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Police Log: Man Runs Over Woman’s Foot, Home Broken Into, Headstones Damaged

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The following information was provided by the Watertown Police Department. NOTE: This report includes two weeks of arrests and incidents. Arrests

July 18, 4:36 p.m.: An officer patrolling in Watertown Square spotted a vehicle running a solid red light on Mt. Auburn Street and then turned onto Charles River Road. The officer ran the vehicle’s plates and found the owner’s license was revoked for not having insurance, and also learned the driver did not have a license and was wanted on a warrant.

Dunkin Donuts

Watertown Police Trying to Identify Man Who Pulled a Knife at Dunkin’ Donuts

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Watertown Police DepartmentAn image of the man who pulled a knife on a customer at Dunkin’ Donuts in Watertown. Police are trying to identify the man. Watertown Police seek the identity of a man who pulled a knife on a customer at a Dunkin Donuts. Officers were dispatched to the Dukin’ Donuts at 448 Main St. at 7:45 p.m. on July 20 after receiving the report of the incident.

Armed Robbery

Man Wanted for Armed Robbery in Watertown Caught in New Hampshire

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Jose Robles, a homeless man who last lived in Taunton, faces charges of armed robbery of Hardy’s Spa in Watertown. He was arrested in New Hampshire after holding up a convenience store. A man who held up a store in Watertown with a weapon was arrested by authorities in New Hampshire after a chase and a hostage situation. On July 29 at 9:23 p.m., a clerk at Hardy’s Spa on Belmont Street called police after a man robbed the store with what appeared to be a handgun, said Watertown Police Lt. James O’Connor

“The suspect threw a brown paper bag at him demanding the clerk to put the money in the cash register into it,” O’Connor said. “At this time the suspect showed the victim a black handgun.

Break-Ins

Police Warn Residents to Lock Windows After Pair of Break-ins

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Two Watertown homes were broken into recently, both while residents were home. The first break-in took place on July 15 at 9:49 p.m. on Garfield Street. About two hours later, at 11:48 p.m., a home on Barnard Avenue was broken into. Watertown Police seek information and surveillance footage from residents of those areas. Police also warn that residents should be sure to secure their homes, saying “Please be reminded to lock your doors & windows (even second floor).”

Fireworks

Watertown Police, Fire Departments Warn About Using Fireworks

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JL Johnson, https://www.flickr.com/photos/user47/Fireworks

The following announcement was provided by the City of Watertown:

Watertown Public Safety Announcement: Please leave fireworks to the professionals this summer! 

Massachusetts Fireworks Law MGL Chapter 148, S. 39

It is illegal for private citizens to use, possess, or sell fireworks in Massachusetts, or to purchase them legally elsewhere and then transport them into the state. • Fine for possession or use of fireworks between $10-$100

• Up to a $1,000 fine for the sale of fireworks

Fireworks (including sparklers) are not safe, especially around children. Sparklers burn at temperatures of over 1,800° Fahrenheit! 

Children under age 5 are likely to suffer the worst burn injuries caused by sparklers. We need your help to prevent unnecessary injuries, house fires, property damage, and traumatic experiences for many children, pets, active military, veterans, and other residents. If you have any information on fireworks or to report firework activity, please call the Watertown Police Department at 617-972-6500.

Around Town

Watch Out for Home Repair Scams, City Officials Warn

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The following information was provided by the City of Watertown:

A busy home repair season is once again upon the City of Watertown. And with that comes the return of predatory home repair contractor practices. There can be various approaches – a knock on the door unannounced and an offer of cheap services or perhaps information that your home is in dangerous disrepair and needs work done right away. Or they may let you know that they have just finished a job in the area and have extra materials and will happily do a quick project for you. 

They will emphasize that they must start immediately and will sort everything out later. And they will want a deposit – frequently, a sizable deposit.

Police/Fire

Watertown Police Chief Michael Lawn Retires, Enjoyed His Career Even With Recent Challenges

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Charlie BreitroseRetired Watertown Police Chief Michael Lawn bids farewell to one of the officers he worked with over his 33-year career. Watertown Police Chief Michael Lawn left the only full-time job he has ever had after more than three decades, and said he still enjoyed coming to work everyday even after the challenges of the last few years. On June 3, 2022, Lawn finished the final day of his 33 year career with the Watertown Police Department. When he joined the WPD at the age of 22, he always planned to retire when he was still young enough to do something else. “When everyone was going to the Cape on the weekends when I was 22 I was patrolling the streets of Watertown,” Lawn said.

Police/Fire

Watertown Police Captain to Serve as Provisional Chief

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Watertown PoliceThomas Rocca has been named the Provisional Police Chief beginning June 4, 2022. The City of Watertown announced the appointment of a provisional Police Chief who will lead the department after Chief Michael Lawn retires until a new chief is appointed. The City sent out the following statement:

“Congratulations to Captain Thomas F. Rocca for being appointed to the position of Provisional Police Chief, effective Saturday, June 4, 2022, until such time as a Permanent Police Chief is selected.”