Note to Readers:

The following information is based on initial reviews of incident reports and should not be considered a comprehensive list of all incidents reported. The blog reports do not include sex crimes, domestic abuse, juvenile information, medical reports, and other sensitive police reports. The blog may differ from local news sources as well as trends reported at crimereports.com

Friday, July 20, 2012

Police Reports 7/19

Larceny: Occurred 7/14 between 2pm-3:30pm – Center St Lot
Victim reported that her purse was taken from her vehicle. Purse contained two prescriptions. She believes she may have left the doors unlocked.

Accident Multiple MV: 7/19 at 2:23pm – Harvard St

Officer responded to a report of a minor motor vehicle accident. Operator stated that the vehicle behind her had driven into the rear of her vehicle. Neither party sustained any injuries.

Larceny: Occurred 7/13 between 12:15pm-7pm – Egmont St

Victim stated that her package was stolen from the foyer of her building. She was informed that her package had been delivered at 12:15pm.

Graffiti Law: 7/19 at 3:40pm– Washington St

Officers conducted a search warrant and a subsequent arrest of a known graffiti tagger in Brookline. He and another known avid tagger had been responsible for over 400 documented accounts of graffiti tags seen throughout the town. Officers sent a request for an arrest warrant, as well as, a search warrant for the other tagger’s place of residence.

•    7/19 at 6:13pm – Boylston St

Officers noticed two graffiti tags. The first tag was painted in white and red colors and the second tag in red spray paint. The tags were "PH" and "PHOP..."
•    7/5 at 6:15pm – Chestnut Hill Ave

Officers overlooked the Reservoir Train Tracks which is known to be a high crime area for graffiti. Upon arrival, officers, observed six "PHOP" tags on the walls of the train tracks.
•    7/19 at 6:32pm – Beaconsfield Rd

Offices observed two distinct graffiti tags that was in black spray paint and read "P.HO.P". 

Accident Bicycle: 7/19 at 5:49pm - Harvard St and Aspinwall Ave

Police units responded to a report of a traffic crash involving a bicycle at the intersection of Harvard St and Aspinwall Ave. Operator of the vehicle relayed that a bicyclist had ridden directly into the back of her vehicle. Witness claimed that the bicyclist was riding erratically by weaving between stopped motor vehicle traffic. The bicyclist was not wearing a helmet and was observed to be extremely disoriented with a possible head injury. He was attended to by the ambulance and taken to the hospital. Bicyclist issued By-Law citation for improper (unsafe) passing of vehicles.

Larceny: Occurred 7/19 between 3:30pm -6pm – Kilsyth Rd

Officer was dispatched to Kilsyth Rd for a report of a stolen license plate. Victim arrived home and noticed that the front plate from the vehicle was missing.

Assault: 7/19 at 9:04pm - Harvard St and Verndale St

Officer was dispatched to the area of for a medical emergency by a caller reporting of a male party who was "passed out." Officer observed a subject sleeping on a town bench surrounded by items and trash, including a full unopened beer can and a full unopened nip size bottle of whiskey. The subject became furious when woken up and constantly shouted comments that could not be understood due to the severity of his slurred speech. He was placed under arrest for disorderly conduct.

Assault: 7/20 at 12:12am – Beacon St

Officer pulled over a vehicle that neglected to stop at a red light. Officer was informed by dispatch that the operator’s license had been revoked. The vehicle was turned over to the operator’s friend, who was in the car. Operator was issued a citation and will be summonsed to court for the following offenses, Marked Lanes Violation, Operating after Revocation.

Assault: 7/20 at 1:00am – Commonwealth Ave

Victim stated that she was going out for a walk, when she encountered a female subject who she had an open case against her. Victim feared for her safety and ran back and hid inside the park. The subject chased the victim in and out of the park with a knife in her hand. Neither verbal nor physical contact was made between the victim and the subject during the chase. Officers were unable to locate the woman. Victim described her as a black female, wearing white shirt, beige shorts, and grey shoes and walking a black dog.  Officers have requested an arrest warrant on the subject for the following offense; Assault Dangerous Weapon (knife), Intimidation of a Witness, Threats to Commit a Crime. 

Armed Robbery: 7/20 at 1:48am –Murphy Park on the corner of Brook St. and Kent St

 Multiple units responded to a case of an armed robbery with a firearm that just occurred in Murphy Park. The description of the suspect given to responding units was a dark skinned black male with short hair wearing tan/khaki cargo shorts and a red short-sleeve shirt. The reporting parties also stated that the subject was possibly in his early twenties or late teens with a thin build. Victims stated that the suspect approached them and revealed a black colored semi-automatic type handgun down by his right side. Suspect requested for the victim’s phone and then fled. 5-7 minutes later, an officer spotted a subject fitting the description of the suspect. The recovered gun was identified as a pellet gun. Suspect will be charged for the following: 2 counts of Armed Robbery (Gun), Possession with intent to distribute class D, Possession with intent to distribute within a 1,000 feet of a school zone/park.

