Merrimac Police Cruiser Crashes into Granite Curb During Emergency Response, Officer Treated and Released

MERRIMAC — Chief Eric Shears reports that a Merrimac Police Officer was treated and released at an area hospital and a Merrimac Police cruiser was damaged when it struck a curb during an emergency response on Tuesday.

Shortly after 11 a.m. on Tuesday, a Merrimac Police Officer was responded in a marked cruiser for a report of a motor vehicle crash on I-495. As the officer turned from East Main Street onto Broad Street, the cruiser struck a granite curb.

The officer was transported to Anna Jacques Hospital in Newburyport by ambulance where he was evaluated and released later in the day.

The cruiser sustained damage to the front passenger wheel and chassis in the same area. It will be taken out of service for repairs. No other vehicles were involved in the crash.

The roadway was reported to be wet from recent rains at the time of the crash. The crash will be investigated by Merrimac Police.

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Merrimac Police Investigating Bitcoin Scam, Theft of $28,000, and Warning Community to Use Caution

MERRIMAC — Police Chief Eric M. Shears reports that the Merrimac Police Department is investigating an incident in which a Merrimac resident was scammed out of $28,000, and warning the public about the proliferation of such scams.

On April 27, a 65-year-old Merrimac resident contacted police because she realized she had been scammed out of $28,000.

The resident had been online shopping when she clicked on a link and began receiving warnings that claimed to be scam alerts, which told her to call a specific phone number.

Upon calling the number, the resident was told to download an application, that funds had been mistakenly transferred to her bank account, and that she needed to contact her bank to make arrangements to correct the error. It is believed the application that the resident was told to download enabled the scammers to access the resident’s personal information, which was then used to further the scam.

Via a series of telephone calls that were spoofed to make it appear as if the resident was dealing with her actual bank, the scammers then convinced the resident to withdraw money from her bank account and then go to a nearby Bitcoin ATM and deposit a total of $28,000 to correct the alleged bank error.

It was only later that the resident realized she had fallen victim to a scam and contacted Merrimac Police.

“Scams like these are tragic because they target and take advantage of elderly residents, who often have limited income and rely on their savings,” said Chief Shears. “A key point to remember when trying to protect yourself against such scams is that few legitimate businesses will have you send payment via bitcoin, gift cards or money transfer.”

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) offers the following four signs to help people recognize possible scams:

  • Scammers pretend to be from an organization you know. They might use a real name, like the Social Security Administration, the IRS, or Medicare, or make up a name that sounds official. Some pretend to be from a business you know, like a utility company, a tech company, or even a charity asking for donations.
  • Scammers say there’s a problem or prize. They might say you’re in trouble with the government, that you owe money, that someone in your family had an emergency, or that there’s a virus on your computer. Some scammers say there’s a problem with one of your accounts and that you need to verify some information. Others will lie and say you won money in a lottery or sweepstakes but have to pay a fee to get it.
  • Scammers pressure you to act immediately. They might tell you not to hang up so you can’t check out their story. They might threaten to arrest you, sue you, take away your driver’s or business license, or deport you. They might say your computer is about to be corrupted.
  • Scammers tell you to pay in a specific way. They often insist that you pay by sending money through bitcoin, a money transfer company or by putting money on a gift card and then giving them the number on the back. Some will send you a check (that will later turn out to be fake), tell you to deposit it, and then send them money.

The FTC also recommends that if you get an email or text message from a company you do business with and you think it’s real, it’s still best not to click on any links. Instead, contact them using a website you know is trustworthy, or look up their phone number. Don’t call a number they gave you or the number from your caller ID.

“Scams like these are becoming increasingly complex, but one common part of such scams is that they seek to pressure people into quickly sending payments,” said Detective Stephen Beaulieu. “We encourage anyone receiving these types of calls or communications to slow down, take a deep breath, and reach out to friends, family members, or Merrimac Police for advice on what next steps should be.”

Residents who believe they may have fallen victim to such a scam, or who believe they may be communicating with would-be scammers, are encouraged to contact the Merrimac Police Department at 978-346-8321.

Man Sentences to 22 years in state prison for Raping and Kidnapping Elderly Merrimac Woman

Originally distributed by the Essex District Attorney’s Office:

A 51-year old Merrimac man admitted that he broke into a 74-year old woman’s home and repeatedly raped her last July.  Judge Thomas Drechsler sentenced him to 22 years in state prison followed by three years of probation.

