THANK YOU! To the residents of Holden, I personally thank each and every one of you for supporting the Public Safety Building Project which gained final approval this past March. After 6 long years of hard work by so many individuals, it is so satisfying to see this project moving forward with groundbreaking this spring.
Charges brought forth against a Worcester resident that had broken into 30 Holden vehicles. Working with a regional task force, a total of 142 charges were brought forth from the towns of Holden, West Boylston, Princeton and Dudley .
A vicious attack at Wachusett Regional High School this spring resulted in charges against four individuals. The attack was recorded on a cell phone and in a matter of minutes had made its way to the news media and police. Officer Jon Santimore did an outstanding job investigating this brutal attack that gained national attention.
This spring the hallways of Wachusett High were used as a training area as members of the Massachusetts State Police and Holden Police practiced an “active shooters” scenario over a month long training period.
On June 24, Officer Mark Kent interrupted the theft of metals from an Industrial Drive business. The individuals led police on a chase that ended at Indian Lake resulting in the arrest of two individuals.
During June, Detective Chris Carey investigated with DSS officials the alleged neglect of a 17 pound 2 year old.
As a result of increased business vandalism in the center area and subsequent investigation, three juveniles were summonsed into court for destroying property.
At the end of June, Lieutenant Donald Ball retired from the Holden Police Department after over 30+ years of service. Lt. Ball was instrumental in the planning of the new police building and we wish him the best during his retirement.
This fall, the Public Safety Building Committee took the bold step and voted to include geo-thermal energy as a source for heating/cooking in the new building.
On October 30, an elderly Holden resident was seriously injured when a car driven by a Holden resident struck her on Redgate Lane . The accident was investigated by Officer Michael Braley.
A Marlboro man was arrested and charged with breaking into the Holden Chapel during Thanksgiving week. The investigation by Detective Albert Bourget also linked similar crimes in other communities including Auburn , Sutton, Northboro, Bolton , and Sudbury .
The December Ice Storm struck on December 11 and pushed the resources of the police department to the limit over the next two weeks. Officers worked around the clock adding extra patrols to the darkened neighborhoods and provided watch at the emergency shelters that were set up. Unfortunately, during the two week period without power, one business and one home were broken into.
Once again, I have included crime data and analysis for the department. We are once again blessed with low crime rates coupled with the fact that our per capita police costs are the second lowest in Worcester County. Our staffing levels are the second lowest in Worcester County as well. Even though our crime rates remain low, our calls for service continue to creep forward as do our total departmental arrests. We will continue to need additional personnel over the years to keep pace with the demands of the town. To view our departmental statistics and comparisons, click here.
Finally, I would like to thank all of the men and women of the Holden Police Department who worked so hard during the year especially during the month of December. We look forward to the next year as the new facility takes shape and will bring our infrastructure into the 21 st century.
Respectfully submitted,
George R. Sherrill
Chief of Police
Detective Bureau 2008
The Holden Police Department Detective Bureau is responsible for following up on preliminary crime reports the patrol officers investigate, and also serious crimes such as sexual assaults and robberies. To accomplish this task, the officers assigned to the Detective Bureau work closely with the patrol officers of the department as well as other law enforcement agencies and detectives in the central Massachusetts area.
Additionally, since crime is not restricted to municipal boundaries, Detectives participate in certain specialized organizations such as: the Worcester County Counter Crime Task Force, Worcester Police’s Street Violence Prevention Group, Worcester County Fraudulent Check Association, New England State Police Information Network, and the International Association of Financial Crime Investigators.
Again, crime has remained at a relatively low level even for a community of 18,000 individuals. House breaks and other crimes are low in Holden largely due to alert community members calling if they see something unusual. Crime is also low due to Patrolmen actively patrolling the town looking for suspicious activity.
During 2008, we, as in past years, continued to investigate various scams. The majority of scams involve wiring money upfront to receive a large payout. These can be foreign lottery scams, sweepstakes scams or a variety of different types of scams. If you are asked to pay a fee to receive money, it most likely is a scam. Other types of scams involved overpaying for an item and sending the excess money back to the person. Just remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. If you have any questions or concerns about Identity Theft or Internet Safety please contact the Detective Bureau.
The Holden Police Department continues to investigate Identity Theft cases. To protect yourself from being a victim of Identity Theft, do not give any personal information to anyone that you don’t know. This includes phone calls you receive and unsolicited emails. Also, you should check your credit history by contacting one of the three credit bureaus: TransUnion, Experian and Equifax. You are able to receive one free credit report from each of the three credit bureaus yearly. Please review your credit card/bank statements each month to limit your losses.
Sgt. Timothy Regele
Det. Albert Bourget
Det. Christopher Carey
Traffic Division 2008
As the Sergeant in charge of the Traffic Division of the Holden Police Department, it is my duty and responsibility to ensure that our officers are maximizing every opportunity to keep our roads safe for all drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians.
The constant increase in vehicle volume moving around and through town, along with changes in traffic patterns at key intersections engineered by the state highway officials present a significant challenge when working toward safer streets. In spite of this, continuing to vigilantly patrol our major roads and neighborhoods while implementing new, innovative programs and ideas maintain HPD’s reputation as consistent enforcers of state and local traffic laws.
Citations issued are up slightly about 6% - from 2007, with a total of 4,585 tickets written in 2008. These citations are given for a wide variety of traffic offenses ranging from speeding to red light violations to faulty equipment. To help us pinpoint where some of our safety problems are, we now offer the opportunity for drivers to request enforcement at particular “hotspots” which are of concern to them, via our new Traffic Enforcement Request Form. This tool has become a popular website destination for residents as well as an extremely effective communications pathway for your police department. In addition to radar, crosswalk enforcement, and stop sign observation, one of the enforcement options available for request is our speed trailer, which has proven to be a useful, cost-effective way to remind drivers to slow down.
I n addition, we continue to assign our officers to a specific radar location each day. Along with other safety information, this monthly radar schedule is available to the public on our website. Since our goal with radar is to slow traffic down (not to give out more tickets), we have found publishing the radar schedule to be an extremely constructive way to alert people to areas where they may tend to drive too fast for the terrain, conditions, and traffic volume.
For additional traffic safety information, try these pages of our website:
Back at the station, we are proud to have two certified child safety seat installers on staff. Officers Janet Bourget and Gregg Sculthorpe have attended various training seminars and complete frequent updates in order to remain certified. This program allows us to offer free safety seat installation and checks to parents, grandparents, and caregivers. If you wish to have a seat installed, moved, or checked, or if you have questions about child seat laws or recommendations, please call our business line at 508.829.4444 at any time to find out when one of these officers is next on shift. Installations are done on an officer availability basis and are offered to Holden residents only.
O f course, the ultimate goal of all of our safety initiatives both on and off the street is to prevent accidents and injury. Unfortunately, increased volume and traffic pattern changes work against us as we strive daily to reduce accident occurrences. In 2008, the Holden Police Department responded to 216 accidents our lowest number since 1999. Unfortunately, 2 of these accidents resulted in loss of life. Although both of these fatalities were single car accidents, any serious incidents result in the reexamination and renewed commitment to Holden’s aggressive traffic safety standards.
In large part these efforts center around our most dangerous drivers; those under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Even with tougher new laws, operating while impaired poses a significant danger to innocent drivers and pedestrians. Frequently, erratic operation is called in to our dispatch center by concerned, observant citizens. In many cases, these calls result in an OUI arrest. At other times our patrolmen stop cars they have seen weaving, randomly slowing or stopping, or disregarding traffic signals, the conclusion of which is an OUI arrest. In 2008, our department made 38 such arrests, compared with 25 in 2007. Clearly, this nationwide problem is of strong concern on a local level. HPD will continue to arrest and prosecute this serious offense strictly and consistently as we approach the second decade of the 21 st century.
As we begin 2009, I personally wish to thank the residents of Holden for their continued support of the Holden Police Department and our traffic enforcement efforts, and extend to you best wishes for a very safe new year.
R espectfully submitted:
Richard E. Horrigan, Sergeant
Traffic Division
Midnight Shift 2008
One of my responsibilities as the 11:00pm to 7:00am supervisor is to ensure that officers are conducting regular business checks through out the night. On average, each officer will conduct between five to ten business checks each night. This means that multiple businesses are being checked on a weekly and yearly basis. Business checks are a proactive way of deterring crime and promoting a visible police presence in the community. During the past year, the surrounding towns businesses were hit particularly hard, however, that trend did not carry over into Holden due to this proactive approach.
Another responsibility of the midnight shift is to conduct regular inspections of the patrol cruisers, equipment, and the police station to ensure everything is in working order. This includes minor maintenance and upkeep of the interior and exterior of the vehicles. Any problems that are discovered are passed on immediately so that they can be fixed. Since the cruisers are the primary mode of patrolling the town their upkeep is critical. In addition, I conduct a regular check of the building generator to make sure that it is running properly and would continue to operate properly in the event of a power outage.
In addition to my regular duties on the midnight shift, I also coordinate the Rape Aggression Defense Program for women. The RAD program consists of a series of classes that combines rape awareness education and physical self-defense techniques that teach women how to defend themselves in the event that they are attacked. To date over fifty women have graduated from the HPD sponsored program and hundreds more have gone through the same program taught in conjunction with Wachusett Regional High School . This class continues to be very popular with women in the community.
