Police/Fire

Police Log: Man Pulls Taser on Tow Truck Driver, Checks Intercepted and Altered

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The following information was provided by the Watertown Police Department. May 11: Toyota of Watertown reported a check fraud case. The dealership had written a check for $20,491 to Sullivan Tire on May 5, and sometime between then and May 8 the check was intercepted and the “pay to” line was changed. Police are investigating. May 11: Target security stopped a man and a woman who took $210 in clothing and health and beauty items. The two were summoned to Waltham District Court on a charge of larceny under $1,200.

Government

Veterans Services Being Run by Human Services Director as City Seeks to Fill Position

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Watertown veterans presented the colors during the 2025 Memorial Day Ceremony. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

Watertown currently lacks a dedicated veterans services officer, but while the City works to fill the opening the Director of Human Services has taken on most of that role. Jenna Bancroft, the director of the Human Services Department, has been working to get veterans their benefits, and is helping to plan the Memorial Day Parade and related events, she told the City Council at the Fiscal Year 2027 Budget hearing on May 6. In Fiscal Year 2026, the current year, the Veterans Services Department merged into the newly created Human Services Department, said City Manager George Proakis. The City hired Jay Terminiello in October 2025, succeeding longtime VSO Patrick George.

Around Town

Porchfest 2026: People Pour Into the Streets of Watertown to Catch More than 200 Bands

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Populace closed out the day at a venue on Main Street during 2026 Watertown Porchfest. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

The combination of free concerts, the a warm spring day, and the hopes of seeing a Grammy nominated singer made Watertown Porchfest 2026 a huge community celebration. The third annual event boasted more than 200 performances at over 80 locations around Watertown on Saturday, May 16. Some of the venues were institutions — such as the Watertown Free Public Library, First Parish Church, and Gore Place — as well as multiple businesses. Watertown Middle School students held a bake sale during Watertown Porchfest.

Police/Fire

Incident in East Watertown Cemetery “Not Criminal in Nature”

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The gate to the Catholic Mount Auburn Cemetery was blocked by police tape Friday as law enforcement investigated an incident (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

An incident that drew dozens of police from multiple agencies was “not criminal in nature,” according to the Middlesex District Attorney’s office. Watertown News contacted Watertown Police and Massachusetts State Police after residents reported seeing police activity in the area of the Catholic Mount Auburn Cemetery on Friday. Neighbors also said they heard what might have been a gunshot or gunshots. Inquiries to law enforcement agencies were referred to the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office. Spokeswoman Meghan Kelly did not provide details, but said: “The incident was not criminal in nature, there is no foul play suspected and no public safety risk.”

Government

Human Services Department Adding Van, Staff to Help Meet Needs of Residents

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The Parker Annex Building, home to the Watertown Food Pantry and soon of the Human Services Department. (Courtesy of City of Watertown)

Less than a year old, the Watertown Human Services Department has plans to add new programs, such as a van to deliver meals and other services, and boxes with life-saving medicine for people overdosing. The Human Services Department’s first director, Jenna Bancroft, spoke to the City Council at a hearing on May 6. “Human Services is just 10 months old as a department, so we haven’t had a full year of service here in Watertown,” Bancroft said. “I will say too that the budget that we’ve proposed, I’m really excited for what we’re doing this coming year, as we continue to build relationships and really think about the needs and the gaps in the community.”

Around Town

Watertown Group Hosting Jewish Voices Critique the Antisemitism Commission

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The following announcement was provided by Watertown Citizens for Peace Justice and the Environment:

The Palestine Committee of Watertown Citizens for Peace, Justice and the Environment is sponsoring an important educational program on Thursday, May 21, 2026, 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Watertown Savings Bank Room at the Watertown Free Public Library, 123 Main St., Watertown. The Massachusetts Special Commission on Combatting Antisemitism released its policy recommendations in December 2025 affecting K-12 and Higher Education, Public Safety and Law Enforcement and the Workforce. The Commission’s composition, processes and procedures, and recommendations have been criticized by many Jewish leaders and allies. Their critique centers on the fact that the Commission fails to fully or accurately address anti-semitism and puts free speech at risk. Come learn more!

Real Estate

Several New Listings on Watertown’s Open House List

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Plenty of places for home buyers to visit over the weekend in Watertown. 204 School St., $2,350,000, 0.28 Acres 2 properties including a 3 family, Open houses: Saturday, May 16 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM Sunday, May 17 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

152 Spruce St., $1,200,000, 5 bedroom 3 bathroom 3,517 sq. ft. 3 Family, Open houses: Saturday, May 16 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM Sunday, May 17 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM

33 Charles St. #33, $945,000, 3 bedroom 3 bathroom 1,889 sq.