Police Catch Two Alleged Home Invaders Hours After Breaking Into Watertown Home

Police placed two male suspects for allegedly breaking into a Watertown home while wearing masks. The two male suspects, a 23-year-old and a 17-year-old, were arrested hours after a home invasion was reported, according to the Watertown Police announcement. “The invasion began after witnesses reported seeing two men wearing ski masks, possibly armed, force their way through the front door of a residence. Thanks to the hard work of our Detectives and the valuable assistance of the Lynn Police Department, both suspects were quickly identified and take into custody,” the announcement said. The statement added: “Our priority remains keeping Watertown safe, and we are grateful for the continued support of our community and our law enforcement partners.”

Health Department Received More Than 100 Rodent Complaints, Body Work Regulations Begin

Watertown’s Health Department has received more than 100 complaints about rodents since the beginning of the trash strike. At their meeting the Board of Health also heard about the start of the City’s body work regulations, and approved a life science company’s permit. A short Board of Health Meeting on Aug. 20 concluded without any conversation about newly proposed tobacco regulations, but did see a permit approval and some general Health Department updates. Talks about the regulations did not progress as Board of Health member Kim Netter was recovering from a medical issue so was unable to vote, and member Dominic Amirtharaj was not able to attend the meeting.

Man’s Quick Action Saved Life of Driver Having Medical Emergency

Watertown Police commended a 20-year-old man for helping a driver who was experiencing a medical emergency, and preventing any additional injuries and damage. Wellington Soares acted swiftly when he came upon an emergency situation at Arsenal Yards, according to a statement by Watertown Police Chief Justin Hanrahan. “On Aug. 17, 2025, Mr. Soares was outside Chipotle on Arsenal Yards Boulevard when he noticed a vehicle drifting across lanes before striking a sidewalk planter,” Hanrahan’s statement said. “Recognizing that the operator was experiencing a medical emergency, Mr. Soares immediately ran to assist.”

Watertown High School to Pilot App That Would Disable Student Cellphones During Class

Watertown High School students will use an app to disable cellphones during class beginning in the fall of 2025. (Courtesy by City of Watertown)

Watertown High School plans to disable students’ cellphones during class using software that the school will be piloting during the 2025-26 school year. At Monday’s meeting the School Committee heard from parents who called one of the books on the recommended summer reading list “anti-Semitic.” The Committee also got more information on the changes to the Sexual and Sex-based Discrimination policy. Cellphone Pilot

WHS Principal Joel Giacobozzi told the School Committee on Aug.

City Reminds Residents That Short-Term Rentals Are Prohibited

Photo by Charlie BreitroseWatertown City Hall

City officials recently reinforced that short-term rentals such as Airbnb and VRBO are not allowed in Watertown. In April 2024, the City Council rejected a proposal that would have allowed short-term rentals on a limited basis, including for under 3 months a year. “The City’s zoning regulations prohibit the rental of properties for a period of less than 31 days, and those violating this ordinance are subject to fines,” the City’s announcement said. The announcement was part of the City’s education efforts around short-term rentals, said Tyler Cote, the City’s Community Engagement Specialist. “When the Council passed the ordinance, we worked with our Zoning and Code Enforcement team to develop an enforcement strategy, which includes this step of sending letters to identified properties around Watertown,” Cote said.