With a new school year upon us, I just wanted to take time to point out that school safety and pedestrian safety are two of our top priorities. On Tuesday the buses will be back on the roads and students will be walking to schools and bus stops. School 20 MPH zones will be in force all over town. Please use extra caution while driving and please remember that enforcement of school zone and school bus compliance will be intensive, let’s all work together toward another safe and successful school year.
Lowell Man Arrested for OUI Alcohol after ramming a Billerica Police Cruiser
Billerica – On Tuesday, August 25, 2015, at approximately 0200 hours, Billerica Police Officer Daniel Duggan was struck from behind by a motor vehicle while operating a marked police cruiser on Route 3 in Billerica. At the time of the collision, Officer Duggan was assisting a contractor who was working on the highway. The cruiser, which was operating with fully equipped and activated emergency lights, was working in tandem with other lighted traffic control devices to shut down traffic on the far right travel lane of Route 3 North, just south of exit 29 in Billerica. The motor vehicle which struck Officer Duggan was described as a 2015 Chrysler 200 and was operated by a Jeffrey Walsh, 31, of Lowell. The Massachusetts State Police responded to the accident along with numerous officers and rescue personnel from Billerica. Massachusetts State Police conducted an investigation into the accident at the scene and subsequently arrested Jeffrey Walsh for Operating under the Influence of Alcohol and marked lanes violations. There were no reported injuries to Mr. Walsh.
The injured officer was transported to Lahey Clinic in Burlington by ambulance and was treated and released with minor injuries. This was a very serious high speed impact directly into the rear of Officer Duggan’s police cruiser that could easily have resulted in serious injury and/or death. The Billerica Police appreciate all the calls from the public and media who have expressed concern over Officer Duggan.
Any additional questions should be directed to Deputy Chief Roy Frost, 978-215-9653
Recreational Vehicle Laws | ATV or Dirt Bikes
Owners of recreational vehicles commonly known as “dirt bikes” or “ATV’s” should be aware of the Town of Billerica By-Laws in place that restrict their usage in town. In addition, MA General Law Chapter 90B also regulates their use. Lack of awareness or knowledge shall not be defenses in an action filed pursuant to these by-laws or Chapter 90B.
Town of Billerica By-Laws Section 12
- 12.1 The use of two, three or four wheel recreational motor vehicles, as partly defined in
MGL Chapter 90B, Section 20, more commonly known as “Dirt Bikes” or “ATV‟s” is
hereby prohibited on any land in the Town except that land for which an operator of said
vehicle(s) has on their person written permission from the owner or lessee of said land. - 12.2 No such permitted use of private property by an operator of a vehicle shall occur
between nine o’clock post meridian (9:00 pm) and ten o’clock ante meridian (10:00 am) - 12.3 Any person or owner of land found to be in violation of this By-Law shall pay a fine
of one hundred ($100.00) dollars per violation. Each day that such violation continues
shall constitute a separate offense. - 12.4 This By-Law may be enforced by a non-criminal disposition. The Billerica Police
Department or any other law enforcement agency shall be the enforcing agents for the
Town.
State Laws MGL Chapter 90B
- All riders under 18 must complete an OHV Safety and Responsibility Course approved by the Boat and Recreation Vehicle Safety Bureau. This course is made up of two different parts: an online safety course offered by an approved provider and an in-person, two-hour course which covers Massachusetts-specific laws and regulations. If the rider is under 16, a parent or guardian must accompany the child to the in-person session. Individuals must carry their course completion certificate with them at all times when riding on public or private property.
- All ATV’s operated in Massachusetts on public/private land must be registered with the Massachusetts Environmental Police and have affixed registration decal.
- All violations of Massachusetts ATV laws are subject to arrest and/or civil fines.
- General Laws https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXIV/Chapter90B
ATM Skimming
What is ATM skimming? ATM skimming is a type of fraud which occurs when an ATM machine is compromised with a device that reads your debit/credit card information and is accompanied by a small camera or an overlay that is used to record the user entering their PIN number.
ATM skimming is a large problem both domestically and internationally. Skimmers have been found not only in Billerica but also surrounding towns over the last year. Unsuspecting victims often notice random charges on their statements or they are alerted by their banks of an unauthorized transaction.