William Raia pleaded guilty to Aggravated Kidnapping, Armed Assault in a Dwelling, Aggravated Rape (3 counts), Assault to Rape, Strangulation, Assault & Battery with a Dangerous Weapon on a person over 60 (2 counts), Assault & Battery on a person over 60, causing injury and Breaking and Entering in the Nighttime causing Fear.  While on probation, Raia was ordered to comply with the Sex Offender Registry Board, seek and complete Substance Abuse and Sex Offender Treatment, and stay away from and have no contact with the victim.  He is required to wear a GPS monitoring device for the first year of probation.

Essex Assistant District Attorney Kate MacDougall requested a 30 to 40-year sentence stating, “Were it not for the victim’s presence of mind and courage, this would have been a homicide.  This was a made-for-TV horrifying attack in the night.  The victim not only was able to escape, saving her life, but she also was able to direct law enforcement to key evidence that aided in identifying her attacker.”

Had the case gone to trial, ADA MacDougall would have introduced evidence that would have proven that on July 3, 2021, a 74-year old woman was woke up in her Merrimac home to the defendant standing over her.  He immediately began to attack her sexually and physically.  The defendant made statements that made her believe that he had been watching her for some time and was familiar with her routines.  At one point the defendant smoked a cigarette and drank a beer.  The victim noted where he left the cigarette butt.  When his back was turned, she fled naked out of the house, into the pouring rain, to her neighbor’s house.

Responding officers located the beer can and the cigarette butt, as well as an “old-fashioned” flip phone that was registered to the defendant’s wife.  After submitting the rape kit, beer can and cigarette butt to the MSP Crime Lab for analysis, a clear Y (male) profile was found in the rape kit and a complete profile on the beer can.  Merrimac Police detectives surveilled the defendant and were able to collect the butt of a cigarette that they observed him smoke.  The DNA on that cigarette butt matched the DNA that had already been analyzed.

“This outcome cannot restore the peace of mind that the defendant so callously took from this brave woman,” Essex District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett said.  “I am hopeful that not having to endure a trial and the resolution of the case, will provide her with some peace.”

“This defendant not only committed despicable acts against the victim, he also shattered the sense of security in our entire community,” Merrimac Police Chief Eric Shears said.  “I am grateful for the collaborative efforts of the Massachusetts State Police detectives, Crime Lab and the Essex DA’s Office along with our entire department in solving this case quickly.”

ADA MacDougall praised the efforts of Merrimac Police Sergeant Steve Ringuette and Detective Steve Beaulieu, Massachusetts State Police Trooper Thomas Sullivan and the Massachusetts State Police Crime Lab in solving this case.  She was also assisted by Essex Victim Advocate Maria Arroyo-Long.

Merrimac Police Department Offers Back-to-School Roadway Safety Tips for Students and Motorists

MERRIMAC — Chief Eric M. Shears and the Merrimac Police Department would like to offer students, parents and motorists several important back-to-school safety tips as students prepare to return to school.

The Pentucket Regional School District returns to school on Tuesday, Sept. 6. Motorists should expect increased traffic volume around all district schools next week as students are dropped off in the morning and picked up in the afternoon.

Merrimac Police would like to share the following tips to help facilitate a safe start to the school year, from the National Safety Council (NSC).

Traveling to and from School

Walking to school:

  • Walk on the sidewalk whenever possible. When on a street with no sidewalk, walk facing traffic.
  • Before crossing the street, stop and look left, right and left again to see if cars are coming.
  • Make eye contact with drivers before crossing the street and always cross streets at crosswalks or intersections.
  • Stay alert and avoid distracted walking. Never walk while texting. If you need to respond to a text, move out of the way of others and stop on the sidewalk. Never cross the street while using an electronic device. Do not wear earbuds while walking across the street.

Riding a bike to school:

  • Ride on the right side of the road in the same direction as traffic, and in single file.
  • Come to a complete stop before crossing the street, and walk bikes across the street.
  • Stay alert and avoid distracted riding.
  • Always wear a properly fitted helmet and bright-colored clothing.
  • Helmets appropriate for bicycling should be worn by everyone – adults and children – on every bike ride regardless of the length of the ride.

