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Southbridge, MA

Alleged Worcester Fugitive Discovered In Northern CT After Unrelated 911 Call: Police Alleged Worcester Fugitive Discovered In Northern CT After Unrelated 911 Call: Police
Alleged Worcester Fugitive Discovered In Northern CT After Unrelated 911 Call: Police A man accused of domestic violence and strangulation in Massachusetts was caught in Connecticut when the cops were called on him for a different reason. The Tolland County incident occurred in the town of Stafford on Friday, April 5, according to Connecticut State Police. On that day, a School Street resident called the authorities on 30-year-old Marcus Lopez to report that he was unwelcome at the home. While police were investigating Lopez, who hails from Stafford, they discovered he had a felony arrest warrant in his name in connection to an alleged domestic assault and strangulation…
Couple Fire Pistol Into Southbridge Neighbor's Bedroom: Police Couple Fire Pistol Into Southbridge Neighbor's Bedroom: Police
Couple Fire Pistol Into Southbridge Neighbor's Bedroom: Police Police say a couple fired a gun from a third-floor apartment in Worcester County into the unit below them, and threw the pistol out of the window to hide the evidence.  Azani Kelley, 19, and Johnathan L. Rogers, both of Soutbridge, were both charged with possession of a large-capacity firearm, possession of a large-capacity magazine, unlawful possession of ammunition, and obstruction of justice, Southbridge police said.  Police were called to an apartment block on Union Street on Monday, Feb. 19, after a bullet shot through the ceiling of a bedroom of a second-story apartment.&nbs…
2 Teens Sparked Fires In Sturbridge, Brookfield, Among Others Using Explosives: Investigators 2 Teens Sparked Fires In Sturbridge, Brookfield, Among Others Using Explosives: Investigators
2 Teens Sparked Fires In Sturbridge, Brookfield, Among Others Using Explosives: Investigators Arson investigators busted two teenagers who they say are responsible for setting multiple fires in Hampden and Worcester counties using explosives.  Nathan Asselin, 19, of Sturbridge, and Camron Lamarche, 19, of Southbridge, are charged with four counts of possession of a destructive device, placing an explosive device, vandalism, and other offenses, the State Fire Marshal said.  Investigators said the duo placed explosive materials in mailboxes and outdoor sites on Town Farm Road in Brookfield, Sturbridge Road in Holland, Boston Road E in Monson, and New Boston Road in Stur…
Study Finds 10 Safest Places To Drive In Mass Study Finds 10 Safest Places To Drive In Mass
Study Finds 10 Safest Places To Drive In Mass Icy roads make driving hard during winter, but a new study revealed the safest places to drive in Mass, with Marblehead taking the top spot. The study by Boston-based Jason Stone Injury Lawyers looked at 218 locations from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation and found places that had at least 500 crashes between 2019 and 2023. Marblehead landed in first place with 1,117 crashes with only one being fatal. Williamstown took the second spot with 603 crashes and 83 of them having non-fatal injuries. The town also has the lowest number of people injured in a crash at 171, according t…
Lawrence Man Charged In Fatal Worcester State University Shooting: DA Lawrence Man Charged In Fatal Worcester State University Shooting: DA
Kevin Rodriguez Charged In Fatal Worcester State U Shooting A Lawrence man has been charged with the killing of a 19-year-old man at Worcester State University in October, authorities announced Thursday, Dec. 21.  Kevin Rodriguez, 18, was indicted on Wednesday and charged with murder, possession of a loaded firearm not at home or work, and possession of a firearm not at home or work, the Worcester County District Attorney said.  US Marshals and Mass State Police tracked Rodriguez down to New York City, where he was arrested last month.  Kevin Rodriquez Worcester County District Attorney's Office Worcester State Uni…
