9/14-9/15

Open and Gross Lewdness:

Occurred on 9/14 – Elm St.

Officers responded to a report of indecent exposure occurred in the area. The victim began by stating that often times, herself, as well as, other residents leave some of there belongings in the entrance of the hallway to the building. On this date, upon arriving at her house she placed her sunglasses on the window sill. Later on during the day, she couldn’t find them and checked with residents to see if anyone had picked it up. At approximately 8 AM on 9/13, she went upstairs and knocked on the neighbor's apartment door. The resident came to the door in his bathrobe.

The resident did have her sunglasses, and when he turned to grab them from a table next to the door, his bathrobe came undone. He became completely exposed at that point and no attempt to cover himself up. He then handed her the sunglasses and stared at her in a "creepy" manner.

After interviewing the suspect, he was placed under arrest for Open and Gross Lewdness.

Malicious Damage:

Occurred on 9/14 at 4:18 PM – Pierce St./Holden St.

Several units were dispatched for an altercation occurring in the area. One individual was driving south on Harvard Street in the area of Linden Street. He stated that a male was hurrying to cross Harvard Street in the marked crosswalk. He then states when the male was crossing in front of his motor vehicle, he started to walk slowly. After the male crossed in front of him, the driver of the vehicle yelled "don't slow down when you see a car". He stated that he did not say anything else and continued south on Harvard Street. When he was stuck in traffic further down Harvard, the male then came up and kicked his passenger door.

The driver then immediately got out of the car and yelled at the male "you picked the wrong day". He then started to run away and the driver ran after him, catching up and grabbing him around the upper part of his body and throwing him towards the ground. He states that he held the male in that position and also had a grip on his tie.

After interviewing everyone involved, it was determined that the individual will be charged with Malicious Destruction to Property (Auto) and will be summonsed into Brookline District Court for a clerk's hearing.

Burglary:

Occurred on 9/14 – Leverett St.

Officers were dispatched to the area for a burglary that occurred sometime between 7:00am and 6:30pm. The victims explained that when they returned home this evening they noticed that the rear kitchen door was open. Upon further examination they discovered that the screen in the kitchen window, which is located next to the door, had been slashed. They discovered that both their laptops were missing. One of the victims mentioned that yesterday he played a game of basketball, with a young man, at Boylston Playground. During the course of the game this young man, asked Mr. Jones where he lived. The young man is described as a black male, 18-20 years old, 5'08", has a medium afro, a muscular build and wears braces on his teeth.

MV/Bicycle Accident:

Occurred on 9/15 at 8:26 AM – Beacon St./Westbourne Terr.

An officer in the area heard a loud scream and observed a female cyclist on the ground and a SUV slowing to a stop at that corner. The cyclist then kept screaming, "I had the right of way, he hit me!" The operator of the vehicle, stated that he was crossing over the MBTA tracks from Beacon St. onto Westbourne Ter. As his vehicle was on Westbourne Terrace, he heard something crash into the passenger side of his car, and then he noticed the cyclist on the ground.

Based on the facts and witness statements, it appears that the vehicle cut across the cyclist’s right of way. The vehicle was issued a citation for failure to yield.

MV Theft:

Occurred on 9/15 – 1228 Boylston St.

Officers were dispatched to the area for a B&E of a motor vehicle. The victim stated that he parked his vehicle bank parking lot on 9/14 at 5:30 PM. He then went out with his wife in their other car and parked next to their first car at 8 PM. At that time he did not see any damage to the car. He came out to the car this morning at 6:15 AM and found the driver’s side door lock popped off and observed the steering column to be broken with wires hanging out. The glove box was open and the items were strewn about, but nothing was reported stolen.

Occurred on 9/15 at 3:26 AM – Eliot St.

Officers were dispatched for a report of a larceny of a motor vehicle in progress. The victim stated that he was awoken to a grinding sound and when he looked outside his bedroom window he noticed his vehicle moving. He immediately went outside and observed a person attempting to get the vehicle out of the driveway. While attempting to steal his vehicle the suspect was smashing into his neighbor’s vehicle that was parked at the end of the driveway. He then opened the driver's side door of his vehicle and asked the person what he was doing. The suspect, described as a white male, approximately 20 years of age, 160 lbs, wearing a blue Tom Brady Patriot Jersey, blond/brown hair, wearing long pants and sneakers, responded that he thought it was his sister's vehicle. The victim then attempted to grab the suspect but he fled through the passenger door and began running toward Loveland Rd. The suspect could not be located after a canvas of the area.

Occurred on 9/13 – Strathmore Rd.

Officers responded to the area for a report of a B&E&L of a motor vehicle. The victim stated she parked her vehicle on Strathmore Road around 4:30 PM. She then returned around 8:00 PM on the same day and noticed that her cell phone had been taken from her vehicle.

Larceny:

Occurred on 9/14 at 2:45 PM – TJ Maxx

Officers responded to the store for a report of a shoplifter in custody. A member of the loss prevention team stated that she observed the suspect walk into the shoe section and removed the price tag from a pair of shoes. After removing the tag, the suspect was observed placing the shoes inside bag that she was carrying. She was also seen taking two shirts, rolling them up, and placing them in her bag. The suspect then started to walk towards the exit, and that is when she was stopped by TJ Max employees.

