K-9 Search at Algonquin Finds No Drugs

The announced search yielded no drug findings at the high school; plans are underway for an unannounced search.

This morning at 9:45 a.m., five members of the Massachusetts State Police K-9 Unit, accompanied by Northborough and Southborough Police Officers and school administrators, conducted a search of Algonquin Regional High School for the presence of illegal drugs, said Northborough Police Chief Mark Leahy in a press release. Five State Police narcotics detection dogs, each paired with a school administrator and police officer, were used and the entire search took 16 minutes to accomplish. "I am very pleased to report that no illegal drugs were found, either inside the school building or in vehicles parked in the school parking lots," said Leahy. For quality assurance, test drugs were concealed in a specific locker to test each dog’s skills. …

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State Troopers Recognized for Helping in NY, NJ After Hurricane Sandy

"There's nothing that I can compare to what I saw down there," said one of the 25 troopers that helped out after Sandy devastated nearby states.

Before Hurricane Sandy's full scope of devastation in New York and New Jersey was even known, 25 men and women from the Massachusetts State Police were on their way to assist those who had been displaced from their homes. "When I reached out to ask if the state police would be willing to field a group of 25 people, I already knew the answer," Undersecretary for Homeland Security and Director of MEMA, Kurt Schwartz said in a press conference in Framingham Monday afternoon. "The answer was a resounding yes." One of the troopers was Brian Dunn, who works out of the South Boston barracks. "There's nothing that I can compare to what I saw down there," said the 28-year veteran of the force. "We were there when they came home for the first time. …

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You Ask, Patch Answers

The Mystery of the Morning Choppers

Why were helicopters flying overhead on Wednesday morning?

On Wednesday morning, Twitter and Facebook pages, as well as email, buzzed with the question, "Why are there helicopters overhead? What is going on?" Some mentioned that the helicopters were over the Melican Middle School, certainly always a cause for concern ... or curiosity. Northborough police noted that National Grid had sent an alert indicating the company would be doing fly-overs to check power lines on Wednesday. A call to National Grid contradicted the information, as a spokesperson indicated that, "We had nothing in the Northborough area today. There were some in Lawrence, but not Northborough." Massachusetts State Police confirmed that the helicopters were part of the funeral service for State Trooper Matthew Murray, who, at 44, …

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Charlene Arsenault

12:17 am on Thursday, September 20, 2012

There actually was no criticizing involved whatsoever...just concern and curiosity. But as always, thanks for the feedback. We really do appreciate it.   more ›

State Police Renew Request for Public's Help in Road Rage Shooting

State police area looking for weekend travelers who may have witnessed this road rage incident.

Submitted by Massachusetts State Police The Massachusetts State Police are continuing to investigate the road rage-motivated car-to-car shooting in Merrimac that injured a 16-year-old girl on Sunday, July 1. As part of the ongoing investigation, we are again asking members of the public to contact police if they have any information. "To date, despite fairly heavy traffic on the road at that time, we have received very few leads, none of which have led to anything substantial, " said state police. "We are renewing the request for information today with the theory that certain motorists who may have witnessed something important may only travel that route on the weekends for vacation or recreational purposes." The shooting occurred at …

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Northborough Driver Arrested for OUI at Sobriety Checkpoint This Weekend

A Northborough driver was in a long list of those arrested in a State Police sobriety checkpoint this weekend.

Information courtesy of Massachusetts State Police The Massachusetts State Police conducted two sobriety checkpoints over the weekend resulting in 23 drunk driving arrests. The first checkpoint was held in the Springfield area with a total of ten arrests and the issuing of one criminal summons for unlicensed operation. The second sobriety checkpoint was held in Leominster. Thirteen people were arrested for OUI liquor, including Jamie St. Pierre, 31, from Northborough. St. Pierre was expected to appear in Leominster District Court on Monday morning.

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5 Places to Donate

Giving toys or hats are just a few ways to give back to the community this holiday season.