What can someone do to protect themselves?
- Cover your PIN with your hand.
- Use ATM’s located at bank branches and avoid kiosks, stores and restaurants. ATM’s located at bank branch are often subject to more frequent inspections by bank employees.
- Check your balances and set up alerts to send an email or text message when a withdrawal is made.
- Take a good look at the ATM and make sure the card slot is legitimate and not tacked on. Some skimming devices are cheaper looking than others and it’s not always easy to spot them.
For more information on skimmers and what to look for, please visit Krebs on Security HERE.
Click to Enlarge
National Night Out – August 4th 6-9 PM
The Town of Billerica Police department will be hosting its annual National Night Out event on Tuesday August 4, 2015 from 6-9 pm. The Town would like to invite everyone to come join us in the Billerica Town Common.
National Night Out is designed to: (1) Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; (2) Generate support for, and participation in local anti-crime efforts; (3) Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and (4) Send a message to criminals letting them know neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.
This is a great opportunity to meet members of the Billerica Police, Paramedics, Firefighters, and DPW and get up close and see their emergency vehicles. Magician Matias will be entertaining you this evening, sponsored by Lynnway Auto Auction of Billerica. He is a proven, professional magician that has been awarded 2012-2013-2014 Best New York comedy magician. Check his website out at www.magicianmatias.com The Billerica Recreation department is featuring the 4EVER FAB, Beatles tribute band for the Concerts on the Common series. The Billerica Public Library will be hosting their Annual Ice Cream Social. U.S. Army National Guard Unit 211th Military Police Battalion will have Military vehicles for viewing. The Middlesex County Sheriff’s Department will have their Bear-Cat available for viewing and photo opportunities. The Billerica Council on Aging will be providing FREE popcorn for the evening. Billerica and Local Police K-9 handlers will be conducting demonstrations. The Billerica Police Honor Guard “GRILL TEAM” will be selling Hamburgers and hot dogs to help raise money for new equipment.
Any questions or interested sponsors please contact Lt. Commander Troy Opland or Lt. Greg Katz at 978-667-1212.
Join over 4,000 residents from Billerica on Nextdoor.com. Nextdoor is a free, private social network for your neighborhood. Nextdoor makes it easy to communicate with your neighbors about the issues that matter most in your community. Over 64,000 neighborhoods across the country are using Nextdoor to:
- Share recommendations about local services and businesses (e.g. babysitters, plumbers, dentists)
• Organize neighborhood events (e.g. National Night Out, Neighborhood Watch, HOA meetings)
• Report suspicious activities, help prevent crime and receive updates from city officials
• Create groups to connect with parents, pet owners and other neighborhood groups
• Get to know your fellow neighbors
Billerica Police Arrest Man after Violent Assault on Police Officer
Billerica– On Sunday, July 19, 2015, at approximately 10:30 PM, Officers were dispatched to 10 Argonne Road for a reported disturbance involving two adult males. Upon arrival at the split ranch style residence, officers determined that there were multiple occupants inside the home. As one officer began his initial investigation by speaking to the reporting party in the downstairs portion of the residence, a second officer stood on the landing just inside the front door of the home. At that time an adult white male resident of the home, later identified as Daniel Zammuto, 25, and described as being 6 feet tall and approximately 190 pounds, suddenly ran down from upstairs at the officer while violently swinging a glass bottle at his head. The officer, Sergeant John Harring, was struck at least one time on top of his head with the bottle, causing a serious contusion and laceration. As Mr. Zammuto attempted additional strikes at Sergeant Harring, Officer Patrick O’Brien intervened to stop the attack. In the process of stopping the attack by Mr. Zammuto, Officer O’Brien deployed his department issued Taser upon Mr. Zammuto. Mr. Zammuto was subsequently immobilized and handcuffed. He was transported back to the Billerica Police Department where he was booked on charges of Assault and Battery with a Dangerous Weapon and Assault with Intent to Murder or Maim. He will be arraigned on July 20, 2015 in Lowell District Court. Sergeant Harring was transported from the scene by ambulance to Lahey Hospital in Burlington where he was treated for what were believed to be non-life threatening injuries.
For additional information please contact the Middlesex DA Press Office at 781-897-8325