(Updated) Accused Worcester State Shooter Busted In New York: Police (Updated) Accused Worcester State Shooter Busted In New York: Police
(Updated) Accused Worcester State Shooter Busted In New York: Police Update: Kevin Rodriguez, 18, who is accused of a shooting at Worcester State University that killed one and injured another, will soon return to Massachusetts to face charges, authorities said Friday, Nov. 3.  Rodriguez was captured in New York on Thursday and signed a waiver of extradition, meaning he will not fight Bay State officials in bringing him back.   Original: The 18-year-old man police say pulled the trigger and shot two people at Worcester State University on Saturday, Oct. 28, has been arrested in New York City, police announced Thursday.  Kevin Rodriquez, of Lawrence, is cha…
'Wouldn’t Wish This On Anyone': Family Of WSU Victim Speaks Out, Manhunt For Shooter Grows: DA 'Wouldn’t Wish This On Anyone': Family Of WSU Victim Speaks Out, Manhunt For Shooter Grows: DA
'Wouldn’t Wish This On Anyone': Family Of WSU Victim Speaks Out, Manhunt For Shooter Grows: DA The family of Randy Armando Melendez Jr., of Southbridge, who was gunned down following a fight at Worcester State University over the weekend, says he was a loving son and caring friend who had turned 19 just days before he was killed.   Melendez was one of two people shot at the university on Saturday, Oct. 28. The second person was rushed to an area hospital and underwent emergency surgery to save their life, the Worcester District Attorney said. Their name was not released.  Neither of the victims nor the suspect attended Worcester State University. It's unclear why they were on campus…
Donations Flood In For Family Of Worcester Educator Who Died Of Cancer Donations Flood In For Family Of Worcester Educator Who Died Of Cancer
Donations Flood In For Family Of Worcester Educator Who Died Of Cancer Meghan Milonopoulos spent her life helping Worcester's North High School students prepare for their future. She died on Saturday, July 22, of stage IV colon cancer. Now the community she taught wants to help provide for her three young children and support their education. A GoFundMe to start a college fund for McKenna, Mia, and Mathaios Milonopoulos has raised more than $11,000 in just two days. The fundraiser hopes to generate $75,000 for the children's college fund.  Meghan Milonopoulos learned of her cancer diagnosis 18 months ago. Since that day, the North High vice principal focused …
High-Speed Chase Through 4 Towns Ends With Multi-Car Crash In Webster: Police High-Speed Chase Through 4 Towns Ends With Multi-Car Crash In Webster: Police
High-Speed Chase Through 4 Towns Ends With Multi-Car Crash In Webster: Police A wanted woman evaded multiple police traps, drove on a flat tire, and ran several red lights before she crashed into cars and a motorcycle in Worcester County earlier this week, authorities said.  Latihfa Morgan-Day, 27, of Webster in Worcester County, faces several charges, and more could be on the way following her alleged Tuesday, July 11, escape attempt, Webster police said.  The chase began in Brimfield when state troopers spotted Morgan-Day's car and tried to pull her over for outstanding warrants. She is accused of dragging a Uxbridge police officer who tried to arres…
New Update: Missing Boys, 12, Who Took SUV From Southbridge, Found Safe New Update: Missing Boys, 12, Who Took SUV From Southbridge, Found Safe
New Update: Missing Boys, 12, Who Took SUV From Southbridge, Found Safe New update: Police announced Wednesday morning, June 28, that two 12-year-old Massachusetts boys who drove away from home in an SUV have been found safe in New York.  Authorities did not release any further information, including where they were found in New York.  Amari Siders and Zyaire Siders were last seen on Monday, June 26, and in Worcester County were believed to be driving a white Toyota 4Runner Highlander with Massachusetts license plate 4AN622, Southbridge Police said.  Original report: Police in Worcester County are asking for the public's help to find two missi…