Respectfully submitted,
Timothy J. Sherblom, Sergeant
Support Services 2008
As Sergeant in charge of the evening shift, my responsibilities lie with the support services section of the department. Along with the basic everyday operations of the evening shift, I am also tasked with firearms training, teaching the basic firearms safety course, NIBRS/accidental/racial profiling/report error clearing, and finally LEAPS/NCIC testing for all officers.
For 2008, the department purchased approximately 4600 rounds of handgun ammunition, 250 rounds of shotgun ammunition, and 4600 rounds of file ammunition for training.
This year, firearms training was conducted in two phases – a daytime basic qualification course in which each officer was required to pass the course with a minimum score of 80 out of 100 with their department issued duty handgun, a shotgun and rifle. Two other courses are included in addition to the basic round of qualifications. These courses are used to add stress and adversity to the training environment, forcing the officer to implement the skills they have learned in a more realistic setting.
The second phase of training was conducted at night for a low light effect. This type of training is used to instruct the officer in shooting in low light conditions using flashlight or other light sources. The use of simunitions was also incorporated into this section of training. Simunition training is conducted with simulated ammunition made of paint. This training is particularly important as it gives a realistic form of training. The officer is placed in a real world setting and is asked to complete a series of mock calls. This training is also used for “active shooter” training drills.
Other responsibilities include checking all reports for errors before they are submitted to NIBRS (National Incident Reporting System). Of these reports for 2008, 884 were incidents, and 390 were for arrests. Racial profile data generated from m/v stops is also submitted by the department to the state.
All officers and part time dispatchers are tested and certified to use the LEAPS/NCIC terminals. The information received from these terminals helps facilitate a more productive, more efficient police officer.
Respectfully submitted,
Sgt. Christopher K. Noyes, Jr.
Animal Control 2008
The year 2008 was a satisfying year for us at the Animal Control office. The total calls received to this office decreased 10% when compared to the number received in 2007 (390 calls versus 431 calls). This continues the downward trend over the last four (4) years since the start of my tenure on January 3, 2005 . This is significant because the number of licensed dogs has countered this trend by steadily increasing for the last four consecutive years, rising from approximately 2295 dogs in 2005 to the current level of 2524 (approx.) dogs ending 2008. Indeed, this last year saw an increase of 3% from last year’s level (2524 dogs in 2008 vs. 2458 in 2007). We take pride in these statistics as evidence of our hard work, as this office has been very visible while at the same time being very responsive to citizen complaints. Our citizens have also seen the value of our efforts and have responded, as a whole, very favorably. Our major efforts and areas of concentration are summarized below.
For this first time in four years, LOOSE dog complaints were “unseated” as the number one complaint category, falling to number two spot. These calls fell significantly from 116 calls received in 2007 to 85 calls received in 2008, a 27% decrease. Our dog owners have been made well aware of our 24 hour leash law and have shown to be much more responsible in this area. In addition, citizens have continued to show little tolerance for owners who deliberately let their dogs roam free and have been quick to report these violations. Likewise, this office has been quick to respond to complaints and has been very visible patrolling the town. The combination of all these factors has undoubtedly resulted in this positive effect.
LOST & FOUND takes the number one complaint spot this year. We received 98 calls in 2008 for dogs and cats that were either lost (escaped their confinement) or found by a responsible person. This was a 20% increase over the 82 calls received in 2007. The majority of these calls involve cats. Few dogs escape their confinement accidentally, but there is no leash law for cats so they roam freely. Unfortunately, most of the time these cats are missing for extended periods of time and are not recovered. There is little this office can do in this area, but the Holden Police Department keeps a Lost & Found clipboard in the dispatch area where callers can report their animals lost or found, and this has proven to be effective in reuniting some owners with their pets. While on patrol Animal Control will also keep an eye out for any cats or dogs seen roaming freely that might meet the description of a missing pet.
WILDLIFE calls continue in the number three spot for the fourth consecutive year, with the numbers holding pretty steadily over the past three years. For 2008, the 75 calls received were very close to the 70 calls received in 2007 and the 73 calls received in 2006. As more houses go up in town more trees go down, hence disturbing and displacing our wildlife. Foxes, skunks, raccoons, and coyote sightings in our neighborhoods make up the majority of our calls. These animals are usually not sick but just looking for food, so we urge people to bring their small pets and garbage indoors so the wild animals will continue to move along. However, do not hesitate to call this office if you observe an animal acting unsteady or lethargic so that it can be checked out. There were a few reported bear and bobcat sightings in 2008, but these animals do not appear to be a problem at this time. Also, our office does not remove small varmints (e.g. chipmunks, squirrels, mice, etc.) from homes or property, but we can provide a caller with the phone numbers of local organizations that do. I’m happy to report that there were no confirmed cases of Rabies or West Nile Virus in Holden for 2008.
BARKING dog complaints fell dramatically in 2008 as we received only 25 complaints. In 2007, we received 35 complaints, so this was a 29% decrease. While everyone understands that dogs bark, there is such a thing as excessive, nuisance type barking, particularly when this occurs in the evening or night time hours when people are trying to sleep. This office considers excessive barking to be barking that continues unabated for 30 minutes or longer, so we will respond to complaints of this nature. However, at the same time, we remind complainants to try to be as tolerant and understanding as possible and to consider their neighborly relations before they call here. We urge people to try and speak with the offending party first so as to reach an amenable solution. Often times this will solve the problem without involving this office, and will have the added benefit of maintaining nice, neighborly relations.
The last significant area concerns STRAY CAT reportings. These types of calls remained steady in 2008 compared to 2007 (exactly 33 calls each year). At this point, given the relatively low number of calls and absent any further information, it is not felt that we have any significant feral cat colonies living in Holden. It seems to be more a matter of people abandoning their pet by leaving it to fend for it’s self, and the animal thereby shows up on someone else’s door step or patio. “Abandonment” of animals falls under the animal cruelty law, and it is a Felony, so we caution people not to do this, but instead do the humane thing and take their pet to a shelter. Our office can assist with this if needed. At the same time, we caution reporting parties to be sure an animal is stray and not their neighbor’s pet, and to please not feed the animal so that we can better determine its true status.
The Office of Animal Control is located at the Holden Police Department at 1420 Main Street . The direct dial phone number is 508-829-0215. It is typically staffed Monday through Friday. For after hour emergencies, please call the general business line at the Holden Police Department at 508-829-4444. You can also visit our Animal Control page on the Holden Police Department website for more information.
Respectfully,
Michael S. Sendrowski
(Full-time Animal Control Officer)
Thomas S. Walsh
(Part-time Animal Control Officer)
2007 Annual Report
Report of the Chief of Police 2007
Once again it is my pleasure to submit the yearly report for 2007 to the citizens of Holden. Please take the time to look at the statistics and graphs that accompany this report and it is my belief that you will conclude that crime remains at an all time low and that the officers and department are providing quality service at minimal cost/expenses to the town. If you compare our staffing level and per capita cost Holden remains at the lowest, if not the very bottom, of these categories. Our calls for service climb steadily every single year and the bar graph depicts this rise. In fact our calls for service have doubled since 1994 and we have only increased the department by one officer since that year.
Our facility, built in 1978, continues to plague us with inadequate facilities to meet the needs of a growing community. Communications/dispatch console equipment is of 1980’s technology and adequate backup equipment is missing due to a lack of space. The year 2007 ended on an extremely positive note with the news of a Federal earmark of nearly $500,000 by Congressman McGovern for communications equipment. Hopefully this grant can be applied towards a new facility and something that is desperately needed.
Holden Police are linked to the NESPIN Pawn Shop Database which allows investigators to track property at various local Worcester County pawnshops.
Holden Police receive state board certification for the second time. Holden is one of only 16 other towns to reach this level.
Holden Police car laptop computers are linked to 19 other various town police department databases resulting in instant information being made available to the officer in the street.
Det. Christopher Carey completes advanced Child Abduction training course in SanDiego and he is now part of the statewide CART team.
For the third year in a row WRHS Criminal Justice students take part in cadet training at the State Police Academy in New Braintree.
Lockdown and Shelter in Place drills are practiced at all Holden schools including WRHS.
Murder charges are brought forward for a Holden resident involved in a December 2006 beating.
Holden voters reject a proposed sex offender residency bylaw.
Our second community survey is released to the public. The survey, completed by staff at Assumption College, indicates overwhelming support of the level of quality police service in Holden .
Two arrests were made for arson to a local barn. The suspects were also charged in a number of similar fires in the greater Central Mass. area.
Police provide additional security for the first week of school at the Mayo School as a result of a threat against an employee. The suspect was eventually arrested and is currently awaiting trial.
Officer Jonathan Bourget arrests 3 suspects wanted for armed robbery and assault with intent to murder.
Holden Police arrest subject wanted for numerous car breaks along the Rail Trail and town recreation areas.
I encourage all citizens to spend a few moments and browse our website. Johannah Adams has spent considerable time and effort putting together a well organized site with links to many governmental agencies that can be of great help to the folks in town. Our site is constantly updated and the weekly log is posted so that citizens can be aware of what is going on in their neighborhoods.
Respectfully submitted,
George R. Sherrill
Chief of Police
Community Policing & School Programs 2007
The Community Services – Schools Division was once again the main catalyst in developing emergency crisis plans for all local schools. Emergency plans were updated and lock-down drills were performed at all schools, grades K through 12.
The Wachusett Regional High School Criminal Justice Partnership program continues to grow, having 52 students at present. National Incident Management System (N.I.M.S.) training has been added to the program. It is a two-year program, consisting of a first year internship and a second year senior internship which involves further critical incident response training. For the first time we instituted a week of cross-training with the Holden Fire Department which proved extremely successful.