Thursday, July 19, 2012

West Nile Virus Detected in Brookline

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) has confirmed the presence of West Nile Virus in mosquitoes collected in South Brookline near the West Roxbury line. This indicates that the virus may be present in mosquitoes throughout the Town.

The period of highest risk for getting either West Nile Virus or the Eastern Equine Encephalitis (two mosquito-borne viruses that can cause encephalitis or - swelling of the brain) can be from late July through the fall. Mosquitoes get WNV and EEE by biting infected birds, and thus, people and animals can get these diseases by being bitten by the infected mosquitoes.

Most people bitten by mosquitoes carrying WNV will experience mild to no symptoms, and will be able to 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 sever symptoms. Severe symptoms of both diseases include:
•    High fever
•    Muscle weakness
•    Headache
•    Disorientation
•    Neck stiffness
•    Paralysis
•    Coma
•    Tremors
•    Convulsions
•    And in rare cases – Death

There is currently no vaccine or medical cure for these illneses. In severe cases, intensive medical therapy such as intravenous (IV) fluids and nutrition, and ventilator support can be administered in hospitals. 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.


Brookline Takes Action
The Brookline Department of Public Health is involved in active surveillance for mosquito-borne viruses. In June, MDPH has been collecting and testing mosquitoes as they provide a more reliable indication of current WNV activity than do dead birds.

Initiatives to address mosquito-borne viruses this Summer and Fall:

•    Larvicide is being 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
•    Inspection and enforcement of standing water areas in parks, fields, tires, etc.
•    Spraying to kill adult mosquitoes may be done, only if necessary, and if recommended by State. Every     effort will be made to notify residents of any spraying beforehand.
How can I protect myself?...Avoid Bites!
•    Avoid outdoor activity between dusk and dawn. If you must be outdoors when mosquitoes are active:
             o    Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks
             o    Cover baby carriages or playpens with mosquito netting
             o    Use mosquito repellent
(Repellants containing DEET are most effective – DEET should NOT be used on infants. This year, the CDC recommends products which contain either the chemical Picaridin – found in Cutter Advances, products containing the oil of lemon eucalyptus,. Alternatives to DEET that can be used for a duration of 1 hour are):
                                      •    Citronella
                                      •    Avon Skin-So-Soft Plus IR3535
                                      •    Buzz Away
                                      •    Neem Oil
                                      •    Soybean Oil

•    Avoid areas that tend to have a lot of mosquitoes – wetlands or swampy areas
•    Fix holes in all window and door screens
•    Repair leaking pipes and outdoor faucets
•    Remove standing or stagnant water– where mosquitoes are likely to breed. Check:
             o    Yard
             o    Flower Pots
             o    Wheelbarrows
             o    Garbage cans
             o    Birdbaths
             o    Swimming pool  covers
             o    Clogged gutters
             o    Old tires
•    Keep your grass cut short and bushes near your house trimmed so mosquitoes can’t hide

For further mosquito-borne virus information or to report stagnant water (more than 10 days) or other complaints:

•    Brookline Department of Public Health
      Report stagnant water or complaints
      (617) 730-2300
      www.state.ma.us/dph

•    Town Website
      (617) 730-2295
      www.brooklinema.gov
(For more mosquito-borne virus information with a link to the State Lab, including updated mosquito count and test results)

Police Reports 7/18

Larceny: Occurred 7/18 between 10am-10pm – Cypress St
Victim claimed that a suspect came into her store and took money from the cash register. There were no signs of forced entry. Case is still under investigation 

Graffiti Law: 7/18 at 2:22pm – Westbourne Terrace
Caller reported that he noticed graffiti on the wall in the front part of the building. He suspects it was done within the past week. The graffiti officers were notified for photographs.

Breaking & Entering: Occurred between 7/15 at 7pm - 7/16 at 7pm – Hackensack Rd
Victim reported that someone entered her vehicle and removed her suitcase. The suitcase contained clothing and jewelry. She is unsure whether the incident took place in front of her home or at another location.Her husband drove the vehicle from New York, with the suitcase in the backseat.

Accident MV: 7/18 at 8:28am – Beacon St
The front driver’s door of a truck was struck by an oncoming car. The operator of the truck was at fault for not checking to see if the area was clear to exit. Photos were taken of the damage.

