Billerica Police | MA

Billerica – On Saturday, March 31, 2012, at approximately 4:30PM, Billerica Police received an Emergency 911 call from a Pinedale Ave resident reporting a disturbance. The caller stated that two unknown people had stopped in the middle of Pinedale Ave and exited their vehicles. One of these persons reportedly had a gun, which he was allegedly pointing at the other party. It was further reported that an off-duty Somerville Police Officer was on-scene and had disarmed the party with the firearm.

On arrival at the scene, Billerica Police Officer Ian Taylor observed Somerville Police Detective Mario Oliveira with a male suspect in custody. That individual was later identified as David Casella (left), 18, of Billerica. Detective Oliveira reported that he observed the two involved parties abruptly exit their vehicles in the middle of Pinedale Ave. Detective Oliveira reported that one of the involved vehicles appeared to be blocking the travel lane of the second involved vehicle. The operator of the offending vehicle, reported to be David Casella, then exited his vehicle with a double barrel shotgun. Casella allegedly pointed the shotgun at the victim while making threatening statements. Detective Oliveira, who was armed, but off-duty, immediately approached Casella and identified himself as a police officer. Casella immediately surrendered the firearm and was placed into custody by Detective Oliveira. Officers later discovered that Casella was also in possession of Chemical Mace and body armor. The other party involved in the incident was unharmed. Both Casella and the victim were known to one another and this was not a random event. David Casella was charged with:

• Assault to Murder
• Possession of a sawed-off shotgun, 2nd offense
• Carrying a firearm without a license
• Carrying chemical mace without an FID card
• Possession of ammunition without an FID card
• Using body armor during a felony

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

Billerica – On Monday, March 26, 2012, the Billerica Police unveiled its newest initiative in reducing the availability and abuse of diverted prescription drugs. A self-standing “Unwanted Medication Kiosk” will now be permanently located in the public lobby of the Billerica Police Department. The kiosk can be used by citizens to safely dispose of expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs. The kiosk is designed with a slot on the front that is capable of accepting sealed plastic bags containing pills. No liquids or sharps may be deposited into the kiosk. Residents are asked to remove the pills from the prescription bottles and seal them in a plastic “Ziploc” type bag before arriving at the police station. Plastic bags are available at the kiosk for residents that are unable to take this step in advance.

The purchase and installation of the kiosk was grant funded through a cooperative partnership between the Billerica Board of Health, the Lowell Health Department and the Upper Merrimack Valley Public Health Coalition. The funding was provided by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) Bureau of Substance Abuse Services (BSAS) in an effort to reduce opioid overdoses.

Rates of prescription drug abuse in the United States are increasing at alarming rates, especially for teenagers who report that they can easily obtain prescription pills from medicine cabinets in their own and other people’s homes. Common practice has been for residents to dispose of their unwanted medication by throwing it into the trash or toilet. Unfortunately some communities are finding drug residue in surface waters and/or water supplies. With this newest initiative, the Billerica Police Department is taking a proactive step towards providing a safe solution to get rid of expired, unused and unwanted medications, keeping them out of the hands of our youth and our water supply.

A 10 year old Billerica boy is recovering from serious injuries after he was struck by a box truck and possibly an SUV while crossing Middlesex Turnpike yesterday afternoon.   According to a relative of the boy, the family expects him to be released from the hospital tomorrow or Sunday.  Despite the severity of the accident, he is expected to make a full recovery.

At approximately 3:26 pm on 3/22/2012 BPD received a 911 call that a child had been struck by a truck on Middlesex Turnpike in the area of Marshall St.  Police, Fire and EMS were dispatched immediately with the first unit arriving within one minute.  Patrolman Don Boulette immediately began providing emergency care to the victim as Billerica EMS and Fire got to the scene.  Paramedics Paltrineri and Voutselas immediately took over care of the patient and determined the injuries warranted a helicopter transport to a trauma center.  Billerica Fire and Police secured the Akeson soccer field as a landing zone.  Medflight arrived at the field within five minutes of being dispatched and transported the victim to a Boston hospital.

An initial investigation revealed that the boy was initially struck by a box truck in the southbound lane and was then thrown into the path of an SUV headed north where he was possibly struck again.  Both vehicles then collided in the northbound lane.  When Patrolman Boulette arrived the victim was found under the front of the SUV.

The Massachusetts State Police were requested at the scene to assist BPD with an accident reconstruction and at this time the investigation is on-going.

All the men and women at Billerica Public Safety wish this young man a full and speedy recovery.