Security has been added to the Central Massachusetts Rail Trail thanks to our continuing bike patrols, which also cover the Holden town pool and other recreational areas.
The Community Services Division continues to support Wachusett Life-Skills, with the annual road race playing a large part in this endeavor. Holden Days, Public Safety Day and other community events all benefit from this well-rounded organization.
We look forward to working with the schools and all other aspects of community service during the coming year.
David A. Armstrong
Sergeant
Training 2007
The Holden Police Department remains committed to obtaining the best possible training for its officers, for we believe that the better the training, the fewer mistakes in the field. Training, like all education, ensures the patrol officer, the detective and/or the supervisor can adapt to any situation which may arise during his or her shift.
In 2007, all officers of the Holden Police Department completed training amounting to over 1,600 hours. The courses attended included certain medical training classes, such as CPR, First Responder and Defibrillator Training. All officers also attended classes in Legal Updates, Incident Command, Roll Call Instruction and Firearms Instruction. For Firearms, all officers received standardized Firearms Training as required by the MPTC by our Firearms Instructors, Sgt Christopher Noyes, Ofc Ray Sherbourne and Ofc Timothy Sherblom. All officers were also put through a series of Firearms Courses that tested their ability to shoot under stressful circumstances. This includes various scenarios the officer may find himself or herself involved in. All officers also qualified with the standard 12-Gauge Shotgun and the Police Rifle.
We are exploring the possibility of purchasing specialized electronic weapons in order to allow officers to subdue unruly subjects while further limiting risk to the officers and the subjects themselves.
Specific officers, depending on the needs of the Department, also attended classes in Ambert Alerts, Fraud Awareness, Street Survival, Conflict of Laws, Tasers, Detective Seminars, Drug Investigations, Sexualt Assault Investigations, Electronic Crimes, Retail Crimes, Financial Crimes, Dispatching, Sex Offender Registration, Autism, Cyber Crimes, OUI Offenses, Protecting Children Online, Police Accreditation, Field Training Officers Course, Mandated Reporters and Internet Safety for Kids. We will continue to provide our officers with the needed courses for their duties as those classes arise.
Officer Jonathan Bourget and Anthony Gribbons graduated from the Boylston Police Academy in January, 2007 after courses which lasted 20 weeks and encompassed 800 hours of training and instruction.
Our School Officer Program continues to be a success, with a School Resource Officer on a full time basis at Wachusett Regional High School, as well as a School Resource Officer part time at Mt View Middle School and at every elementary school. Unfortunately, due to the expiration of a grant and lack of funding, the full time Mt. View School Resource Officer had to be discontinued as of the end of December, 2006.
This past year also saw the city of Boston hosting the Annual Conference for the International Chiefs of Police, at which a number of police supervisors attended classes designed to assist them carry out their duties.
In 2007, officers from this department also provided numerous training classes and seminars in Holden and the surrounding area. This includes instruction in the Criminal Justice Program for classes at Wachusett Regional High School, RAD (Rape Agreession Defense) Courses, The Wachusett Civilian Police Academy (in which civilians get a taste of what a real police academy is like), as well as providing instruction at various locations throughout the state.
We wish to thank the MPTC, the Wachusett Regional School District, the Holden Fire Department, the Central Mass Emergency Medical Services, the Laconia, New Hampshire Police Department, the Massachusetts State Police, the surrounding municipal police agencies, the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office and the Nimrod League of Holden for the use of their personnel, facilities and services to supply us with the best training possible.
If you have any group request for instruction or training in the criminal justice field, to include a tour of a criminal justice facility, please feel free to contact us with your request and we will do everything possible to honor your it.
We believe we are fortunate in Holden, given the quality and dedication of the officers on this Department. It is often said in the criminal justice field that an agency’s professionalism is dependent upon its training program. We intend on maintaining the highest level of professionalism for the Holden Police Department by continuing to provide the best training possible.
Donald A Ball
Lieutenant
Detective Bureau 2007
The Holden Police Department Detective Bureau is responsible for following up on preliminary crime reports that patrol officers are not able to accomplish during their normal patrol time. To accomplish this task, the officers assigned to the Detective Bureau work closely with the patrol officers of the department, as well as other law enforcement agencies and detectives in the central Massachusetts area.
Additionally, since crime is not restricted to municipal boundaries, Detectives participate in certain specialized organizations such as: the Worcester County Counter Crime Task Force, The Worcester County Fraudulent Check Association, the New England State Police Information Network, and the International Association of Financial Crime Investigators.
Again, crime has remained at a relatively low level even for a community of 18,000 individuals. House breaks and other crimes have been relatively low in Holden. This is due in part to alert community members calling if they see something unusual. Crime is also low due to your patrolmen actively patrolling the town looking for suspicious activity. A rash of car breaks did occur in 2007. Most car breaks occur at night and usually involve unlocked cars. We recommend that all cars be locked and valuables, including computers and GPS units be removed from the vehicle or hidden. It is also recommended that the serial numbers be recorded on all electronics making the recovery easier for us.
During 2007, the Holden Police department took a number of reports of scams. Some of these scams required the victim to pay money in advance. These can be foreign lottery scams, sweepstakes scams or a variety of different types of schemes. If you are asked to pay a fee to receive money, it most likely is a scam. Other types of scams involved overpaying for an item and sending the excess money back to the person. Just remember, If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. If you have any questions or concerns about Identity Theft or Internet safety please contact the Detective Bureau.
The Holden Police Department has also been receiving numerous reports of Identity Theft. To help protect yourself from being a victim of Identity Theft, do not give any personal information to anyone that you don’t know. This includes phone calls you receive and unsolicited emails. Also you should check your credit history by contacting one of the three credit bureaus. You are able to receive one free credit report from each of the three credit bureaus yearly. The Detective Bureau has also been investigating illegal Internet transactions/ credit card fraud. Use reputable websites when using your credit card and don’t give your credit card information out over the phone unless you called the company.
Detective Al Bourget
Detective Chris Carey
Animal Control 2007
The year 2007 was the second consecutive year where the total number of calls to this office actually decreased, despite the fact that the number of licensed dogs increased for the second consecutive year. The total number of calls to this office for 2007 were 431 versus 482 for 2006, representing an 11% decrease, whereas the number of licensed dogs actually increased 1.5% to 2458 (approx.) ending 2007 from the 2422 figure ending 2006 (actual 2007 figure is not finalized yet, but will be higher). As this is the second consecutive year this has happened, clearly this is a trend worth noting. This office has been diligent in enforcing the laws and quick to respond to virtually all complaints and situations, the major areas of which will be expounded upon below.
Loose dog complaints, traditionally our largest enforcement category, exhibited the most marked decrease. We received 116 calls concerning leash law violations in 2007 versus the 158 calls we received in 2006. This represents a 27% decrease. Apparently more and more people are aware of the 24 hour leash law and are abiding by it. In addition, it would appear that many citizens have been quite responsible in reporting such violations, whether it be someone they know who is intentionally letting their dog roam freely, or just a sighting of an unknown loose dog. Animal Control is also constantly visible patrolling the streets. The combination of all of this is undoubtedly having the desired effect of reducing leash law violations.
The next largest category of calls received is Lost & Found. Here we experienced a decrease in call volume as well, with 82 calls received for 2007 versus the 98 calls we received in 2006 (16% decrease). This is tied in somewhat to the aforementioned loose dog category, as many calls received as “lost” dogs are actually dogs that have accidentally “escaped” their confinement and are running loose. However, the majority of these types of calls concern Lost or Found cats, and the number of incidents concerning these has decreased as well. Again, people are generally doing a better job of keeping their dogs confined so they are less likely to accidentally escape, and the feeling is more people are also keeping their cats indoors in order to avoid the perils inherent in letting a cat roam outdoors, namely coyotes and motor vehicles. We have a Lost & Found Clipboard here at the Holden Police Station where we record the necessary information for parties who call reporting Lost & Found pets, which sometimes helps to facilitate a reunion with their owners.
Wildlife calls continue to be a significant area for this office. The number of calls received in 2007 were virtually the same as in 2006, with 70 calls received in 2007 and 73 calls in 2006. The bulk of these appear to be coyote sightings within our neighborhoods. There is a significant, healthy coyote population not only in Holden but throughout the state of Massachusetts. No reason to be alarmed, as we have not received any reports of aggressive behavior from any of these sightings. People are reminded to keep their garbage tightly secured and their cats and small dogs indoors, and usually the coyotes will move along looking elsewhere for their food. Other calls received are for smaller, varmint-type animals such as squirrels and chipmunks gaining access to the inside of peoples homes and chimneys. While this office does not deal with removal of such critters, we are able to refer people to a couple of resources that deal in removal for a fee. There were no confirmed incidents of rabies in animals or bats, or the West Nile Virus in birds in 2007.
There was an increase in barking dog complaints in 2007. We received 35 calls in 2007 versus only 24 calls in 2006. This is a large increase from a percentage standpoint (+46%), but still a relatively small number overall. However, this is an area we are sensitive to and watch closely as the overall number of dogs in town continue to increase. Dog owners are reminded that barking dogs do tend to disturb the peace, especially in the evening and during the night, so owners must control their dog’s barking. By the same token, others must realize that some barking is normal and to be expected, so everyone should be reasonably tolerant as well. It is possible to reach a happy median between the dog owner and a complaining party, and our office can assist in this regard.