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Police Reports 7/17


Breaking & Entering: 7/17 between 6:30pm-6:35pm – Akers Ave
Victim stated he left his home for approximately 5 minutes to walk his dog. He returned to find a camera, watch, ring, and other handled items from all rooms of the home. No sign of forced entry was observed. Officers processed the scene and a follow up was made by the detective division.

Leave Scene Accident: 7/17 at 8:55am – Chestnut St
Officer responded to a report of a past Hit and Run. Victim stated that her vehicle was struck on the right front side by her neighbor. Victim stated that the neighbor did not attempt to exchange paperwork and instead drove off. Neighbor will be charged for Leaving the Scene of a Property Damage Accident.

Operating after Revocation: 7/17 at 7:50am – Juniper St at Washington
Officer pulled over a car that neglected to stop at a solid red signal. Registration check showed a revoked status on the operator’s license. Subject was placed under arrest. He will charged with Operating after Suspension and Providing a False Name.

Operating after Revocation: 7/17 at 10:23am – Southbound on Harvard St
A random query of a vehicle’s registration revealed that the vehicle's registered owner had a suspended drivers license. Brookline Dispatch confirmed the suspended license and the subject was placed under arrest. During the booking search, officers recovered a green leafy substance believed to be marijuana was located on the subject. Subject will be charged with Operating after Suspension and will also be issued a Town By-Law Ticket for possession of one ounce or less of marijuana.

Larceny: Occurred on 6/13 - Harvard St
Victim reported an unauthorized charge from her company’s business account. She received information from the bank that the electronic payment was referenced to a resident of Chelsea, MA. Officers attempted to contact the suspect with no success. A criminal application was filed for larceny by false pretense.

Assault: Occurred 7/17 at 6:45pm-6:46pm – Harvard St
Officer was alerted to a fight, where he observed two male subjects in a bike lane arguing and making a scene. Both parties were immediately separated. Subject A stated that Subject B yelled at him and approached him in a threatening manner. Subject A claimed he pushed Subject B in self defense. Witness statements and video footage revealed that Subject A swung an unknown object towards Subject B. Subject A was placed under arrest for Assault Danger Weapon, Assault and Battery, and Disorderly Person. Subject B was placed under arrest for Disorderly Person and issued a citation for Soliciting without a permit.

Assault: 7/17 at 7:48pm – Beacon St
Police units were dispatched for a dispute between two male acquaintances. Caller reported that he was approached from behind by a party who wrapped the broomstick around the front of his neck, and applied pressure until the broomstick snapped. No medical attention was required. Subject had since left the scene. Based on the victim and witness statements, and the recovery of the weapon involved, subject was placed under arrest for Assault and Battery with a Dangerous Weapon.

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Suspect Arrested for Burglary

On Sunday, July 15th 2012, Officer responded to a call for a motor vehicle theft at Francis St. Victim stated that on the evening of July 14th, at around 8:00pm, he noticed that the door inside his house was left open. The next morning at 7:30am, his wife noticed that the same door was left open. They then noticed the car missing from their driveway at about 2:00pm. Several charges were made on the victims’ credit cards. From the home, a purse containing a set of keys was found missing, as well as, an IPad and a video camera. The victim felt that the suspect used the garage door opener to access the garage and entered a door that accessed the first floor of the apartment. None of the windows appeared disturbed - all windows were locked. After a Massachusetts Stolen Motor Vehicle Report was submitted, Boston Police notified Brookline Dispatch that they located the vehicle in the woods of Franklin Park. The car had been set on fire. The keys to the car were lying on the floor. The vehicle was towed back to the station for further processing and the victims were notified. The vehicle sustained extensive damage due to the fire. Evidence was obtained and submitted for analysis. Identification was matched to a resident of Dorchester. Officers reviewed video surveillance footage from a location where the suspect used the victim’s credit cards.  Video footage confirmed the suspect’s identity to the evidence obtained from the car. Officers investigated the suspect’s known home address and place of employment. With the warrant issued, the police were able to locate and arrest the suspect. He will be charge

Police Reports 7/16 - 7/17

Larceny: Occurred 7/16 between 12:00pm-1:00pm – Heath St
Victim stated his IPod missing from his backpack after he left it in a café to get lunch. Nothing else was missing from the bag.

Malicious Damage: 7/16 at 7:30am – Larz Anderson Park
Complainant reported that his car had a flat tire after it was left in a parking lot. There was no evidence of damage and the rest of the car appeared in tact. 

