Man Arrested For Vehicle Theft
On February 22, 2012, BPD officers were made aware of a green Chevrolet Malibu that had been reported stolen out of Dunstable, MA. At approximately 10:30 PM on the same day, Officer Don Boulette was patrolling on Boston Rd (North) when he observed a green Malibu pass him headed south towards the town center. As Officer Boulette caught up to the vehicle it turned into the Billerica Library parking lot which is shared with the Billerica Housing authority located at 16 River St.
Officer Boulette confirmed that the vehicle was the stolen Malibu from Dunstable after checking the registration on his mobile data terminal. The Malibu continued through the parking lot and attempted to access one of the narrow access roads at 16 River St. Officer Boulette signaled the operator to stop the vehicle. The operator, Joshua Menezes, stopped the car and was subsequently arrested for vehicle theft.
Joshua Menezes, 17, of 405 River St. Dunstable was taken into custody without further incident. A male passenger that was with Menezes at the time of his arrest was released from the scene without charges. Apparently, the Malibu that had been stolen belonged to a relative of Menezes.
Joshua Menezes was arrested by Officer Robert Heffernan back in October for stealing a GPS unit out a vehicle that had been parked at O’Connor Plaza. Menezes also had an active arrest warrant at the time of the October arrest. Details of that arrest can be found here.
Sheriff Visits BPD
Sheriff Koutoujian visited BPD last week as we were wrapping up our firearms training. Billerica officer’s were able to train using a mobile range acquired by the Sheriff’s Department. For more information on the technology visit here. BPD would like to thank the Sheriff and his staff for providing this resource.
L to R: Deputy Greg Carder, Deputy Justin Fagan, Captain Jim McManmon, Sheriff Koutoujian, Chief Dan Rosa, Deputy Chief Dan Doyle, Patrolman Craig Grogan
Boston Celtic’s Honor Local Heroes
On January 13th three local heroes were honored at the Boston Celtics, Chicago Bulls game at the TD Garden. Back in December a resident nearly drowned in Nuttings Lake after his canoe turned over. Patrolman Steve Cogswell (center) and civilians Frank McLaughlin and Eileen Conway were honored as part of the Heroes Among Us program.
The Heroes Among Us Award is presented to an individual or individuals who, through their unique commitment and humanitarian spirit, have made exceptional and lasting contributions to our community. At each home game, the Celtics and their fans have saluted the exemplary efforts of these citizens during a special in-game presentation on the legendary parquet floor.
To date, more than 550 individuals have received the Heroes Among Us Award. This program is proudly presented by the Mass State Lottery. Last year the Lottery gave back over $920 million in local aid to the 351 cities and towns in Massachusetts, and that local aid paid for public education and safety. Additional support provided by WEEI 850 AM and Comcast SportsNet.
Thief Makes Off With Jewelry
Update Arrest 5/3/12 – William Meehan, 45, of 98 Central St. Peabody
The man below entered Billerica Coin & Collectibles on February 14th and made off with a large amount of jewelry. The image shows a male approximately 35-45 years old, approximately 230 lbs. The suspect was operating an early 2000’s Hyundai Elantra. Anyone who can identify the suspect below is encouraged to contact Billerica Police Detectives at 978-667-1212.
High Tech Firearms Training
Some residents may have noticed the large trailer parked in the Billerica High School parking lot this week. The trailer, owned by the Middlesex Sheriff’s Department, is on loan to BPD.
The trailer is a completely self contained live firing range that is transportable to different locations. The range allows officers to complete their annual firearm recertifications in their own city or town and use real ammunition in video simulations. For more information on the mobile range please visit the manufacturer’s website here.