The last significant area concerns cats. We did realize an increase in calls regarding stray, abandoned, and feral cats. We received 33 calls in 2007 versus 25 calls in 2006, again a large increase from a percentage standpoint (32%) but still a relatively small number overall. Most of these calls involved cats that appeared to be stray/abandoned, and were not feral or approaching a feral state. However, upon consultation/investigation with the reporting party, the majority of these cats were not taken into custody for removal to the Worcester Animal Rescue League for fear that it was not stray but probably someone’s pet. People are advised not to feed cats that happen upon their property, as this makes it difficult sometimes to make a proper determination as to the true status of a cat. There does not appear to be a significant feral cat population in Holden at this time.
The Office of Animal Control is assigned to the Holden Police Department and is located within those premises at 1420 Main Street. It is typically staffed Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The phone number is 508-829-0215. For after hour emergencies please call the general business line at the Holden Police Department at 508-829-4444. Please also visit our new Animal Control page on the Holden PD website for more information.
Respectfully submitted,
Michael S. Sendrowski, Animal Control Officer (full-time)
Thomas S. Walsh, Animal Control Officer (part-time)
2006 Annual Report
Report of the Chief of Police 2006
It is my pleasure to provide the citizens of Holden with the 2006 report of the Holden Police Department. I am extremely proud to inform the town that housebreaks in the community were at an all time low with only 7 being reported for the year. During my 30+ years with the town, this is an all time record low and only reflects upon the hard work and dedication of the men and women of the department. The taxpayers should also note that the department budget is the lowest per capita in Worcester County with equally low staffing levels. These two facts should illustrate without a doubt that the taxpayers are receiving out-standing police service at bare minimum costs. Please see the accompanying charts that reflect the staffing and budget levels.
During the calendar year 2006, the following events were noted:
Detective Christopher Carey investigated a credit card skimming operation that costs local card holders over $100,000 in fraudulent charges.
A 16 year old was charged with bringing a switch blade to Mountview Middle School .
Holden officers participated in a health study conducted by Harvard University regarding the effects of fatigue and shift work on participants.
Officers Tim Sherblom and Jon Santimore recognized for their on duty delivery of a baby girl after they responded to a 911 call.
Officer Gregg Sculthorpe was honored by the Holden Chamber of Commerce.
Southbridge home health aide charged with 5 counts of larceny from a Holden senior citizen.
Officer Todd Ventres and Adam Porcaro graduate from the Boylston Police Academy after 21 weeks of training.
Officer Robert Himmer conducts a Student Police Academy at Mountview Middle School .
Holden couple charged with abandoning their two children.
A Serval-an exotic spotted African cat was seized from a Holden apartment.
Stepped up mountain bike patrols scheduled for the Rail Trail during the summer and fall months.
A full scale lockdown exercise was done at Mountview Middle School .
A domestic abuse incident in December resulted in a brutal attack and subsequent arrest of an individual for attempted murder.
(Above) Members of the Police Department competed in the 29 th annual State Police Chase Road Race in Framingham , held in June 2006.
Once again, in 2006 our attempts to construct a new police facility were defeated. I cannot stress enough our dire need for this building. Our current building is nearly 30 years old and was built for a department half our current staffing level. The facility does not come close to meeting our needs for basic things such as conference rooms, interview rooms, break rooms, or training. Over the last 5 years, we have seen similar communities construct and move into their new facilities. Your officers do an outstanding job for you and deserve better-no employer in the private sector would be allowed to keep such bare facilities for their employees.
(Above) Town radio console with
1980’s vintage equipment
(Right) Department sink and faucet
The department will once again receive state certification from the state board in early 2007. Holden is only one of 15 towns in the state to reach this level. The certification is based upon department policies and procedures, equipment standards, training, and budget practices. Lt. Donald Ball should be commended for the immense paperwork and workload that this process involves. It is our desire to become a fully accredited department that has national standards, however, our current facility is lacking in so many of the mandated standards this goal is futile.
Respectfully submitted,
George R. Sherrill
Police Chief
Community Policing / School Programs 2006
The Community Service Division and Schools Division continue to be the benchmark for mentoring of area departments and schools. Several agencies have rotated personnel through the Wachusett Regional Criminal Justice Partnership in order to implement our programs in their districts.
This year, the Holden Police Department and the Wachusett Regional School District have focused on Critical Incident Planning for all of the schools in Holden. A mock drill was held at Mountview Middle School and was considered a model for additional mock drills at all schools in the future.
The Wachusett Regional School Criminal Justice Partnership continues to grow in number and stature. The program has 28 students in Criminal Justice I and 13 in Criminal Justice II. There is now a waiting list for students to join this partnership at Wachusett. We are proud of the fact that the Holden Police Department personnel give so much time to this endeavor.
The bike patrol continues to be a staple for patrolling during the good weather. The additional need for patrolling on the rail trail has been met with a partnership with West Boylston PD to have joint patrols.
The Holden Police Department continues its commitment to elderly services and considers its relationship with Checkerberry Village and Colony Retirement as one of its priorities.
Sgt. David Armstrong
Training 2006
The Holden Police Department remains committed to obtaining the best possible training for its officers, for we believe that the better the training, the less mistakes in the field. Training, like all education, ensures the patrol officer, the detective and/or the supervisor can adapt to any situation that may arise during his or her shift.
In 2006, all officers of the Holden Police Department completed training amounting to over 1,400 hours. The courses attended included certain medical training classes, such as CPR, First Responder and Defibrillator Training. All officers also attended classes in Emergency Vehicle Operations or other driving training courses, Legal Updates, Incident Command, Roll Call Instruction and Firearms Instruction. For Firearms, all officers received standardized Firearms Training as required by the MPTC by our Firearms Instructors, Sgt. Christopher Noyes and Officer Ray Sherbourne. All officers were also put through a series of Firearms Courses that tested their ability to shoot under stressful circumstances. This includes various scenarios the officer may find himself or herself involved in. All officers also qualified with the standard 12-Gauge Shotgun and the Police Rifle. We are still exploring the possibility of purchasing electronic weapons in order to allow officers to subdue unruly subjects while further limiting risk to the officers and the subjects themselves.
Specific officers, depending on the needs of the Department, also attended classes in Breathalyzer Training, Computer Crimes, Dispatch Training, Courtroom Testimony, Executive Development, Identity Theft, Multiple Integrated Skills, Use of Force, Radar Operation, Methamphetamine Labs, Field Sobriety Testing, Background Investigations, Suicide Prevention, School Resource Officer Specialization, Basic Firearms certification, Armorer Certification, Motorcycle Recertification, Field Training Officer, E-911 School, Child Passenger Safety Training, Rape Aggression Defense, Patrol Rifle Training, Gang Trends, Drug Identification, White Collar Crime, Death Investigations, Homicide Investigations and Public Records Law.
We will continue to provide our officers with the needed courses for their duties as those classes arise.
Officers Todd Ventres and Adam Porcaro graduated from the 15th Municipal Police Officers Class at West Boylston Police Academy for their Basic Training in the summer of 2006 and Officer Jonathan Bourget has been taking his Basic Training with the 16th Municipal Police Officers Class, with a graduation date in January, 2007 after a grueling 21 week/800 hour course of instruction.
This past year also saw the city of Boston hosting the Annual Conference for the International Chiefs of Police, in which a number of police supervisors attended classes designed to assist them carry out their duties.
In 2006, officers from this department also provided numerous training classes and seminars in Holden and the surrounding area. This includes instruction in the Criminal Justice Program for classes at Wachusett Regional High School, RAD (Rape Aggression Defense) Courses, The Wachusett Civilian Police Academy (in which civilians get a taste of what a real police academy is like), as well as providing instruction at various locations throughout the state.
In recent years, we have initiated some cross training the Laconia, New Hampshire Police Department, in which some of our officers ride with them to learn their procedures for performing their criminal justice function. In exchange, some Laconia Police Officers have spent time with our officers, to learn our procedures.
The Holden Police Department was scheduled to be re-assessed in 2006 for Certification by the Massachusetts Police Accreditation Com-mission, Inc. After under going a three (3) day assessment from a team selected by the Commission, the Holden Police Department revised, modified and updated some of their policies and procedures. These modifications have been submitted to the Commission and we are expected to receive our recertification sometime in February 2007.
We wish to thank the MPTC, the Wachusett Regional School District, the Holden Fire Department, the Central Mass Emergency Medical Services, the Laconia, New Hampshire Police Department, the Massachusetts State Police, the surrounding municipal police agencies, the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office and the Nimrod League of Holden for the use of their personnel, facilities and services to supply us with the best training possible.
Should you have any group request for instruction or training in the criminal justice field, to include a tour of a criminal justice
facility, please feel free to contact us with your request and we will do everything possible to honor your request.
We believe we are fortunate in Holden, given the quality and dedication of the officers on this Department. It is often said in the criminal justice field that an agency’s professionalism is dependent upon its training program. We intend on maintaining the highest level of professionalism for the Holden Police Department by continuing to provide the best training possible.
Donald A Ball
Lieutenant
Traffic 2006
Part of my responsibility as Sergeant with the Holden Police Department is to oversee the activities of the traffic division. The following report includes how we as a department, enforce the traffic laws of the Commonwealth in regards to the traffic safety programs we are involved with and the steps we take in order to maintain a consistently high level of traffic safety for the town.
Most residents of our community, as well as those from surrounding communities, know of the Holden Police Department’s strong commitment towards traffic safety and equally strong reputation for traffic enforcement. This year’s numbers speak for themselves with a total of 6,169 citations issued. This is a slight increase over last years number of 5,129.
