WEST NEWBURY — Groveland Police Chief Jeffrey Gillen, Merrimac Police Chief Eric Shears and West Newbury Police Chief Jeffrey Durand wish to announce that trick-or-treating has been rescheduled in Groveland, Merrimac and West Newbury due to inclement weather forecasts.
GROVELAND — Finance and Personnel Director Denise Dembkoski, Police Chief Jeffrey Gillen and Library Director Darcy Lepore are pleased to invite members of the community to Vehicle Night next week.
GROVELAND — Groveland Police Chief Jeff Gillen reports that the Groveland Police Department has charged a Haverhill man after a hit and run at Nicole’s Mini Food Store and Keno on Wednesday.
CARSON HAMILTON, 22, OF HAVERHILL has been charged with:
Groveland Police responded to Nicole’s Mini Food Store and Keno, located in a shopping plaza on School Street, at 7:22 a.m. Wednesday morning after a wooden pillar was damaged in a hit and run involving a black Jeep. Police believe the Jeep was stolen, and worked with Haverhill Police to investigate the incident.
“Thankfully, by collaborating with Haverhill Police, we were able to swiftly identify this individual and charge him,” Chief Gillen said. “Well done and thank you to everyone who took part in this investigation.”
GROVELAND — Groveland Police Chief Jeff Gillen reports that the Groveland Police Department is investigating a hit and run crash that occurred at a local business this morning.
WEST NEWBURY — Groveland Police Chief Jeffrey Gillen, Merrimac Police Chief Eric Shears and West Newbury Police Chief Jeffrey Durand wish to share back to school road safety tips as the school year begins.
WEST NEWBURY — Chief Jeffrey Durand is pleased to announce that the West Newbury Police Department will host the fourth annual Tri-Town National Night Out this Tuesday and is inviting residents to attend.
GROVELAND — Groveland Police Chief Jeff Gillen and Essex District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett report that a 48-year old Haverhill man was arrested last night for the murder of Patsy Schena in Groveland a week ago. Mr. Schena was found deceased in his home at 20 Governors Road on June 21.
Leedell Graham was arrested at 52 Cedar Street in Haverhill at 9:30 last evening. He was booked at the Groveland Police Station and held overnight at the Middleton House of Correction. He will be arraigned in Haverhill District Court this morning on one count of murder.
“We appreciate the public’s patience,” Chief Gillen said. “I understand it that such an event causes anxiety and concern, however, it is imperative that information is limited while the investigation is unfolding in order to protect the investigation. I appreciate the efforts of the investigative team in bringing this individual to justice.”
The investigative team consists of Groveland Police detectives, the Essex District Attorney’s Office, Haverhill Police detectives, and the Essex State Police Detective Unit. They were assisted by the Massachusetts State Police Violent Fugitive Apprehension Team in taking the suspect into custody.
“We are relieved to have this individual in custody, however, there is much work still to be done on this investigation,” DA Blodgett said. “For that reason, I am unable to discuss the details of this investigation at this time. My goal is justice for Mr. Schena through a successful prosecution. I am tremendously grateful to the investigative team for their tireless work thus far.”
GROVELAND — Groveland Police Chief Jeff Gillen and Essex District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett announce that the murder of an elderly male resident is under investigation.
Just before midnight on Friday, Groveland Police responded to a report of an unresponsive male at 20 Governors Road. They found an 82-year old male suffering from multiple wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Essex State Police Detective Unit and Groveland Police secured the home and initiated a homicide investigation.
The deceased is identified as Patsy Schena, 82, of the above address.
“Mr. Schena was the town building inspector for many years. He was well-known and respected in the community,” Chief Gillen said. “We are deeply saddened and shocked by this loss and our thoughts are with his family.”
Chief Gillen notes that this is the first murder in Groveland since 1992.
“This is a shocking and brutal crime,” said DA Blodgett. “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Mr. Schena as they try to comprehend this horrific event.”
This is an active investigation therefore it would be speculation to comment on suspects or a possible motive at this time.
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The Groveland Police Department’s new patch incorporates a more modern shape and commemorates the Groveland Congregational Church’s Paul Revere Bell. (Courtesy Photo Groveland Police)
GROVELAND — Chief Jeffrey Gillen is pleased to announce that the Groveland Police Department has a new patch that officers are beginning to debut this month.
The new design incorporates a more modern shape and commemorates the Groveland Congregational Church’s Paul Revere Bell, the 11th bell cast by the Paul Revere Foundry in Boston in the spring of 1795.
According to the church, Groveland’s 695-pound bell is the oldest Revere bell still in use and has been rung to honor the deaths of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, as well as at the conclusions of World War I and World War II and on the anniversary of 9/11.
Over the winter, Chief Gillen had the idea to revamp the department’s patch to honor the town’s history, so he contacted John Guilfoil Public Relations for assistance. JGPR brought in designer and illustrator, Erik DiMauro of Beverly, to bring the design to life.
Traditionally, the Groveland Police patch was designed without images, and then later to incorporate the Commonwealth’s seal. The patch has remained virtually unchanged for nearly four decades.
“This is the first time we’ve had a patch that pays homage to Groveland’s history and we’re extremely pleased with how it turned out,” Chief Gillen said. “The Paul Revere Bell is an iconic piece of our community’s heritage, and we’re proud to wear it on our sleeves.”
Officers have already begun wearing the new patches on their uniforms, with the entire department expected to transition to the new design by Aug. 1.
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GROVELAND — Chief Jeffrey Gillen reports that the Groveland Police Department arrested a man early this morning on two charges following a traffic stop.
JUSTIN FARINATO, AGE 37, OF GROVELAND was arrested and charged with Operating a Motor Vehicle With a Revoked License (Second Offense) and Providing a False Name to a Police Officer.
Early this morning, Groveland Police investigators determined that FARINATO, who is known to police, was operating a rental car despite his license being revoked and that he allegedly provided a false name when questioned by law enforcement.
At 6:39 a.m., an officer monitoring traffic on Seven Star Road observed the gray Hyundai sedan, known to have been rented by FARINATO. Officers began to follow the vehicle and subsequently stopped it on Main Street. During their interaction, FARINATO allegedly informed officers he did not have his license and subsequently provided officers with a family member’s name as his own.
Officers confirmed his true identity and subsequently took FARINATO into custody without incident. He was scheduled to be arraigned in Haverhill District Court this morning.
This case is part of an open investigation.
These are allegations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty.
