of Nashua, NH. After giving a false name and information, the operator was taken into custody on an outstanding warrant and charged with Larceny of a Motor Vehicle and Submitting False Information.

On October 31, Halloween, Officer DJ Morales was on patrol in the area of Albion Street at Foundry Street when he observed a dark colored SUV traveling closely behind the vehicle in front. The SUV suddenly swerved into the opposite side of the road and accelerated heavily as it passed the vehicle in front and continued at a very high rate of speed heading westbound. Officer Morales was able to quickly conduct a stop and approached the operator as Officer John Whaley arrived as back-up. He appeared dazed and confused as and had an odor of an alcoholic beverage was emanating from his person. As Officer Morales attempted to conduct field sobriety tests, the subject became enraged and punched out the rear window of the SUV, causing glass to spray on both the suspect and Officer Morales. He then began screaming and challenging officers in a belligerent manner as they struggled to take him into custody. This behavior continued throughout the booking process as he was charged with OUI Liquor and Reckless Operation.

Our School Resource Officers were out in full force discussing Halloween Safety during the month of October. They also had the opportunity to read a book to several of our local elementary classes.

On October 4th we were able to assist the public schools with the national “Walk to School Day.” This is a busy event that brings out many students and parents and we are always happy to make a few new friends while providing an additional level of safety.

On October 6th we hosted a “Coffee With a Cop” event at Brothers Restaurant in support of Community Policing Week. This was a great opportunity to converse with our citizens in a light and relaxing atmosphere. A huge thank you to the staff at Brothers who have always been tremendous supporters of us.
On October 12th our Department received state Re-Certification from the Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission for the third time since 2011. The process is required every three years in order to maintain this status, which focuses on continuing the best policies, procedures, and practices not only locally, but around the country.

The Wakefield Alliance Against Violence (WAAV) held its second annual 5K Road Race on October 14 to help benefit Domestic Violence Survivors during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Once again Officer Amy Toothaker spearheaded the effort and helped to raise over $8,000 for this very worthy cause.

On October 28th we partnered with the Department of Justice and Drug Enforcement Agency to host a “Prescription Drug Take-Back Day.” Sgt. Kevin McCaul supervised this highly successful event which helps get old and unused drugs out of the hands of potential addicts by sending them off for destruction. We have conducted these events several times in the past and will continue to support this program.

We would like to congratulate Officer Joe Lyons who was recently selected as the “Officer of the Quarter” for his consistently strong performance. Officer Lyons started with the WPD in 2012 after transferring from the Nahant Police Department. He is a member of our motorcycle unit, the NEMLEC regional motorcycle unit, and is a certified Taser instructor. On September 17, 2017 we received a call for an unarmed robbery in the area of the Sunoco Gas Station on Salem Street and the suspect had fled the scene. Officer Lyons was able to successfully piece together the information, locate the assailant, and take him into custody. He is very thorough, performs at a high level on a consistent basis, and is a mentor to our newer officers.