Due to this consistency effective traffic enforcement, we saw an increase in the number of citations issued this year which may have had an impact on the number of motor vehicles crashes. This number managed to decrease from 288 in 2005 to 251 in 2006. Thankfully, none of these crashes resulted in a fatality. According to accident statistics, over half of these crashes occur on Main St. , Reservoir St. , and Shrewsbury Street .
In order to try and reduce the number of crashes involving serious injury, the Holden Police Department implemented grant money received by the Governor’s Highway Safety Bureau for specialized traffic patrols. These patrols consisted of three sections each for safety belt enforcement and O. U. I. enforcement respectively. The safety belt patrols were worked in the spring, summer and winter for two weeks at a time. An officer was assigned a four hour block each day during daylight hours. During this time, the officer’s sole responsibility was the detection and enforcement of safety belt violations. With safety belt violations being a secondary offense at the time, officer’s would also enforce various moving violations as an additional benefit. The O. U. I. enforcement sections were conducted during the holiday season as well as spring and summer. These patrols consisted of four hour blocks of time each day during the evening hours. Each officer assigned to this patrol was dedicated to focus on the detection of O. U. I. offenders.
The officer’s assigned to the traffic division utilize a daily radar schedule as part of their continued daily efforts at traffic enforcement. The radar schedule is issued monthly and consists of different street locations throughout town that change day to day. These locations are based on need or from citizen complaints. Our officer’s also place their attention on monitoring dangerous intersections, detecting motorists whose right to operate has been suspended or revoked, detecting uninsured motor vehicles and enforcing any number of other motor vehicle law infractions they may encounter.
Through the continued effort of our officers, it is the goal of the Holden Police Traffic Division to create a safer community through which to travel. Submitted by:
Christopher K. Noyes, Jr. Sergeant
Traffic Division
Detective Bureau 2006
The Holden Police Department Detective Bureau is responsible for following up on preliminary crime reports that patrol officers are not able to accomplish during their normal patrol time. To accomplish this task, the officers assigned to the Detective Bureau work closely with the patrol officers of the department, as well as other law enforcement agencies and detectives in the central Massachusetts area.
Additionally, since crime is not restricted to municipal boundaries, Detectives participate in certain specialized organizations such as: the Worcester County Breaking and Entering Task Force, the Regional Drug task Force, the Worcester County Fraudulent Check Association, and the New England State Police Information Network, and the International Association of Financial Crime Investigators.
Again, crime has remained at a relatively low level even for a community of 18,000 individuals. House breaks and other crimes have been relatively low in Holden. This is due to alert community members calling if they see something unusual. Crime is also low due to the Patrolman actively patrolling the town looking for suspicious activity. The Holden Police Department, along with many other agencies, have been receiving reports of Identity Theft. To help protect yourself from being a victim of Identity Theft, do not give any personal information to anyone that you don’t know. This includes phone calls you receive and unsolicited emails. Also, you should check your credit history by contacting one of the three credit bureaus. You are able to receive one free credit report from each of the 3 credit bureaus yearly. The Detective Bureau has also been investigating illegal Internet transactions/credit card fraud. Use reputable websites when using your credit card and don’t give your credit card information out over the phone unless you called the company. Quick cash scams are also occurring in and around Holden. If you receive a notice you won something (cash, trip, ect…) contact the police to determine if it is legitimate or not. Know not to cash any checks and send the money as the scam artist requests. Just remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. If you have any questions or concerns about Identity Theft or Internet safety please contact the Detective Bureau.
Respectfully submitted,
Detective Albert R. Bourget
Detective Christopher J. Carey
Fleet 2006
Service and maintenance of the Holden Police Department fleet of vehicles is a critical component, not only to the Police Officer, but also to the public in which they serve.
Safety is a significant factor, and as a result all the cruisers are inspected by the officer and Supervisor prior to each shift. This is to ensure that there is no damage to the vehicle and all the necessary equipment is intact. The HPD fleet has a more thorough weekly inspection that is checked for maintenance, equipment, and appearance. The equipment in a cruiser that becomes so vital to a Police Officer includes: medical bags, shotguns, rifles, ammunition, stop sticks, web gun, throw ropes, and several accident reconstruction tools. If there is a problem with the vehicle, it is repaired as soon as possible after being reported even if it is a less significant item as a dome light being out, which can be of the essence to some Officers.
Tires are another priority on all Police vehicles. Once determined that a tire(s) are worn or wearing improperly, upon inspection, the tire(s) are removed or replaced. If a tire is wearing properly, as it nears the depth of 2/32nds it is removed. Necessary repairing and replacing tires are made to get the most life out of a tire.
In 2006, the HPD fleet of vehicles consists of one Ford Expedition, which is utilized as a Mobile Command Center for major incidents. It also becomes the key snow vehicle during inclement weather. A Ford F150 truck, also used in inclement weather is primarily used by the Liaison Officer at Mountview. There are 4 cruisers and 4 unmarked vehicles, which are driven by the Chief, the Lieutenant, the Detective, and WRHS Liaison Officer respectfully. Also included in the fleet is a van which is used for the Animal Control Officer and a motorcycle, which is used from early spring and ridden till November depending on how the weather holds out.
All the vehicles are serviced through the Department of Public Works maintenance department which completes the majority of repairs. All the electrical and police equipment in the vehicles is repaired by Municipal Headquarters (MHQ) in Marlboro. Sunnyside Motors is responsible for all recalls and warranties.
Submitted by:
Richard E. Horrigan, Sergeant
Animal Control 2006
2006 was somewhat of an interesting year for animal control. While the number of licensed dogs increased 3.4% compared to 2005, from 2295 dogs ending 2005 (approx.) to 2273 dogs ending 2006 (approx.), the number of calls for service to this office actually fell by 7.3% (482 calls in 2006 versus 520 calls in 2005). While the hope is that more citizens are aware and abiding by the laws, this is also undoubtedly due to more stringent enforcement being carried out by this office in a couple of key areas, namely LOOSE dog complaints and BARKING dog complaints, which are expounded upon below.
In the area of loose dog complaints (historically our largest enforcement complaint category), the number of calls to this office fell to 158 in 2006 as compared to the 188 calls received in 2005. Citizens in town appear to be showing less of a tolerance for dog owners who violate our 24 hour leash law, and our office is quick to respond to these types of complaints. Typically, we start with a verbal warning to violators, followed by a written citation warning, and then we start to issue written monetary citations. This will usually resolve this issue. On rare occasions, when this is not effective, we do have a formal hearing process that can be triggered at the request of a complainant. However, we are glad to see that the number of calls for loose dogs in 2006 decreased 16%.
Historically, our second largest complaint category where enforcement is needed has been barking complaints. Here, we also saw a very significant drop in calls, from 42 calls in 2005 to only 24 calls in 2006 (decrease of 43%). We consider any barking beyond 15 continuous minutes to be “nuisance” barking. Usually, the offending party is not aware that their dog’s barking is disturbing their neighbors, and a visit from our office usually rectifies the situation and restores peace and quiet. However, here again we have the same hearing process previously indicated above which can be invoked if the situation has not been resolved to everyone’s satisfaction after a visit from this office. These situations are rare though.
The next largest category is “lost & found”. This is not a category where any type of enforcement is applicable, but even here we saw a slight drop-off from 2005, from 105 calls to 98 calls in 2006. Most of these calls involve lost or missing cats rather than dogs. Needless to say, there are “outdoor” cats versus those that stay confined inside their homes. Unfortunately, most of these cats are not “lost” per se’ but rather have met their fate from one of the perils inherent in the outside world, namely motor vehicles, coyotes, or loose dogs. There is little our office can do here other than put the pertinent information on our lost and found bulletin in case any sightings are reported. Cat owners are urged to keep their cats indoors.
Another major area for our office is wildlife calls. Included in this category would be calls concerning wildlife in peoples homes or yards, ex. Coyotes, foxes, skunks, bears, etc. This is one of the few areas where we saw an increase, from 58 calls in 2005 to 73 calls in 2006 (26% increase!). This would seem to make sense as more of our woodlands fall victim to home development. Our wildlife is simply being displaced and are moving around, and many of them are literally living among us in between our houses. In most cases, there is little reason to be alarmed as these animals are simply out and about looking for food and trying to survive. Our office will usually respond to these calls only to check and make sure the animals are not rabid, which they rarely are. Beyond that, we advise people to keep their pets confined until the wild animals move along. There were a few bear and moose sightings reported in 2006, and this just confirms the fact that all types of wildlife are being disturbed by human development, not just in our community, but in the cities and states around us.
The Animal Control Office is part of the Holden Police Department and is located at the same address, 1420 Main Street . The direct dial number is 508-829-0215 and is typically staffed Monday through Friday from 7:00 a. m. to 3:00 p.m. In case of after hours emergencies, please call the police department general business line at 508-829-4444.
Respectfully,
Michael S. Sendrowski
(Full-time Animal Control Officer)
Thomas S. Walsh
(Part-time Animal Control Officer)
2005 ANNUAL REPORT
Report of the Chief of Police 2005
I respectfully submit the annual report from the Holden Police Department for the calendar year 2005. This years statistics once again provide conclusive proof that the men and women of the police department are providing outstanding service to the citizens of Holden. Crimes reported are exceptionally low for a community of our size. Larcenies remained constant however most of these are now occurring via the internet and the resulting investigation means long hours sorting through computer security and IP addresses.
For many years I conducted a survey of 15-20 area police departments. This survey looks at staffing levels and department budgets. Over the last 15 years the Holden Police Department has maintained the lowest staffing level at the lowest cost of any of the departments surveyed. The Holden Police Department has not added an additional officer, outside of a grant, in nearly 10 years.