Officers Taunted During Southbridge Brawl State Police, Called In To Help Officers Taunted During Southbridge Brawl State Police, Called In To Help
Officers Taunted During Southbridge Brawl State Police, Called In To Help Three people are facing charges following a large group fight in Central Massachusetts this weekend, which required help from State Troopers to de-escalate.  Southbridge Police responded to a report of a large group fighting in the area of Cross Street around 12:16 a.m. on Saturday, June 17, the department said on Facebook.  Upon arrival, officers found a large crowd fighting in the streets and sidewalks. It was apparently the scene time that week that officers responded to a large disturbance in town, police said. PRESS RELEASE Contact; Chief Shane D. Woodson TEL; 508-764-5420 On Sa…
Prostitution Sting: 11 Men Busted Offering To Pay Undercover Springfield Cops For Sex Prostitution Sting: 11 Men Busted Offering To Pay Undercover Springfield Cops For Sex
Prostitution Sting: 11 Men Busted Offering To Pay Undercover Springfield Cops For Sex An undercover prostitution sting in Hampden County earlier this week ended with 11 men being arrested for soliciting sex, authorities said.  Springfield police officers posed as prostitutes on Thursday, June 15, in the High Street area and South End neighborhood, where neighbors had complained of "quality of life" problems such as sex workers and drugs.  The "Anti-John" campaign only lasted about four hours, but police arrested nearly a dozen men on the charge of paying for sexual conduct, Springfield police said.  Those arrested as part of the sting include:  Joel Ot…
Stabbing: Police Bust 3rd Suspect After Multi-Town Chase In Western Mass Stabbing: Police Bust 3rd Suspect After Multi-Town Chase In Western Mass
Stabbing: Police Bust 3rd Suspect After Multi-Town Chase In Western Mass Police in Franklin County arrested a third man in an overnight attack that sent a man to the hospital with a stab wound and had police chasing suspects for hours, authorities said.  Juan Rodriguez, age 31, and Alex Santana, 31, both of Southbridge, were arrested and charged in the overnight attack near the intersection of North Main Street and Oxbow Road early Monday morning, Orange police said. Massachusetts State troopers just before noon arrested a 22-year-old from Longmeadow in the assault, though they haven't released his name yet.  Orange officers received a 911 call around …
IDs Released For Duo Killed In Wrong-Way Crash On Route 20 In Charlton IDs Released For Duo Killed In Wrong-Way Crash On Route 20 In Charlton
IDs Released For Duo Killed In Wrong-Way Crash On Route 20 In Charlton Authorities have identified the two people killed in a wrong-way crash on a major route in Central Massachusetts as Susan Celauro, age 63, of East Norwich, NY and Alexander Owanisian, 35, of Southbridge, MA.  State Troopers responded to the three-vehicle crash on Route 20 at Carroll Hill Road in Charlton just before 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 7, Massachusetts State Police report. The crash closed Route 20 in both directions, according to MassDOT on Twitter. On scene Charlton, Rte 20 at Carroll Hill Rd. Serious mva. Photo recon and crime scene requested. #wcvb pic.twitter.com/zv5CiQZF…
Southbridge High School Student Dies Unexpectedly: School Officials Southbridge High School Student Dies Unexpectedly: School Officials
Southbridge High School Student Dies Unexpectedly: School Officials A Southbridge High School student has died unexpectedly on Friday morning, Oct. 21, school officials said. “Our hearts go out to the family and friends of this student and school community,” Superintendent/Receiver of Southbridge Public Schools Jeffrey Villar said. "It is important to come together as a school community and help each other heal from this tragedy.” The student's name was not released out of respect for the family. Villar said school councilors will be available for students as they navigate this difficult time. No other information was released. 