Riding the bus to school:

  • Go to the bus stop with your child to teach them the proper way to get on and off the bus.
  • Teach your children to stand 6 feet (or three giant steps) away from the curb.
  • If your child must cross the street in front of the bus, teach him or her to walk on the side of the road until they are 10 feet ahead of the bus. Your child and the bus driver should always be able to see each other.

Safety Tips for Motorists

It is important that motorists be alert while driving, especially in school zones, near playgrounds and parks, and in residential areas.

  • Stay alert and avoid distracted driving.
  • In a school zone when flashers are blinking, stop and yield to pedestrians crossing the crosswalk or intersection. Always stop for a school patrol officer or crossing guard holding up a stop sign.
  • Never pass a bus from behind – or from either direction if you’re on an undivided road – if it is stopped to load or unload children. If the yellow or red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended, traffic must stop. It is illegal in all 50 states to pass a school bus that is stopped to load or unload children.
  • The area 10 feet around a school bus is the most dangerous for children. Stop far enough back to allow them space to safely enter and exit the bus.
  • Drivers who are dropping students off at school should obey school zone speed limits and follow the school’s drop-off procedures.
  • Don’t block the crosswalk when stopped at a red light or while waiting to make a turn. This forces pedestrians to go around you, which could put them in the path of moving traffic. 
  • Make eye contact with pedestrians who are crossing the street.
  • Don’t honk or rev your engine to scare a pedestrian, even if you have the right of way.
  • Never pass a vehicle stopped for pedestrians.
  • If you’re driving behind a bus, allow a greater following distance than if you were driving behind a car.
  • When passing a bicyclist, proceed in the same direction slowly, and leave 3 feet between your car and the cyclist.
  • A common cause of a collision is a driver turning left in front of a bicyclist. Watch for bike riders turning in front of you without looking or signaling – children especially have a tendency to do this.
  • Watch for bikes coming from driveways or behind parked cars.

Teen Drivers

  • According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2019, over 40% of U.S. high school students did not always wear a seat belt when riding in a car driven by someone else. Ensure your teen understands that every person in a vehicle should be buckled up, no matter where they are sitting or how long the trip. 
  • Teens often crash because they are inexperienced. Have regular conversations with your teen about safe driving practices and laws to ensure they understand the rules of the road.
  • Set a good example by driving the way you want your teen to drive. 
  • Learn more about keeping teen drivers safe here.

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Merrimac Police Department Commemorating National Police Week, Peace Officers Memorial Day

MERRIMAC — Chief Eric Shears and the Merrimac Police Department are honoring law enforcement officers across the country during National Police Week. 

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week in which May 15 falls as National Police Week. It was established by a joint resolution of Congress in the same year and honors law enforcement officers across the country, paying special recognition to those who have lost their lives in the line of duty. 

In honor of Peace Officers Memorial Day on Sunday, May 15, Merrimac Police will join agencies nationwide in flying its flags at half-staff to honor officers who have given their lives in service to their communities.

“I want to recognize the members of our department and the great work they do each and every day,” said Chief Shears. “Their effort and commitment to upholding the best policing practices does not go unnoticed. I also want to extend my deepest condolences to families who have lost an officer in the line of duty, we as a department salute their service.”

According to the Officer Down Memorial Page, there were 617 law enforcement line of duty deaths in the U.S. in 2021, 439 of which are attributed to COVID-19. So far in 2022, 105 line of duty deaths have been recorded. 

Each year, hundreds of names of officers killed in the line of duty are engraved on the walls of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C., and the names are read aloud during a Candlelight Vigil. This year, the names of 619 fallen officers were added to the Memorial, including 472 officers who died in 2021 and an additional 147 officers who died in years before 2021. The 34th Annual Candlelight Vigil will take place on Friday, May 13.

Thousands of law enforcement officers from around the world gather in Washington, D.C. during National Police Week to pay their respects to fallen officers through a number of scheduled events. The week also honors the family members, friends and fellow officers of fallen officers.

Merrimac Police and Fire Departments Share Tips During National 911 Education Month

MERRIMAC — The Merrimac Police Department and the Merrimac Fire Department would like to share guidelines and recommendations to best access help in the midst of an emergency during National 911 Education Month.

According to the National Emergency Number Association, around 240 million 911 calls are made annually. National 911 Education Month is recognized across the country to conduct outreach and inform community members on emergency protocols and resources.