The current building is over 25 years old and is not compatible for the needs of modern policing. The building provides no security or privacy for victims of crimes. Most homes being built in Holden are larger and have more garage space. The current building has no training room or any room for officers to eat their lunch/dinner. Coffee is made by a garden faucet type apparatus and floor drain. The citizens of Holden should be embarrassed and ashamed of the facility-no private sector establishment would deny their employees such basic needs. In this era of Homeland Security/Post Columbine the needs of public safety should be priority one. The Public Safety Building Committee has been working hard and long for a solution-I am extremely grateful to them for their hard work and dedication to public safety.
George R. Sherrill
Chief of Police
Community Policing 2005
The Holden Police Department is proud of the fact that we mentor several agencies on the subject of Community Policing, and continue to be a national model for school programs. The following report presents a summary of our 2005 activities as well as a preview of our plans to expand our efforts in 2006 and beyond.
School programs continue to be the backbone of our Community Policing division. School Resource Officer Robert Himmer added two new programs to the Mountview Middle School curriculum, both of which were very positively received. The first is a program addressing Internet Safety, hosted for both parents and students. The second is an ongoing program initiated by Officer Himmer called “Grip, Dip, and Spin” which demonstrates an effective response if a student is attacked. Mountview also held its first Forensic Crime Scene class, supported by both the Holden Police Department and the Shrewsbury Police Department.
The Wachusett Regional Criminal Justice Partnership continues to grow in terms of student enrollment as well as curriculum expansion. 2005 saw the addition of the participation of the Massachusetts State Police, who contributed presentations on nutrition and physical fitness, as well as “skid school”, history of policing, and an overnight academy. In addition, we continue to add technical partners such as the Worcester County Sheriff’s Department, and we receive support from all five of the Wachusett District towns.
With an officer assigned to each of the three elementary schools, our Adopt-a-School program continues to support our students, faculty, and administration. Educational classes covering important topics such as walking, bicycle, Halloween and ice safety are presented to the children, and support is offered to the staff in terms of critical planning, security recommendations, and both general and situational policing issues.
We are also pleased to announce that in the upcoming year our Criminal Justice II group will be earning two certifications. The first will be First Responder training, taught by Officer Gregg Sculthorpe. The second will be E-911 training, sponsored by the State Board of Communications. The Spring of 2006 will find our CJ Seniors traveling to Washington , DC on invitation from the National Law Enforcement Organization. Our itinerary also includes visits to The Spy Museum, The Holocaust Museum, and a tour of the US Capital with Congressman James McGovern.
Our Community Policing efforts extend beyond the schools to the neighborhoods as well. At this time, we are planning to offer a Civilian Police Academy along with other area departments, a program which has received very positive response in the past. Our popular family events such as Public Safety Day and our participation in Holden Days are also on our 2006 calendar, and when warmer weather arrives, you will see our bike patrols pick up once again, especially at the town recreation areas.
In conclusion, we would like to thank the citizens of Holden and surrounding communities for your support of our Community Policing efforts in 2005, and we look forward to another rewarding year in 2006.
Sergeant David A. Armstrong
Community Services Division
Training 2005
The Holden Police Department remains committed to obtaining the best possible training for its officers, for we believe that the better the training the fewer mistakes in the field. Training, like all education, ensures the patrol officer, the detective and/or the supervisor can adapt to any situation which may arise during his or her shift.
In 2005, all officers of the Holden Police Department completed training amounting to over 3,000 hours. The courses attended included certain medical training classes such as CPR, First Responder and Defibrillator Training. All officers also attended classes in Emergency Vehicle Operations, Legal Updates, Incident Command, Roll Call Instruction and Firearms Instruction. For Firearms, all officers received standardized Firearms Training as required by the MPTC by our Firearms Instructor Christopher Noyes. All officers were also put through a series of Firearms Courses that tested their ability to shoot under stressful circumstances. This includes various scenarios the officer may find himself or herself involved in. All officers also qualified with the standard 12-Gauge Shotgun and the Police Rifle. We are presently exploring the possibility of purchasing electronic weapons in order to allow officers to subdue unruly subjects while further limiting risk to the officers and the subjects themselves.
Specific officers, depending on the needs of the Department, also attended classes in Kubaton Defense, Infrared Breathalyzer, SAIN Protocol, Private Security, Deadly Force, E-911, Child Abuse Investigations, Labor Relations, Hidden Compartments, Intel Services, Advanced Police Misconduct, Field Officer Training, School Policing, Infection Controls, Portable Breath Test Equipment, Women in Law Enforcement, Shots Fired, Internal Investigations, Identity Theft, Traffic Stop Data Collection, Organizational Structures, Handling Specific Needs Children, Advanced Fingerprint and Photography, Electronic Weapons, School/Police Conferences and Handgun Retention.
Officers Todd Ventres and Adam Porcaro were enrolled into the 15 th Municipal Police Officers Class at the Boylston Police Academy for their Basic Training, and we expect them to graduate in 2006 after a grueling 20 week/800 hour course of instruction.
Further, Sergeant Christopher Noyes, upon his promotion from Police Officer, attended a two week course entitled Sergeant’s Basic Training, to help him with his new duties.
Our School Officer Program continues to be a success, as we have a School Resource Officer on a full time basis at Wachusett Regional High School, a School Resource/DARE Officer full time at Mt View Middle School and a liaison officer on a part time basis assigned to every elementary school. We will continue to provide our officers with the needed classes for these duties as those classes arise.
In 2005, officers from this department also provided numerous training classes and seminars in Holden and the surrounding area. This includes instruction in the Criminal Justice Program for classes at Wachusett Regional High School, as well as providing instruction at various locations throughout the state.
In recent years, we have initiated some cross training the Laconia, New Hampshire Police Department, in which some of our officers ride with them to learn their procedures for performing their criminal justice function. In exchange, some Laconia Police Officers have spent time with our officers, to learn out procedures.
We wish to thank the MCJTC, the Wachusett Regional School District, the Holden Fire Department, the Central Mass Emergency Medical Services, the Laconia, New Hampshire Police Department, the Massachusetts State Police, the surrounding municipal police agencies, the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office and the Nimrod League of Holden for the use of their personnel, facilities and services to supply us with the best training possible.
Should you have any group request for instruction or training in the criminal justice field, to include a tour of a criminal justice facility, please feel free to contact us with your request and we will do everything possible to honor your request.
We believe we are fortunate in Holden, given the quality and dedication of the officers on this Department. It is often said in the criminal justice field that an agency’s professionalism is dependent upon its training program. We intend on maintaining the highest level of professionalism for the Holden Police Department by continuing to provide the best training possible.
Donald A Ball
Lieutenant
Traffic 2005
This past July with the retirement of Sgt. Gary Gaskin, I was promoted as the newest Sergeant of the Holden Police Dept. Shortly after receiving this promotion I was assigned the responsibility to oversee the traffic division.
Most residents of our community, as well as those from surrounding communities know of the Holden Police Department’s strong commitment towards traffic safety and equally strong reputation for traffic enforcement. This year’s numbers speak for themselves with a total of 5,195 citations issued. This is an approximate increase of 20% over last year’s number of 4,101.
Although there was a considerable increase in the number of citations issued this year due to stricter enforcement, the number of vehicle crashes still managed to increase from 278 in 2004 to 283 in 2005. Sadly, one of these crashes resulted in a double fatality. According to accident statistics, over half of these crashes occur on Main St., Reservoir St., and Shrewsbury St.
In order to try and reduce the number of crashes involving serious injury, the Holden Police Dept. implemented grant money received by the Governor’s Highway Safety Bureau for specialized traffic patrols. These patrols consisted of two sections each for safety belt enforcement and O.U.I. enforcement respectively. The safety belt patrols were worked in the spring and fall for two weeks at a time. An officer was assigned a four-hour block each day during daylight hours. During this time the officer’s sole responsibility was the detection and enforcement of safety belt violations. With safety belt violations being a secondary offense at the time, officers would also enforce other various moving violations as an additional benefit. The two O.U.I. enforcement sections were conducted during the holiday season. These patrols consisted of four hour blocks of time each day during the evening hours. Each officer assigned to this patrol was dedicated to focus on the detection of O.U.I. offenders.
The officer’s assigned to the traffic division utilize a daily radar schedule as part of their continued daily efforts at traffic enforcement. The radar schedule is issued monthly and consists of different street locations throughout town that change day to day. These locations are based on need or from citizen complaints. Our officer’s also place their attention on monitoring dangerous intersections, detecting motorists whose right to operate has been suspended or revoked, detecting uninsured motor vehicles and enforcing any number of other motor vehicle law infractions they may encounter.
Through the continued effort of our officer’s, it is the goal of the Holden Police Traffic Division to create a safer community through which to travel.
Sgt. Christopher K. Noyes, Jr.
Detective Bureau 2005
The Holden Police Department Detective Bureau is responsible for following up on preliminary crime reports that patrol officers are not able to accomplish during their normal patrol time. To accomplish this task, the officers assigned to the Detective Bureau work closely with the patrol officers of the department, as well as other law enforcement agencies and detectives in the central Massachusetts area.
Additionally, since crime is not restricted to municipal boundaries, Detectives participate in certain specialized organizations such as: The Worcester County Breaking and Entering Task Force, the Regional Drug task Force, The Worcester County Fraudulent Check Association, and the New England State Police Information Network.