Operating After Suspension: 7/17 at 4:45am – Babcock St
Subject was arrested and charged with Operating after Suspension. Car was towed and the license was confiscated.

Graffiti Law: 7/17 at 3:42am - Boylston St
While conducting a building check, officer noticed a recent graffiti tag. Tag read “SMOOTH!” Graffiti Unit was notified.

Larceny: Occurred 7/16 at 5:00pm – Hawthorn Rd
Victim stated that her son’s phone was stolen after he was playing basketball. The phone was left in a gym bag which was placed on the bleachers near the basketball courts.

Burglary: Occurred 7/16 between 8:30am-6:30pm – Ackers Ave
Officer responded to a report of a past residential Breaking and Entering. Victims returned home to find the back door open and items moved around the house. Engagement ring, diamond watch, laptop, and video camera were all found missing.

Malicious Damage: Occurred between 7/13 at 5pm and 7/19 at 1pm- Longwood Ave
Victim stated that his scooter had been vandalized by means of spray paint. Because the scooter was reported stolen a while back, the victim was concerned that the individual who had originally stolen his scooter had come back to vandalize it as a means of revenge. There was no illness or injury reported.

Burglary: Hammond St
Officer responded to an open door call. The front door bolt had been smashed, alarm key was taken off the wall, and there was an audible alarm sounding. Officer discovered a screw driver on the floor in the hallway near the master bedroom. Entry was gained through the front foyer door using the screw driver and there was a pry mark on the front foyer door. The apartment appeared intact and nothing appeared disturbed.

ID Fraud: Occurred between 4/10-7/11
Victim came to the station for a report of identity theft. She stated that she filed her taxes on 4/10/2012 and since had not received them. According to the IRS, someone else had already attempted to file a return with the victims name, DOB, and social security number. Investigation is being made. Social Security and the Credit Bureau had been notified.

Heat Emergency


 The Board of Selectman is declaring today- July 17, 2012- a Heat Emergency. The weather is expected to be up in the high 95 degree range with 65% humidity. Brookline Emergency Management Team is opening the following cooling centers (open to the public):

Brookline Public Safety Building  
350 Washington St.    
24 hrs a day, 7 days a week

Brookline Senior Center 
93 Winchester St. 
Monday-Friday : 8:30am – 5pm

PUBLIC LIBRARIES OF BROOKLINE

Main : 361 Washington St    
Monday - Thursday : 10am-9pm 
Friday : 10 am-5 pm
  
Coolidge Corner : 31 Pleasant St   
Monday & Wednesday: 10am-6pm 
Tuesday & Thursday: 10am-9pm
Friday & Saturday: 9:30am to 5 pm 
Sunday: 1pm-5pm.
  
Putterham : 959 West Roxbury Parkway   
Monday & Wednesday: 1-9 pm
Tuesday & Thursday: 10am-6pm
Friday : 10 am- 5 pm

The Brookline Pool (free of charge)   
60 Tappan St  
“Open Swim” hours
Call 617-713-5435 for specific hours

Additional Information for Residents of… 
61 Park Street
90 Longwood Avenue
50 Pleasant Street
190 Harvard Street 
 
...Brookline Housing Authority will have their air conditioned community rooms available for residents.

Hot Weather Health Emergencies

Heat stroke:
A medical emergency- the body's temperature control system, which produces sweating to cool the body, stops working. Sunstroke: Another term for heat stroke.
·        Recognizing Heat Stroke
High body temperature (106+). Hot, dry skin. Rapid, strong pulse. Possible unconsciousness. Individual will likely not sweat.

Heat cramps:
Painful spasms, mostly in legs and abdomen, usually the result of heavy exertion and heavy sweating.
·        Recognizing Heat Cramps
Painful spasms usually in the legs and abdominal muscles that may occur in association with strenuous activity. What to do- Apply firm pressure to cramping    muscles or gently massage to relieve spasms. Replace fluids. Consult your health care provider.

Heat exhaustion:
Typically occurs when people exercise heavily or work in a hot, humid place where body fluids are lost through heavy sweating.
·        Recognizing Heat Exhaustion
Heavy sweating, weakness, cold, pale and clammy skin. Weak pulse. Fainting and vomiting possible. What to do- Lie down in a cool place. Loosen clothing. Apply cool wet cloths. Fan or move person to air-conditioned place. Take sips of water. Consult your health care provider


Monday, July 16, 2012

Police Reports 7/14-7/16

Accident: 7/16 at 3:15am – Washington St
Subject stated that he fell asleep while operating his vehicle, which resulted in his vehicle striking a tree. Subject was in stable condition, with non-incapacitating injuries.  Officers discovered that the subject never sought a driver’s license. He was charged with the following charges: unlicensed operation, operating outside marked lanes, and impeded operation.

