Cause of Four-Alarm Fire in Watertown Determined by Fire Department

Fire blazed on the side of a home on Robert Ford Road Friday. The four alarm blaze damaged 12 units in the Watertown Housing Authority complex. The fire that damaged 12 units on Robert Ford Road on Friday appears to have started due to an electrical problem, according to the Watertown Fire Department. Watertown Deputy Fire Chief Tom McManus said the investigation into the four-alarm blaze lead to the basement of the building at 62 Robert Ford Road. “It appears to have started with a short circuit in the basement,” McManus said.

Police Log: Man Attacked by Former Co-Worker, Driver Busted With Crack Cocaine

The following information was provided by the Watertown Police Department. Arrests

Jan. 3, 6:17 p.m.: Loss prevention at Home Depot detained two shoplifters who were spotted taking items and put them into a backpack. The pair first went to the tool section and then to the electrical and light area. When they were stopped, the pair had a Copper Fit back support, two Roku streaming sticks, a Rigid 18-volt combo kit, a Google Home Mini Charcoal and a Google Home Mini Chalk.

Sheriff Warns to Beware of Social Security Phone Scam

The following information was provided by the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office:

The Middlesex Sheriff’s Office is warning residents to be alert for a recently reported government imposter scam. On Monday, the MSO received a call from an area resident alleging he had been contacted by a man purporting to be with the IRS. The perpetrator told the resident his Social Security number (SSN) had been canceled because it had been compromised and used in Texas by criminals. The perpetrator further told the resident his bank accounts had also been frozen as a result and that a member of the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office would be following up with additional details. A short time later, the resident said he received a call from an individual posing as a member of the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office and was told that two deputies would collect his old Social Security card and issue him a new card and number. In an effort to further convince the resident the call was legitimate, the perpetrator used spoofing technology to make it appear as though the call was coming from a legitimate sheriff’s office telephone number. “It’s critically important for residents to be aware that their Social Security numbers cannot be canceled or suspended,” said Middlesex Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian. “Fortunately, in this case, the resident felt something was amiss and followed up with our office to confirm this was a scam.”

Anyone who believes they have been the victim of this, or any, imposter scam is encouraged to contact their local police department. Individuals may also report the matter to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/Information#crnt&panel1-1.