Again, crime has remained at a relatively low level even for a community of 17,000 individuals. The Holden Police Department, along with many other agencies, have been receiving more reports of Identity Theft and Larcenies involving Internet transactions. When making Internet transactions, please use reputable websites and be very carefully giving personal information to anyone. With anything, if it sounds to good to be true, it may not be legitimate. If you have any questions or concerns about Identity Theft or Internet safety please contact the Detective Bureau.
Sgt. Timothy Regele
Fleet 2005
The Holden Police Department has 12 vehicles: Five patrol cruisers, 1 Ford Expedition, 1 Ford F150, 4 unmarked cruisers, and a motorcycle. The Ford Expedition is used as a mobile command center and a snow vehicle in the winter months. The motorcycle generally comes out in early spring and is ridden till about Thanksgiving. All other vehicles are used on a daily basis.
All HPD cruisers are checked weekly for appearance, maintenance issues, and equipment. Some of the equipment includes medical bags, shotguns, ammunition, stop sticks, web gun, and throw ropes as well as several accident reconstruction tools. The equipment in the cruisers is essential to the officers for their safety. Something as small as having a burned-out dome light can mean everything to an officer in a particular situation. If an officer notices a problem with a cruiser it is repaired as soon as possible.
Tires are a priority on police cruisers. As soon as a cruiser is inspected and it is determined that a tire is worn or wearing improperly, the tire is removed and repaired.
The Holden Police has a generator that runs weekly. Each Monday morning at 3:00 am the generator starts and does a self-check. During this time it is manually inspected to make sure it is running properly and that fluid levels are adequate.
Sgt. Richard E. Horrigan
2004 Annual Report
It is my pleasure to submit the 2004 yearly report to the citizens of Holden. The town is experiencing historically low crime rates. This remarkable decrease is a result of the excellent police service provided by the officers of the Holden Police Department. These officers — your officers — are to be commended for the good work they do 365 days a year.
The highlights of 2004 are as follows:
February 2004-Holden officers receive high tech simulator driver training by the Connecticut State Police at their academy in Meriden, CT.
March 2004-as a result of a motor vehicle stop by Officer Michael Joslyn a large-scale housebreak operation is halted. This crew targeted homes in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. It is estimated that approximately 50 housebreaks were solved as a result of this one motor vehicle stop.
April 2004-a 40-minute high-speed chase, which started in East Brookfield, with shots fired, ends in Holden without injury. Holden officers were able to stop the pursued vehicle and then disarm the suspect while he threatened to commit suicide.
April 2004-another police chase that started in Templeton ends in Holden and the driver is taken into custody without incident.
May 2004-the Holden Police Department and the Laconia NH Police Department form an officer exchange program. In June Holden officers were sent to Laconia to assist during bike week and Laconia reciprocated in the fall by sending officers to Holden during our local events.
August 2004-in another multi-jurisdictional high speed chase Holden officers were able to apprehend and arrest an individual on outstanding arrest warrants.
September 2004-Holden officers participate in the arrest of a local woman charged in murder-for-hire plot.
September 2004-Detective Albert Bourget and Officer Christopher Carey arrest a Connecticut man for the biggest housebreak in Holden Police history. Many hours were spent by these officers working with the Connecticut State Police to form the probable cause needed to obtain arrest warrants on the individual.
October 2004-the Honey Farms convenience store is held up. An arrest is made in January 2005 after a lengthy investigation by Detective Bourget and Officer Carey.
November 2004-Holden officers accompany WRHS Criminal Justice students to the New York City Police Department for a two-day learning experience.
In November the Public Safety building project was put before the voters and failed by some 500 votes. I was extremely disappointed by these results and want to remind the citizens that the conditions at the current police and fire stations are dysfunctional and at times endanger the health and safety of our employees. Victims of crimes should not have to be interviewed in hallways or the front lobby. At times we have even had to interview victims inside police cars in the front parking lot due to a lack of space. Officers work on holidays, storm emergencies, and late into the night without an adequate place to take a break or eat their meals. I urge anyone who doubts these conditions to please come and see for yourselves.
Finally I would like to thank the Public Safety Building Committee for their hard work over the past two years. Your dedication to our long-term goal is greatly appreciated.
Holden Man Arrested on Soliciting for Prostitution Charges
On February 25, 2010 after a month long investigation into a Craig’s List posting soliciting sex for a fee, 58 year-old David Bradley of Wachusett Street in Holden was arrested at approximately 2:30 PM on Main Street in Holden.
The investigation was conducted by Det. Jonathan Santimore. Besides Det. Santimore, Sgt. Richard Horrigan and Officer Michael Joslyn assisted in the arrest.
Bradley was booked and released from custody upon posting bail. He will be arraigned in Leominster District Court on February 26. He listed his occupation as a teacher with the Worcester Public Schools. None of the charges against Bradley involve minors.
10/07/09
9:00 AM
Update
Fatal Motorcycle Accident on Wachusett Street - update
The victim of Monday's fatal motorcycle accident on Wachusett Street in Holden is 26 year old Phillip J. Puzo of Millbury, Massachusetts and Lemoore, California.
10/05/09
5:00 PM / 6:35 PM
Original Release/Update
Fatal Motorcycle Accident on Wachusett Street - original release
At 3:47 PM on Monday, October 5, 2009 the Holden Police Department responded to a report of a serious motorcycle accident on Wachusett Street on the curve near Unionville Pond. Upon arrival, Holden officers observed that the motorcycle had hit a tree.
Initial investigation indicates that the motorcycle may have skidded on sand just prior to the crash. The victim was taken to UMass Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead. The name of the victim is not being released at this time. The driver was the only person on the motorcycle; there was no passenger. Holden Police officers Gregg Sculthorpe and Adam Porcaro are investigating.
09/26/2008
Original Press Release
Car Hits Orbit Pizza Building
On September 25, 2008 at 8:40 PM a single car motor vehicle accident occurred in Holden. The operator apparently lost control of the vehicle and struck the side of Orbit Pizza, located at 981 Main Street. After a brief extrication, the operator was airlifted to UMass. The extent of the operator's injuries are unknown at this time. The accident is currently being investigated by the Holden Police Department.
09/26/2008
UPDATE
The victim of the accident has been identified as Andrew Soske, age 19, of Princeton. The vehicle is a 2000 Ford Expedition. Initial investigation indicates the vehcile was northbound on Main Street and left he roadway. The vehicle then struck a parked motor vehicle and went out of control, striking the building. The vehicle sustained extensive damage, as did the business.
The accident is being investigated by Officer Michael B. Braley and Officer Jonathan M. Santimore of the Holden Police Department.
04/17/2008
Original Press Release
Fatal Accident on Salisbury Street
On Wednesday, 04/16/2008 at approximately 9:30 PM, the Holden Police Department received a call reporting a motor vehicle accident on Salisbury Street near Mark Circle. The single vehicle involved was traveling southbound towards Worcester when the operator lost control, rolled the vehicle and struck a tree.
The operator, the only occupant, died at the scene. It took the members of the Holden Fire Department over three hours to extricate him from his car, during which time Salisbury Street was closed to through traffic.
The name and address of the decedent are being withheld pending the notification of the next of kin. The accident is being investigated by Officer Anthony Gribbons of the Holden Police Department and Trooper Steven Marsh of the Massachusetts Stat Police Accident Reconstruction Team.
04/18/2008
UPDATE
Accident Victim Identified
The victim of the fatal accident of 4/16/08 has been identified as 58-year-old Ian D. Leedom of 11 Ptarmigan Drive, Shrewsbury.
On April 14, 2008 at 2:30 PM, Holden Police responded to a fight on Sunnyside Avenue, which is adjacent to Wachusett Regional High School.
Upon arrival, officers encountered a large group of youths mingling in the roadway. Officers were told that there was a minor disagreement an that all the involved parties had left the scene.
Approximately 1 hour later Holden Police came into possession of a cell phone video which showed that a vicious beating had occured.
As a result of the investigation, one juvenile arrest has been made and more arrests are expected. The two juvenile victims were treated for their injuries.
Police officials and school administration officials have been in communication wit the Worcester County District Attorney's Office in relation to this matter.
04/15/2008 4:00 PM
UPDATE
Second Arrest Made in WRHS Assault Incident
Brendan M. Simpson
(Holden Police Department Photo)
At approximately 3:30 PM today, an additional suspect in yesterday's WRHS assault incident was brought to the Holden Police Department for questioning. After an interview, the suspect, 17-year-old Brendan M. Simpson of 47 Katahdin Street, Worcester, was arrested on charges of Assault & Battery, Assault & Battery with a Dangerous Weapon (metal pipe), and Conspiracy.
04/16/2008 7:30 AM
UPDATE
Third Arrest Made in WRHS Assault Incident
On the evening of Tuesday, 04/15/08, a 16-year-old Wachusett Regional High School student turned himself in and was arrested for his suspected involvement in the assault which occured near the WRHS campus on Monday afternoon. A warrant for his arrest had been previously issued. The suspect was arraigned in Worcester Juvenile Court on 04/15 on charges of assault and battery, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon (shod foot), assault and battery with intent to do bodily injury and being a disorderly person. There is still one outstanding suspect in the incident.
04/16/2008 3:15 PM
UPDATE
Fourth Arrest Made in WRHS Assault Incident
At approximately 3:00 PM today, the fourth suspect in the WRHS assault turned himself in at Worcester Juvenile Court. The 16-year-old Worcester resident is being arraigned on two counts of Assault & Battery and one count of Assault & Battery with a Dangerous Weapon (shod foot). A warrant for the juvenile's arrest had been issued earlier today.