Operating After Suspension: 7/16 at 12:22am – Webster St
Officers observed a vehicle making an illegal U-Turn. Registration revealed that that the driver had a suspended license. Subject was placed under arrest and charged with: Operating after suspension, Illegal U-turn where posted, and Defective equipment.

Not Duly License: 7/15 at 11:45am – Washington St
A query of a motor vehicle revealed that the driver’s license had been revoked. Driver was charged with unlicensed operation and operating after registration revocation.

Larceny:  Occurred 7/14 at 5:25pm – Perry St.
Woman reported some checks from her book were stolen. She did not see anyone take these items and there is no activity on the account. Account was cancelled.

Operating After Suspension: 7/15 at 4:55pm – Harvard St
Officers observed a vehicle making an illegal left turn from Harvard Street onto Beacon Street eastbound. A registry check revealed the subject’s a motor vehicle was suspended. Subject was placed under arrest and was charged with: operating after suspension and making a left turn where prohibited.

Larceny: Occurred 7/14 between 10:00pm-7/15 1:30pm– Pleasant St
Officer responded to a report of a stolen cell phone report. Subject stated that she left her phone on her desk at around 10:00pm and returned the next day at 1:30pm to find her phone missing. She ‘pinged’ the phone at approximately 1:45am and it was moving on Centre St in Boston. At approximately 1400 hrs she ‘pinged’ the phone again and the phone had stopped moving at Armstrong St. in Boston. Part-time custodian stated he did not notice the phone while he was working today.

Animal Bite: 7/15 at 1:00am – Naples Rd
Officer responded for a report of a bat in the house. Victims explained that they were woken up by the bat and that both of them were exposed to the bat while they were asleep.  Neither knows for sure if they were bit or not. The bat was captured and brought to the state lab for testing. 

Burglary: Occurred 6/14 between 10:00pm- 6/15 9:00am – Kent St and Francis St
Officer responded to a call for a motor vehicle theft. There was also a missing IPad and a  recent charge on their online banking account. Officers checked the other vehicles on Kent St. and Francis St. Out of the twelve vehicles in the immediate area that were parked in the driveways, six out of the twelve were unlocked. Neighbors reported nothing missing or disturbed in their vehicles. The vehicle was later found and towed back to the station for further processing by the detectives.

Malicious Damage: - Occurred 7/4 between 9:00am – 11:00pm Columbia St
Victim claimed he left his vehicle in front of his house from 9:00am – 11:00pm. The next morning, he noticed the rear license plate was folded upwards, and the rear wiper was missing. The wiper was found just ahead of where the vehicle was parked on the street. There was no other damage to the vehicle, and no witnesses to this crime.

Malicious Damage: 7/15 at 2:50am – Boylston St approaching Hammond St
Victim claimed he was struck by a partially full beer can. He was able to write down the suspect’s license plate number. Officer was able to identify that the vehicle was registered to a resident of Dedham. Dedham Police Department was contacted and they sent a car to the resident’s address. No vehicle was found and no contact was able to be made. At this time there is no way of knowing who was driving the vehicle or who may have thrown the beer can out of the vehicle.  Victim did not see how many people were in the car and did not get any descriptions of the driver or any passengers.

Accident: 7/15 2:19am – Mountfort St/St. Mary’s St
Officer responded to the intersection of Mountford St and St. Mary's St for a pedestrian struck by a motor vehicle. Pedestrian was transported to the hospital for treatment of injuries suffered from the crash. Driver claimed that he never saw the pedestrian attempting to cross. Upon questioning, pedestrian stated that on her way home after having 4 or 5 drinks, she ran out into the street without looking for on coming traffic.  Officers observed no skid marks, no gauges in the street, and the traffic light was functioning properly. Accident is still under investigation.

Breaking and Entering of MV: Occurred 7/14 between 6:40pm-8:00pm – Fuller St
Victim reported that her vehicle had been broken into earlier in the night while parked in the Fuller St parking lot. She returned to notice that the rear driver’s side window was smashed. Officer observed a small pry mark on the bottom left side of the molding area to her window; which appears that the suspect(s) used a sharp screwdriver type instrument to smash the glass. At this time, the victim does not believe anything was taken but was advised to call again if she discovered something was stolen.

Larceny: 7/14 5:49pm – Harvard St
Subject was caught concealing security tags. 13 items were recovered from the store and other items from other store. She also had controlled medications in her possession. Subject was placed under arrest and charged with the following: Shoplifting, Receive Stolen Property, and Possession Class E.