1. In the weeks leading up to Christmas, Toys for Tots collects toys for needy children. Drop off new, nonviolent and unwrapped toys (ages newborn to age 14) through Friday, Dec. 16 at the Northborough Town Hall, the Northborough Fire Department and the Northborough Library during regular business hours. Other locations in town accepting drop-offs are Sea Dog Steak and Ale and A Duie Pyle. You may also drop toys at any Massachusetts State Police Barracks. For more information, refer to Northborough Patch's article and visit Toys for Tots website.  2. The Exchange Boutique & Consignment is taking new scarf, hat and wig donations for patients undergoing chemotherapy. The Exchange is also accepting new toy donations for …

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Charlene Arsenault

10:11 am on Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Hey Alicia, The American Legion in Northborough collected and sent boxes out to the troops, but because of shipping, these boxes were mailed in late November. Get in touch with the Legion, though, regarding this question.   more ›

State Police Hurricane Update

The Massachusetts State Police Issued this update at 10:48 a.m. on Sunday.

Patrols are reporting moderate to heavy rain throughout the Troop C (Central Massachusetts) region; the wind is increasing slightly. There are no flooding, road closures, or power outages at this time. State Police are rolling eight extra patrols on the day shift bringing the complement of troopers on duty throughout the region to more than 40. The State Police Barracks in Sturbridge is assisting with a downed tree on Route 19, just north of Route 20, blocking the roadway. The State Police Barracks in Milbury is reporting standing water on Route 146 northbound in Sutton and trees down on Route 146 southbound in Millville and 146 northbound in Uxbridge.  

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Police Notes

UPDATE: B&E Suspect Not Found; Police Keep Heavy Presence in Area

Northborough police will keep a heavy presence in the Claflin Farm Lane neighborhood on Wednesday evening.

Despite a few reports of strange noises, and a possible suspect in the area, the active search for a suspect who allegedly broke into a Northborough home Wednesday morning was called off. This morning, Massachusetts State Police, Northborough and Westborough police, and K9 units, combed the area near 19 Claflin Farm Lane, where 13-year-old Jamie Brechta heard an intruder break into his home. Hours of searching resulted in no suspects. Sgt. Det. Bill Lyver of the Northborough Police Department said K9 units have left, but there will be a "heavy presence of police in the area tonight to calm the nerves and give a sense of security." Northborough police continue to interview neighbors for possible leads. The suspect is described as a 20-…

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Police Notes

Statewide Amber Alert Issued

Police are seeking suspect, girlfriend and their child.

Massachusetts State Police have issued an Amber Alert at the request from the State of New York.  Here is the information on who the police are seeking: Suspect Matthew Slocum, D.O.B. 9/14/87, a white male. Slocum is wanted for questioning for a homicide that was committed early this morning in New York state. The police believe Slocum is travelling with his girlfriend, Loretta Colegrove, D.O.B. 2/4/86, a white female, and their child, Raymond Slocum, age four months. Matthew Slocum is approximately 5’11’-6’ tall and 195 lbs. with brown hair. SLOCUM is believed to have swatstika tattoos on his forearms. Loretta Colegrove is  5’8” tall, 194 lbs., with long straight reddish brown hair, typically worn pulled back with a white or light blue …

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Latch it Up: State Police Starts Its Spring Click It or Ticket Mobilization

Massachusetts State Police is starting its click it or ticket mobilization.

In their continued effort to increase seat belt use and enhance traffic safety, the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS) and the Massachusetts State Police today launched the Spring 2011 ‘Click It or Ticket’ mobilization. The statewide effort, which involves extra high-visibility traffic enforcement and a public information campaign, runs through June 5. State Police and more than 180 local police departments have issued zero-tolerance enforcement policies and will be ticketing unbelted vehicle occupants on roadways in Massachusetts. State Police alone will roll hundreds of additional patrols – in addition to regular around-the-clock patrols out of each barracks – during the mobilization. “Seatbelts are your best defense …

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