01/25/2008
Home Invasion
At approximately 1:15 PM on Friday, January 25, 2008, the Holden Police Department received a
9-1-1 call from a Woodridge Road resident reporting a home invasion. The homeowner arrived home to be confronted inside his house by three Asian males. The suspects fled in a black or dark blue van just prior to Holden Police Department’s arrival on the scene. One homeowner was injured, and as of now it appears that some jewelry was taken.
Detectives Albert Bourget and Christopher Carey, and Officers Michael Braley and Jonathan Bourget are investigating.
If you have any information which may help in the apprehension of these suspects, please call Holden Police Department at (508)829-4444 immediately.
01/11/08
Accidental Shooting
On January 10, 2008 at 9:35 PM, the Holden Police Department received a call of an accidental shooting at a private residence in the Jefferson section of Holden. Upon arrival, police found a 23 year old male with a head wound. He was treated by Holden Fire Department paramedics and AMR paramedics, who then transported him to UMass Lake Ave campus, where he is undergoing treatment.
An initial investigation revealed that a friend of the victim, a 21 year old male, was holding a Crossman .177 caliber air rifle when it discharged, striking the victim in the back of the head. At the present time, it appears to be an accidental shooting, but is still under investigation.
Both parties involved are presently serving in the U.S. Military and are expected to be deployed overseas in the next few months. We are therefore stressing that in this situation, a serious injury occurred from a weapon being handled by two individuals who have had extensive training with firearms, and we encourage all to be cognisant of the dangers involved with these weapons.
This matter is being investigated by Ofc. Robert P. Himmer and Detective Albert R. Bourget of the Holden Police Department.
11/26/2007
Released by Holden Fire Chief Jack Chandler
Restaurant Fire
The Holden Fire Department responded to a report of a structure fire at 700 Main Street at 10:00 PM Saturday night. The first arriving officers observed fire along the foundation in the back of the building that appeared to be caused by a flammable liquid. The State Fire Marshal's office was called to the scene and their accelerant dog was able to detect accelerants in the area.
The fire was contained to the rear basement area but heat and smoke caused extensive damage to the rest of the building. The building housed the former Shamrock's Restaurant but has been vacant since last March when that business closed.
In addition to 34 Holden firefighters and all Holden fire apparatus, one West Boylston engine responded to the scene, a Paxton engine provided a RIT team at he scene, and Rutland covered the headquarters station.
One Holden firefighter was taken by ambulance to St. Vincent's Hospital for an ankle injury and was treated and released Saturday night.
The fire is considered indendiary and is under further investigation. The Fire Marshal's office has offered up to $5,000.00 reward for information leading to the arrest of the person or persons responsible for this fire. Anyone with information can call the Arson Hot Line at 1-800-682-9229 or contact the Holden Fire Chief at 508-829-0266.
09/05/2007
Original Press Release
Threats Made to School Staff Member
Stephen Pope
Date of Birth: 04/18/1962
Active Warrants for: Extortion, Disturbing School Assembly, Threatening to Commit a Crime
Last Known Address: New York City
The Holden Police Department is currently investigating verbal threats that were made last week against a staff member of the Mayo Elementary School. A meeting was held on Tuesday, September 4, 2007 with the Wachusett School Superintendent, the school principal, and the Holden Police Department. As a result of the meeting and as a precautionary measure it was decided to maintain a police presence at the school until the subject of the threat is located and apprehended. The office of the Worcester County District Attorney has also been advised of this incident.
The safety of our chidren has always been paramount to the Holden Police Department and once again, this action is only a precautionary measure and does not reflect on any overt act done by an individual.
As developments progress with this case the necessary information will be released as soon as it is available for public release.
09/07/07
Update
Subject Apprehended
Earlier today, the Holden Police Department was advised that Stephen Pope was arrested this morning in Fort Worth, Texas by the United States Marshals Service. Pope was wanted on outstanding warrants for extortion and threats. Local, State, and Federal police had been searching for Pope since last week when those threats were made in an incident involving an employee at the Mayo Elementary School. The Worcester County District Attorney's office has been assisting in the preparation of the rendition process of Pope. He is currently being held by the South Tarrant County Sheriff's Department.
The Wachusett Regional School District was advised of this outcome and school administrators were preparing a notice to go home with students today. Since the original incident, a police officer has been stationed at the school every day to assist with the tightened security.
The following agencies and individuals were instrumental in the investigation of this case: Sgt. Mark Lynch of the Massachusetts State Police, the US Marshals of the Boston office, Agent Richard Tracy of the US Postal Inspection Service, and Detective Christopher Carey of the Holden Police Department.
06/01/2007
HPD History now available on holdenpd.com
(Reprinted from Holden Roundup, The Landmark, May 31, 2007)
Holden Police Department Senior Clerk Johannah Adams announced this week that the department's website will be sporting a new section that might be of interest to researchers and residents alike. A history of the department including a timeline of significant events, a retrospective of police logs, a statistics page, quotes from annual reports and a photo gallery will go live this week. Adams compiled the historical data with the help of Amie Rapa and Anjie Coates. She says contributions of photographs of the police department from the public are welcome.
On Wednesday, April 18, 2007 at approximately 10:08 AM , the Holden Police Department responded to multiple E911 calls reporting a 2-car motor vehicle accident at 673 Main Street . According to a witness, a passenger car was pulling out of the Holden Discount Liquors parking lot when it was struck by an SUV traveling southbound on Main Street . The impact pushed the car into the side of the store. The driver of the passenger car was taken to the hospital, and there was significant damage to the Holden Discount Liquors building. The accident is being investigated by Officer Michael Joslyn and Officer Gregg Sculthorpe. The names of the involved parties are not being released by police.
On Monday February 12, 2007 at 1:11 PM, a fully loaded 10 wheel dump truck rolled down a construction site and struck a house at 64 Sunnyside Avenue. The operator of the dump truck was not injured. The vehicle is owned by Bergeron Construction Company of Worcester. No one was home at the time of the incident. The house has extensive damage and will require some shoring up to prevent a collapse before the vehicle can be pulled out.
The accident is being investigated by the Holden Police Department and the Massachusetts State Police Commercial Vehicles Unit.
12/03/2006
Attempted Murder
On December 2, 2006 at 3:45 PM, the Holden Police Department received a 911 phone call from 43 Putnam Lane. The caller - RONALD J. DUBOVICK - indicated that he had just killed his wife and requested police help. Officers responded to the scene, where they found a 67 year old female victim, later identified as JANET DUBOVICK, lying on the kitchen hallway floor in a pool of blood. She appeared to have been severely beaten with a blunt object. The victim was alive, and medical aid was given by responding officers, the AMR ambulance crew, and Holden Fire/Rescue. The victim was transported to UMass/Memorial Trauma Center where her condition is unknown at this time.
Initial investigation by Holden officers led to the arrest at the scene of 67 year old RONALD DUBOVICK, the husband, who was charged with attempted murder and assault & battery with a dangerous weapon to wit a metal pipe. He was transported back to the Holden Police Department where he is currently being held. He will be arraigned Monday morning at Leominster District Court.
The Holden officers are being assisted by state police detectives assigned to the Worcester County District Attorney's office and troopers assigned to Crime Scene Services. The Holden officers assigned to the case and investigation are: Sergeant Richard E. Horrigan, Detective Christopher Carey, Officer Michael Joslyn, and Officer Gregg Sculthorpe.
07/30/2005
Original Press Release
Fatal Accident Claims Two Teens
At 11:15 PM on Friday, July 29th, 2005 the Holden Police and Fire Departments responded to a report of a serious motor vehicle accident at the intersection of Doyle Road and Brattle Street. Upon arrival, Holden officers observed a Toyota Avalon underneath the trailer of a Mobil gas tractor/trailer unit. Both the trailer and the vehicle were engulfed in flames. The fire was extinguished by the Holden Fire Department with the assistance of the Worcester and West Boylston Fire Departments.
Initial investigation indicates that the Toyota was traveling south on Brattle and failed to stop at the intersection. The gasoline tanker was traveling eastbound on Doyle Road. Initial investigation indicates that at least two occupants of the Toyota were killed. Preliminary investigation indicates the two occupants of the motor vehicle are:
Ryan Stevens of 5 Neel Road, Worcester - 16 years of age
Patrick McGovern of 55 Eppworth Street, Worcester - 15 years of age
Positive identification will be determined by the Medical Examiner's office in Boston. The accident is being investigated by members of the Holden Police Department and the Massachusetts State Police.
08/05/2005
UPDATE
Investigation indicates vandalism may have preceded fatal accident on 7/29
The investigation of the fatal accident at Brattle Street and Doyle Road on 7/29 has indicated the possibility that the two teenage victims vandalized one or more cars immediately prior to the accident. Witness statements and accident reconstruction reports confirm that the Toyota the boys occupied was traveling at a high rate of speed, was accelerating as it approached the intersection, and failed to stop and yield to oncoming traffic with the right of way. Witnesses reported that the brakes on the car were apparently not used, since brake lights were not seen as the car sped through the intersection.
The Holden Police Department confirms that a BB gun was found in the car. BBs have not been located at the vandalism scenes. The possibility that the boys used the gun to shoot at car windows and were fleeing from the scene at the time of the crash is still under investigation.
Additionally, investigators have confirmed that the driver of the Mobil tanker the Toyota collided with was not at fault, and that the truck was fully lit and had passed all recent inspections.
Website designed, researched and maintained by
Johannah Adams
Computer Project Coordinator
Holden Police Department