In order to make sure residents are able to receive help in an emergency, Merrimac Police and Fire are providing the following safety tips from the National Association of State 911 Administrators (NASNA) and the Federal Communications Commission:

Text-to-911

Text-to-911 is the ability to send a text message to reach 911 emergency call takers from your mobile phone or device. However, because voice calls to 911 provide more information to 911 call centers, you should always make a voice call to 911 during an emergency whenever possible.

Text-to-911 is only currently available in certain locations. The FCC encourages emergency call centers to begin accepting texts, but it is up to each call center to decide the particular method in which to implement and deploy text-to-911 technology.

For more information on Text-to-911, click here.

Know Your Location

With wireless calls, 911 operators can locate callers, but more information may be needed in order for emergency services to find exact locations. Be prepared to provide detailed information on your location to assist the 911 operator.

Stay Calm and Don’t Hang Up

Unless instructed to do otherwise, you should stay on the line when calling 9-1-1 in order to provide necessary information to the operator. Even if you accidentally dial 9-1-1, you should stay on the line and inform the operator that there is no emergency and that you did not mean to call. While on the phone, please answer the telecommunicator’s questions. They are trying to determine whether or not there is an emergency or if someone is in need of assistance.

In order to learn more about NASNA and its efforts to improve emergency response through supporting 911 education and awareness, click here.

About National 911 Education Month

April is designated as National 911 Education Month, recognized by the United States Congress in 2008. According to NASNA, it aims to support the efforts of the National 911 Education Coalition through the promotion of resources and materials that help to educate about the optimal use of 911 services across the country. 

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Merrimac Police and Fire Departments Invite Community to Easter Bunny Ride

MERRIMAC – Police Chief Eric M. Shears and Fire Chief Larry S. Fisher are pleased to share that Merrimac Police, Fire and the Santa Committee will escort the Easter Bunny around town on Saturday.

WHEN: 

Saturday, April 16, starting at noon

WHERE:

The Easter Bunny will begin and end the tour at the Fire Station, 16 East Main St., in two shifts.

The tour will follow the route of the 2021 Merrimac Santa Parade, subject to weather and road conditions. A list of the streets that the Easter Bunny will visit can be found here.

A GPS tracking device will track the Easter Bunny’s path across town. Community members can follow the route here.

WHAT:

The Easter Bunny, joined by first responders, will tour Merrimac’s streets and wave to residents.

“This is a great way to celebrate the Easter season,” Chief Fisher said. “We encourage residents to come out on Saturday to wave or take a photo of the Easter Bunny as the parade passes by.”

The event is sponsored by the Police and Fire Departments and the Merrimac Santa Committee.

“Please join us as we welcome the Easter Bunny back to the streets of Merrimac this year,” Chief Shears said. “This event would not have been possible without the dedication of our first responders and the Merrimac Santa Committee. We thank them all for organizing this festive event.”

Help the Santa Committee:

The Merrimac Santa Committee needs to raise more than $16,000 each year for the annual Christmas parade and to support Santa’s Christmas Eve route through the streets of Merrimac. Your donation of any amount will help keep these traditions in the present format.

Donations are accepted year-round at the Merrimac Light Department or Merrimac Santa Committee, P.O. Box 131, Merrimac, MA 01860.

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*Media Advisory* Merrimac Police, Fire and Santa Committee to Hold Annual Christmas Eve Santa Ride

MERRIMAC – Police Chief Eric M. Shears and Fire Chief Larry S. Fisher are pleased to share that Merrimac Police, Fire and Santa Committee will escort Santa Claus around town tomorrow for the annual Christmas Eve Santa Ride.

WHEN: 

Friday, Dec. 24, starting at 3:30 p.m.

WHERE:

Santa will begin and end his tour at the Fire Station, 16 East Main St., in two shifts. A list of the streets that Santa will visit can be found here.

A GPS tracking device will be placed on Santa’s sleigh so that community members can follow Santa’s route on merrimacpolice.org. The link to track Santa will be posted on the day of the event.

WHAT:

Santa, joined by first responders, will tour all of Merrimac’s streets and wave to residents. The event is sponsored by the Police and Fire Departments and the Merrimac Santa Committee.

“We are thrilled to have Santa Claus visit Merrimac again this year to celebrate the holiday season,” Chief Fisher said. “We encourage residents to come out and wave to Santa as he passes by.”