Occurred on 9/13 – Coolidge Corner

The victim reported being at J.P. Lick’s between 8:30 and 9:30 PM on September 13^th, and then she and her friend then walked to the Devotion Park. On September 14th, at approximately 10 AM, she was unable to locate her wallet. She then discovered that there were unauthorized charges pending on two of her credit cards. The victim stated that her wallet may have fallen out or been stolen on 9/13 while she was at Coolidge Corner.

Occurred on 9/13 – Lincoln Rd.

The victim reported leaving his redwood glider bench on September 13^th at 3:30 PM. He went back to his stoop at 5:10 PM and it was gone.

9/13-9/14

Shoplifting:

Occurred on 9/13 – TJ Maxx

Officers responded for a female shoplifter in custody of the loss prevention team at TJ Maxx. A member of the team stated he observed the shoplifter place items in her bag/purse. When she attempted to leave the store without paying, he confronted her at the exit ramp leading to the parking area. She then dropped the bag and attempted to exit the store but was stopped prior to leaving the inside double doors.

Breaking and Entering:

Occurred on 9/13 – Druce Street

Officers responded to the area for a reported breaking and entering. The victim left her house at 7:30 AM and returned at 3:20 PM. The upper portion of the side door had several small glass panes and the pane closest to the door knob was smashed allowing the suspect to reach inside and open the door. A computer and jewelry were reported stolen.

Occurred on 9/13 – Dwight St.

Officers responded to the area for a reported attempted breaking and entering. The victim said she left her the building at 9:30 AM and returned home at 12 noon. The back door of the building had clear and fresh pry marks and there were pieces of splintered wood lying on the ground below.

MV Crash:

Occurred on 9/13 – Boylston St./Milton Rd.

Officers were dispatched to the area for a report of a motor vehicle crash. Vehicle #1 was traveling eastbound on Rt. 9 in the vicinity of 404 Boylston St and attempted to turn right onto Milton Rd. The operator reported that as he attempted to turn right onto Milton Rd. from Boylston St. an animal (jack rabbit) crossed the street in front of the vehicle. He attempted to avoid the animal and lost control of his vehicle, colliding into a chain link fence surrounding a property on Milton Rd. at the corner of Boylston St.

There were no reported injuries.

9/12-9/13

Bicycle Accident:

Occurred on 9/12 at 3:50 – Commonwealth Ave./St. Paul St.

Officers responded to the area for a traffic crash involving a motorist and bicyclist. The driver of the vehicle and his passenger reported sitting at the red light when the biker came speeding down the bike lane and struck the passenger side view mirror. The driver said his vehicle never entered the bike lane.

Witnesses report that the driver honked his horn then entered the bike lane as if to go around the lead vehicle at the red light to make a right turn. As he did this the biker struck the vehicle and was thrown from his bike.

West Nile Alert

Alan Balsam, Ph.D., MPH September 12, 2011
Director of Public Health
And Human Services
For immediate release
For further information: Alan Balsam, 617-730-2300
AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM YOUR HEALTH DEPARTMENT ABOUT MOSQUITO-BORNE VIRUSES
State Public Health Officials Confirm First Human Case of West Nile Virus in Newton. State raises alert level to HIGH. Brookline continues to confirm presence of West Nile Virus in mosquitoes collected at monitoring locations in Town.
On September 9, 2011, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) confirmed the first human case of West Nile Virus (WNV) in Newton. The individual is still under care. In Brookline, several batches of WNV positive mosquitoes have been found at monitoring locations. We conclude the virus is present throughout the Town.
West Nile Virus (WNV) and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE).
Mosquitoes get WNV and EEE by biting infected birds. People and animals can get these diseases by being bitten by an infected mosquito. There is no evidence that a person can get these viruses from handling live or dead infected birds or animals. However, gloves should be worn when handling any dead animals and double plastic bags used to discard them in the trash.
Most people bitten by mosquitoes carrying WNV will experience no symptoms or very mild symptoms and will recover on their own. Persons over 50 years of age have the highest risk of severe WNV disease. People who are bitten by mosquitoes carrying EEE tend to experience more severe symptoms. Severe symptoms of both diseases include high fever, muscle weakness, headache, disorientation, neck stiffness, paralysis, coma, tremors, convulsions and sometimes death. There is currently no vaccine or medical cure for these illnesses. In severe cases
intensive medical therapy such as intravenous (IV) fluids and nutrition, and ventilator support can be administered in hospitals.
What is Brookline doing to protect me?
The Brookline Department of Public Health is involved in active surveillance for mosquito-borne viruses. Dead bird reports are no longer collected by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) and dead birds are no longer tested for WNV as MDPH has determined that tracking and testing of dead birds is no longer a useful way to monitor WNV activity. Mosquito collecting and testing, which provide a more reliable indication of current WNV activity, began in June. For further information, call the MDPH Information line at 1-866-627-7968.
Brookline will be doing the following to address mosquito-borne viruses this summer and fall:
• Larvicide has been applied to targeted catch basins and some wetland areas to prevent hatching of new mosquitoes;
• Mosquito traps have been established and mosquito pools are being tested for the virus;
• An information line is established at (617) 730-2295 and at www.brooklinema.gov;

