Billerica Police | MA

Billerica – Over the past few weeks the Billerica Police have received repeated reports of various forms of phone and computer scams. Some of these scams involve unsolicited phone calls from individuals claiming to be government officials, usually overseas, calling on behalf of a family member that was allegedly placed into custody and needed financial assistance. Most of these calls are targeted at elderly residents where the caller identifies, by name, a grandchild that was reportedly arrested. The caller directs the target to quickly respond to a local Western Union facility and wire money to a location on their “grandchild’s behalf”. The money is allegedly needed for the child to be released from custody. Other scams involve mass emails being sent out to entire contact lists of various targets alleging that the individual was either arrested or had all of their belonging stolen and they need temporary financial help to get back to the United States. Again, as in all of these various forms of scams, the perpetrator attempts to get the target to act quickly and to use some type of wire money transfer service to send cash overseas.

Please use extreme caution anytime you receive an unsolicited contact and are asked to send money over a wire service. Feel free to contact your financial institution or your local police department for advice and consultation before taking any action.

Any additional questions should be directed to Lieutenant Roy Frost, 978-667-1212 x120

Billerica – On Friday, October 19, 2012, at approximately 8:13 PM, Billerica Police responded to a reported motor vehicle crash at #13 Pines Road, Billerica. The caller reported that a vehicle had impacted with the home and the operator was currently attempting to drive the involved vehicle away from the scene. Officer Paul Brady arrived and began an investigation. It was determined that Judith Bernoth, 51, of Billerica, had been operating a 1999 Ford Ranger pickup truck down Pines Road while under the influence of alcohol. Her vehicle struck a parked car on the side of the road in front of #11 Pines Road and continued on striking the side of #13 Pines Road. Damage to the residence appeared to consist of broken siding and trim. There were no injuries reported involving either the operator, Bernoth, or anyone within the home at #13 Pines Road. Bernoth was ultimately charged with Operating under the Influence of Alcohol. She is being arraigned in Lowell District Court on October 22, 2012.

Any additional questions should be directed to Lieutenant Roy Frost, 978-667-1212 x12

Billerica –On Monday, October 15, 2012, at approximately 4:40 PM, Billerica Police received a 911 emergency call for a man pointing and shooting a firearm at a home. Police responded and quickly determined that the suspect was Edward Graboski, 69 years old, from 8 Pinedale Ave, Billerica. Graboski had fled into his home prior to police arrival and refused to engage in any contact with police, either telephonically or in person. Due to the seriousness of the allegations, including the fact that Graboski was alleged to have pointed and shot a firearm at a neighbor’s home, the perimeter was secured and six surrounding homes on Pinedale Ave were evacuated, as well as 880 Plaza on Boston Road. The NEMLEC SWAT team was activated and a command post was set up by Sergeant Steven Elmore at 880 Plaza. At approximately 6:14 PM Edward Graboski was placed into custody without incident by NEMLEC SWAT. A search of his person by arresting officers revealed a loaded .32 caliber revolver. Numerous additional weapons were also located inside his home. Graboski is being charged with Assault by Means of a Dangerous Weapon as well as numerous other firearm related charges. He will be arraigned on Tuesday, October 16, 2012 at Lowell District Court.

Any additional questions should be directed to Lieutenant Roy Frost, 978-667-1212 x120