“This event has become a beloved tradition in Merrimac and is something that residents look forward to every year,” Chief Shears said. “Thank you to the hardworking members of both departments and the Santa Committee for organizing this wonderful event once again.”

Help the Santa Committee:

The Merrimac Santa Committee needs to raise more than $16,000 each year for the annual Christmas parade and to support Santa’s Christmas Eve route through the streets of Merrimac. Your donation of any amount will help keep these traditions in the present format.

Donations are accepted year-round at the Merrimac Light Department or Merrimac Santa Committee, P.O. Box 131, Merrimac, MA 01860.

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Merrimac Police, Fire and Library Invite Community to ‘Bringing Our Heroes Home’ Event in Honor of Veterans Day

MERRIMAC – Police Chief Eric M. Shears, Fire Chief Larry S. Fisher and Library Director Kelly Unsworth invite the public to attend the virtual “Bringing Our Heroes Home” event in honor of Veterans Day.

WHEN

Wednesday, Nov. 10, from 7-8 p.m.

WHERE

Virtual. To register for the event, please click here or use the QR code below.

WHAT

The “Bringing Our Heroes Home” event, hosted by Merrimac Public Library, is being held in conjunction with the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA). It is open to all members of the public ages 18 and up.

Forensic Anthropologist Traci Van Deest will talk about DPAA’s mission of finding and identifying the remains of missing U.S. service members and providing the fullest possible accounting for missing personnel and their families.

“We wanted to find a meaningful way to commemorate Veterans Day, and we feel that this is the perfect way to do so. It’s important that veterans, their families and residents know that work to bring our fallen and missing service personnel home continues long after wars end,” Youth Services Librarian/Adult Programming Coordinator Tracy Shaw said.  “We hope that the community will join us to learn more about this organization and the amazing work that they do every day.”

Van Deest will share her field experience as one of the many dedicated investigators who travel the world looking for the missing.

“Many veterans choose to continue dedicating their lives to public service as police officers and firefighters, and Merrimac Fire and Police would like to show our support for them, all other veterans and the good work that DPAA does,” Chief Fisher said. “We want every veteran to know that their missing brothers and sisters in uniform are not and will not be forgotten.”

The event will conclude with a question-and-answer session.

“Please join us next month for this event in recognition of Veterans Day and the heroes who gave their lives to protect our country. It will be a thought-provoking experience,” Chief Shears said.

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*MEDIA ADVISORY* Merrimac Police Invite Community to Open House at New Station

MERRIMAC — Chief Eric Shears invites community members to tour the Merrimac Police Department’s new station during an open house this weekend.

WHEN:

Sunday, Oct. 24, 12 to 4 p.m.

WHERE:

Merrimac Police Department, 2 Jana Way

WHAT:

The open house will be an opportunity for the community to view Merrimac Police’s new state-of-the-art facility. Department members will be available to give tours.

The event will feature coffee and hot chocolate provided by Kenoza Vending, as well as snacks from Five Daughters Catering.

“Welcoming the community and local organizations to our new station is something that we have wanted to do for a very long time,” Chief Shears said. “It is because of their support that we have such an amazing, modern place to call home. We invite residents to stop by on Sunday, take a tour and get to know our officers a little better.”

Numerous local organizations, including Somebody Cares New England, Merrimac Senior Center and more, will take part to connect the community to local resources. The open house also recognizes National Faith & Blue Weekend (NFBW); Riverside Church and Renaissance City Church will attend to help strengthen connections among the community, law enforcement and houses of worship.

Merrimac Police officially began operating out of the new station in August 2020, but were unable to welcome the public to an open house due to COVID-19 concerns.

About National Faith & Blue Weekend

The mission of National Faith and Blue Weekend, which was held Oct. 9-12, is to facilitate safer and stronger communities by engaging law enforcement officers and local residents through the connections of houses of worship.

NFBW is an extension of the One Congregation One Precinct initiative (OneCOP), a program of MovementForward, Inc. which is a solutions-focused, human & civil rights organization based in Atlanta, Georgia. The OneCOP initiative pairs officers at the beat or precinct level with local houses of worship. Similarly, NFBW is facilitated by law enforcement entities, faith-based organizations and the community.

NFBW organizers represent every major national law enforcement group and faith tradition in the United States of America. The effort is being co-convened by OneCOP and the USDOJ Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) to organize the most collaborative police-community engagement project in recent history.

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