• Mosquito-borne virus information appears on the Town web site with a link to the State Lab including updated mosquito count and test results;
• There is inspection and enforcement of standing water areas in parks, fields, tires, etc.;
• Spraying to kill adult mosquitoes may be done, only if absolutely necessary, and if recommended by the State. Every effort will be made to notify residents of the spraying beforehand.
What can I do to protect myself?
Avoid Bites! Follow these steps:
• Avoid outdoor activity between dusk and dawn. If you must be outdoors when mosquitoes are active, wear a long-sleeved shirt, long pants and socks. Cover baby carriages or playpens that are outdoors with mosquito netting;
• When outside, use a mosquito repellent. Repellents that contain DEET are the most effective, although DEET should not be used on infants. This year, the CDC also recommends products which contain either the chemical Picaridin, found in Cutter Advanced; or products containing the oil of lemon eucalyptus. Alternatives to DEET that can also be effective for a limited duration (1hour) on the market are: citronella; Avon Skin-So-Soft Plus IR3535; Buzz Away, neem oil, and soybean oil;
• Avoid areas that tend to have a lot of mosquitoes, such as wetlands or swampy areas;
• Fix holes in all window and door screens;
• Remove standing or stagnant water in your yard where mosquitoes are likely to breed. Check your flower pots, wheelbarrows, garbage cans, birdbaths, swimming pool covers, clogged gutters on your house, old tires, etc.;
• Repair leaking pipes and outdoor faucets;
• Keep your grass cut short and bushes near your house trimmed so mosquitoes can’t hide;
• Call the health department if you see standing water problems that are not on your property.
For further information or to report stagnant water (more than 10 days) or other complaints, please call the Brookline Department of Public Health at 617-730-2300.
1. Brookline Department of Public Health (617) 730-2300
(To report stagnant water or complaints)
2. Information line (617) 730-2295
3. Town web site www.brooklinema.gov
4. MDPH web site www.mass.gov/dph
5. MA DPH WNV and EEE recorded information line at 1-866-MASS-WNV (1-866-627-7968), or the Epidemiology Program at 617-983-6800
Environmental/COMHLTH/westnilevirus/wnv/wnvposhumannewton92011

9/9-9/12

OUI:

Occurred on 9/10 at 7:52 PM – Beacon St./Dean Rd.

Officers were dispatched to the area for a multiple vehicle accident. A pickup truck was lying on its side in the middle of the road, completely blocking the roadway. Five parked vehicles had suffered major damage as a result of the crash. A witness driving behind the pickup reported it swerved to the right side of the road and crashed into several vehicles before flipping onto its side.

After further investigation, the driver was determined to be Operating Under the Influence.

MV Accident:

Occurred on 9/10 – Longwood Ave./Sewall Ave.

A cab was traveling on Longwood Ave approaching Sewall Ave when the operator observed a pedestrian half way across Longwood Ave in a marked crosswalk. The driver slammed on the brakes to stop for the pedestrian, when his vehicle was struck from behind by another vehicle. Both operators denied injuries.

Burglary:

Occurred on 9/10 – Clark Rd.

Officers responded to the area for a report of a burglary. The victim reports that her entire family went shopping at approximately 2:30 PM and left the house unoccupied. When they returned at approximately 4:45 PM they noticed that their home computer was missing from the office area. Almost immediately they noticed that the computer was smashed at the top of the stairs on the second floor. They also noticed a suitcase in the hallway that is normally stored on the third floor next to the computer.

Many of the dresser drawers in the rooms had been opened and rummaged through, as well as the closets. A wallet was also taken.

Pedestrian Accident:

Occurred on 9/9 at 11:25 – Harvard St./Beals St.

Officers responded to the area for a report of a traffic crash involving a pedestrian. Upon arrival, a female was observed lying in the roadway in the northbound travel lane. She was calm and alert. She was stabilized by BFD, and transported by Fallon ambulance to the hospital.

When officers spoke to the driver, he stated that he was stopped for a red light at the intersection of Harvard St and Stedman St, and he had dropped his cell phone on the floor. He stated as he was reaching down to pick it up, the light turned green, and he did not realize there was a pedestrian in the roadway. The vehicle had significant damage to the lower front passenger's side of the windshield consistent with striking a person. Neither occupant of the car reported any injuries as a result of the crash. The driver was issued a citation for Failure to Yield to a Pedestrian.

Fire:

Occurred on 9/9 at 8:36 PM- Holiday Inn

Officers responded for a report of a motor vehicle fire. Multiple companies from the Brookline Fire Dept arrived on scene, and extinguished what was described as a small electrical fire in the engine block of a Toyota Highlander.

There did not appear to be any permanent damage to the vehicle resulting from the fire. There were no injuries.