Around Town

Watertown Police Reschedule Finish Strong 5K Road Race

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The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Police Department:

Due to the ongoing and rapidly changing COVID-19 situation, we have rescheduled our annual 5k Finish Strong Road Race to Sunday, September 27, 2020. We are looking forward to once again commemorating the resiliency of the Watertown Community by running, walking, and celebrating together after overcoming yet another challenging situation. Please remember to stay healthy, stay home, and stay tuned to WPD social media for important information and updates.

Police/Fire

Watertown Police Warn Residents to Beware of COVID-19 Scammers

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The Watertown Police announced that residents should watch out for scammers trying to take advantage of the Coronavirus outbreak. The Police Department put out the following statement:

Please be aware of individuals attempting to take advantage of and scam residents by offering false services related to COVID 19. Below is an example of a craigslist scam that was forwarded to the Watertown Police Department today. If you receive an offer/ad, such as pictured below, check the validity of it by emailing it to the WPD at COVID19@police.watertown-ma.gov.

Police/Fire

Watertown Firefighters, Police Taking Steps to Reduce Exposure to COVID-19, Need Supplies

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Watertown firefighters and police officers have begun taking extra steps to protect themselves from the Coronavirus (COVID-19), and both departments have found it hard to keep supplies of equipment to protect them from the virus. Along with extra equipment, the Watertown Police and Fire departments have started using some new procedures during the COVID-19 outbreak. The Fire Department may ask people to come out of their homes to reduce firefighters chances of getting COVID-19, said Watertown Fire Chief Bob Quinn. “On certain Medical calls we will have people exit the home if they have COVID-19 symptoms or are in an environment with a COVID-19 positive person,” Quinn said. “This also reduces the risk to the Firefighters responding to the call as lees people will have interaction with the patient.  All patients will get the proper required care but we will be operating differently to protect unnecessary exposure to our members.”

Coronavirus

Watertown Police Asking Residents to Call First, Try to Avoid Coming into Station

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In an effort to stop the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), the Watertown Police Department requested that people to avoid coming into the lobby of the Police Station, except in an emergency. Police Chief Michael Lawn sent out the request to avoid coming into the Police Station, and urged people to call. The Watertown Police also changed their policy during this period for filing reports. They can now be taken over the phone. Lawn also noted that officers may ask questions about residents’ health when responding to their home or business.

Police/Fire

Police Nab Man Who Broke into Home in Watertown

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Watertown Police took custody of a man wanted for breaking into a home in East Watertown on Feb. 6, but still seek a second suspect. Two men broke down the back door of a three-family home on Dexter Avenue, and took an estimated $5,000 in items from one of the units, said Watertown Police Lt. James O’Connor. “They were interrupted when the upstairs neighbor came home,” O’Connor said. “They fled through the backdoor.”

Pleasant Street

Watertown Police Investigating Shooting Near Pleasant Street

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One man suffered a gunshot wound to the leg after a fight broke out near Pleasant Street on Tuesday night. The 21-year-old Waltham man who was shot is expected to live. The incident took place not far from the Bank of America ATM kiosk on Pleasant Street. Police continued to try to get to the bottom of what happened and could be seen looking for evidence on Wednesday. Police have not identified any suspects, yet, according to Watertown Police Lt. James O’Connor.

Government

Middlesex DA, Police Chief to Speak at Forum on Immigration in Watertown

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A panel discussion to support immigrant communities in Watertown and Middlesex County will be held at the Library on Feb. 20. Middlesex DA Marian Ryan, State Rep. Jonathan Hecht and Watertown Police Chief Michael Lawn will host a the conversation. According to Rep. Hecht’s office, the event is a panel discussion and Q&A on immigration in Middlesex County cities, towns, and courthouses, and aims to foster a supportive environment for our local immigrant residents.. The organizers sent out the following information:

Please join us for a Conversation about immigration in our cities, towns and court across Middlesex County.

Police Log

Police Log: Harasser of Company Vice President ID’d, Man Busted Trying to Scam Store

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

Jan. 13, 2:05 p.m.: A man was spotted going through the self-checkout at Home Depot and scanning some items but not the more expensive ones. Store security saw the man picking up two items and scanning only the cheaper one and then put both into the shopping bag. The cheaper item was a 15-amp three-way switch worth $3.48, but he did not scan the 20-amp circuit breaker, which cost $49.97.