K9 Chases Down Southbridge Driver Who Fled Scene Of Crash In Region, Police Say K9 Chases Down Southbridge Driver Who Fled Scene Of Crash In Region, Police Say
K9 Chases Down Southbridge Driver Who Fled Scene Of Crash In Region, Police Say A man who fled the scene of a one-vehicle crash was nabbed by K9 officer Drago after a three-mile chase. The incident took place in Tolland County on Wednesday, Oct. 5 in Stafford. According to Connecticut State Police,  troopers from Troop C responded to a report of a one-car motor vehicle collision in the area of Route 190 and Michelec Road.  As they were responding, witnesses reported that the vehicle's driver, identified as Worcester County resident Joseph Marengo, age 32, of, Southbridge, Massachusetts, had fled from the area on foot, allegedly leaving three passengers behin…
Several Lawrence, Southbridge Men Busted In Ring That Mailed 20 Pounds of Cocaine: DEA Several Lawrence, Southbridge Men Busted In Ring That Mailed 20 Pounds of Cocaine: DEA
Several Lawrence, Southbridge Men Busted In Ring That Mailed 20 Pounds of Cocaine: DEA The DEA said they busted a ring of 21 men who trafficked nearly 20 pounds of cocaine into eastern and central Massachusetts through the mail. Federal authorities identified the following men earlier this month and charged them with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with the intent to distribute various weights of fentanyl and cocaine and distribution and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine, the DEA said. Those men were:  Jonathan Pizarro Gonzalez, 30, of Southbridge Isaac Gonzalez, 31, of Southbridge Ismael Maysonet, 40, of Southbridge Nataly Vazquez P…
Woman With A 'Big Heart' ID'd As Victim Of Fatal Car Crash In Sturbridge Woman With A 'Big Heart' ID'd As Victim Of Fatal Car Crash In Sturbridge
Woman With A 'Big Heart' ID'd As Victim Of Fatal Car Crash In Sturbridge Authorities have identified a 62-year-old woman who died after being hit by a car in central Massachusetts as Debra Lavallee of Brimfield.  Lavallee was killed in a crash that happened in the area of 709 Main Street in Sturbridge around 1:20 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 26, according to Sturbridge Police. Initial investigation revealed that a car was going east on Main Street when it veered into the breakdown lane and hit Lavallee, police said. The driver of the vehicle stayed on scene. Lavallee, a Southbridge native, lived in the area for most of her life, according to her obituary.&nbs…
Shrewsbury Woman Injured In Daytime Knife Attack By Familiar Duo Shrewsbury Woman Injured In Daytime Knife Attack By Familiar Duo
Shrewsbury Woman Injured In Daytime Knife Attack By Familiar Duo Two women were arrested after attacking and injuring another woman, who authorities said they knew, with a knife in Central Massachusetts.  Police responded to a report of an assault at 18 Julio Drive in Shrewsbury around 12:13 p.m. on Wednesday, July 20, Shrewsbury Police said on Facebook.  Upon arrival, officers learned two other women attacked the victim with a knife and physically assaulted her. She was taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, police said. Officers later saw a suspected vehicle driving away from the residence and arrested the two assailan…
Loved Ones Honor Victims Of Rollover Crash In Webster Loved Ones Honor Victims Of Rollover Crash In Webster
Loved Ones Honor Victims Of Rollover Crash In Webster The victims of a car crash in Central Massachusetts are being remembered as two bright bright individuals whose lives were taken from them too soon.  Leeha Thompson, age 21, of Southbridge, and Carlos Ortiz-Pomales, age 20, of Framingham, were killed in the crash that happened on I-395 southbound in Webster on Sunday, June 26.  Responding troopers discovered three passengers were ejected from the vehicle and all three, including the driver, were taken to UMass Medical for treatment. Tributes to both victims started surfacing on social media following the incident.  "I love you with all my…
Two Passengers Ejected, Killed In Weekend Rollover Crash In Webster Two Passengers Ejected, Killed In Weekend Rollover Crash In Webster
Two Passengers Ejected, Killed In Weekend Rollover Crash In Webster Two people have died in a rollover crash in Central Massachusetts, authorities said.  Leeha Thompson, age 21, of Southbridge, and Carlos Ortiz-Pomales, age 20, of Framingham, were killed in the Worcester County crash that happened on I-395 southbound in Webster the morning of Sunday, June 26, Massachusetts State Police said.  Responding troopers discovered three passengers were ejected from the vehicle and all three, including the driver, were taken to UMass Medical for treatment.  The crash remains under investigation. 
Worcester County Man Wins $1M Mass Lottery Instant Prize Worcester County Man Wins $1M Mass Lottery Instant Prize
Worcester County Man Wins $1M Mass Lottery Instant Prize Two men in Massachusetts are in a new tax bracket after getting lucky and cashing in winning million-dollar lottery tickets. Worcester County resident Marc St. Laurent, of Southbridge, and Springfield resident Raymond Joyner cashed in winning instant prize after winning in the Massachusetts Lottery. St. Laurent won $1 million on the State Lottery’s “Green & Gold” instant ticket game, while Joyner won on “Diamond Millions.” Both cashed in on Monday, July 12, officials said. 
According to the Massachusetts Lottery, St. Laurent, who purchased his ticket while getting gas for his lawnmowe…
COVID-19: Virus Outbreaks Recorded In 11 School Districts Last Week COVID-19: Virus Outbreaks Recorded In 11 School Districts Last Week
Covid-19: Virus Outbreaks Recorded In 11 School Districts Last Week This past week, 11 Massachusetts public schools experienced COVID-19 outbreaks of 9 or more students and staff coming down with the virus. The largest outbreak was recorded in Leominster. From March 4-10, 21 of the school district’s students (15) and staff (6) reported positive cases. The Massachusetts Department of Secondary and Elementary Education produces weekly reports on positive COVID-19 cases reported in each school district. The Thursday, March 11 report found about 140 school districts - out of more than 350 - had at least one student or staff member test positive for COVID-19. C…
COVID-19: Two 'Red' Central Mass Cities At High Risk, Town-By-Town Trends, Rates COVID-19: Two 'Red' Central Mass Cities At High Risk, Town-By-Town Trends, Rates
Covid-19: Two 'Red' Central Mass Cities At High Risk, Town-By-Town Trends, Rates Keeping with the trend of declining COVID-19 infections, Central Massachusetts has only 2 “red” communities - cities and towns with the highest risk of virus transmission. On Thursday, March 4, Massachusetts unveiled its latest weekly update on COVID-19 incidents by the municipality. Red communities in Central Massachusetts for the week of March 4 are: Blackstone, 26.1 new incidents per 100,000 people, And Clinton, 29,9. Both communities experienced increases in COVID-19 incidents, according to state data. Statewide, the average daily incident rate was 21.3 new cases per 100,000 people…
COVID-19: How Many Miles Will You Travel To Get Vaccinated? Check This Map COVID-19: How Many Miles Will You Travel To Get Vaccinated? Check This Map
Covid-19: How Many Miles Will You Travel To Get Vaccinated? Check This Map A new map of where you can get vaccinated against COVID-19 in Massachusetts shows 20 locations in Central and Western Massachusetts. If you’re eligible to get a vaccine, Mass.gov has created an interactive map of vaccination sites you can use to learn more about the facilities and how to book appointments.  It appears that most people live within 10-12 miles of a vaccination center, but for the more far-flung communities, including North Adams and Sutton, the trek could be 20 miles or more. The closest vaccination center to Williamstown, which is located in the most northwest…
COVID-19: Where Are The Hot Spots? Infection Rates Down In Most Central/Western MA Big Cities COVID-19: Where Are The Hot Spots? Infection Rates Down In Most Central/Western MA Big Cities
Covid-19: Where Are The Hot Spots? Infection Rates Down In Most Central/Western MA Big Cities COVID-19 rates went down in 7 out of 10 of Massachusetts’ largest cities west of I-495. The COVID-19 infection rates per 100,000 people went down in Worcester, Springfield, Chicopee, Leominster, Fitchburg, Amherst, and Shrewsbury, according to town-level data released by Massachusetts’ Department of Public Health on Thursday, Jan. 21. All of these communities, except for Amherst, are in the “red” - meaning they are at the highest risk for the spread of the virus. Amherst is in the yellow category. Massachusetts's color-coded risk system has four levels. They are, from most to least risk, …
Secret Service Executes Search Warrant In Small Central Mass Town Secret Service Executes Search Warrant In Small Central Mass Town
Secret Service Executes Search Warrant In Small Central Mass Town Federal agents and drone technology were deployed in a small Central Massachusetts town on Thursday, Jan. 14, during a busy day for the local police. The intrigue began around 8 a.m. when the U.S. Secret Service, Department of Labor Office of the Inspector General, Central Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council, and the Leicester Police executed a search warrant in the Cherry Valley section of Leicester. Leicester has a population of about 11,000 people. Cherry Valley is on the East side of town near Worcester. Typically, the Department of Labor Office of the Inspector General investigates…
COVID-19: See How Many Students, Staff Have The Virus In Your School District COVID-19: See How Many Students, Staff Have The Virus In Your School District
Covid-19: See How Many Students, Staff Have The Virus In Your School District The school district with the most faculty and staff suffering from COVID-19 is Worcester, according to the most recent COVID-19 tracking data from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Between Dec. 24 and Jan. 6, 12 Worcester School District employees, who had district building access, reported positive COVID-19 cases, said the state’s weekly school-based pandemic tracker. Among the top 10 school districts across Massachusetts with the most faculty and staff reporting COVID-19 infections are Ludlow and Holyoke. Both districts are each reporting 5 fa…
Police Arrest Teen Allegedly Drinking, Driving, And Planning To Sell Marijuana Police Arrest Teen Allegedly Drinking, Driving, And Planning To Sell Marijuana
Police Arrest Teen Allegedly Drinking, Driving, And Planning To Sell Marijuana A 19-year-old allegedly found driving with open beer bottles and marijuana in an unregistered car has been released on $240 cash bail. On Sunday, Dec. 20, around midnight, police stopped a motor vehicle in Dudley. While talking to the driver, Leonardo Hernandez, 19, of Southbridge, police allegedly observed open and unopened beer bottles, police said. Hernandez allegedly confessed to drinking while driving, police said. Upon further investigation, police allegedly found marijuana, 50 plastic baggies, a digital scale, $368 in cash, and other paraphernalia consistent with drug distribution, …
COVID-19: Town-By-Town Rates And Trends, Worcester County, Dec. 18 COVID-19: Town-By-Town Rates And Trends, Worcester County, Dec. 18
Covid-19: Town-By-Town Rates And Trends, Worcester County, Dec. 18 Just over a dozen communities in Worcester County lowered their COVID-19 incident rates since the previous week, according to the most recent state data. On Thursday, Dec. 17, Massachusetts Public Health Department released weekly town-by-town datasets that include how many COVID-19 incidents there are per 100,000 residents - the incident rate. The communities where the rate went down are Chester, Harvard, New Braintree, New Salem, Bolton, Gardner, Southborough, Sutton, West Boylston, Sterling, Hopedale, North Brookfield, and Upton. Of these communities, only 5 are “red” - the state’s highe…
Photos: Fires Sparked In 2 Central Mass Communities Over Weekend Photos: Fires Sparked In 2 Central Mass Communities Over Weekend
Photos: Fires Sparked In 2 Central Mass Communities Over Weekend Fires broke out in two Central Massachusetts communities over the weekend. From Saturday, Dec. 5 through Sunday, Dec. 6, firefighters responded to blazes in Southbridge and West Boylston. In both cases, mutual aid responded, including firefighters from Holden, Dudley, and Boylston. SOUTHBRIDGE The fast-spreading fire broke out sometime around 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 6, the town’s Fire Department said. The three-alarm fire was at 15 Dennison Lane, a residential structure. The flames spread quickly due to there being 2 venting 20 lb. propane cylinders involved in the fire, firefighte…