Natick Discusses Public Safety & Violence Prevention at Forum

The Town of Natick organized a panel to discuss areas of public safety and violence and how the town can better prepare for worst case scenarios.

The Lebowitz Meeting Room at the Morse Institute Library was filled to capacity last night as the Town of Natick hosted a Public Safety Forum on Violence Prevention. Selectman Joshua Ostroff organized much of the event and also served as the moderator. "This came about because of questions and concerns," Ostroff said near the beginning of the evening. "We won't get all the answers tonight." This was one of the themes of the evening, as it was often noted that there would likely be follow-up discussions about this subject at different times and places in the coming months. "This is an issue that matters to everyone," Selectman Paul Joseph said. Natick Police Chief James Hicks, State Representative David Linsky (D-Natick), School Committee …

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Police: House Broken Into on Belmore Road

Natick Police Detectives responded to a report of a house broken into via a back window Sunday morning.

Natick Police Detectives responded to a report of a house broken into via a back window Sunday morning at 10:30. The back window of 37 Belmore Rd was broken. This is near Beaver Dam Brook. No other details are available at this time. Natick Patch will update when we learn more.

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Firefighter Hospitalized After Woodland/Juniper Blaze [IMAGE GALLERY]

Thanks to Kent Heacock for these photos of a fire caused by a lightning strike Friday night at the intersection of Woodland Street and Juniper Lane.

A Natick firefighter was still hospitalized this morning after experiencing chest pains at a fire at the intersection of Woodland Street and Juniper Lane Friday night. Just after 6 p.m. Natick Fire Department called a second alarm for a fire at 59 Woodland St., after lightning struck the chimney of the two-story house and ignited the home. Investigators say the family was at home at the time, but was able to get out safely, even as the storm moved over the neighborhood and firefighters raced to the scene, reported NECN. Three people live in the home. The home is currently uninhabitable. A total value of the damage is not available at this time. Special thanks to Kent Heacock for these photos.

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UPDATED: Woodland Street Home Struck by Lightning; Firefighter Take to Hospital

Natick Fire Department has responded to 59 Woodland St, where a 2-story house was struck by lightning; all firefighters have been ordered out of the building.

UPDATE: The heat of the day put a strain on firefighters, and one of them was taken to the hospital for evaluation after experiencing chest pains, reported NECN. Investigators say the family which lives in the house was at home at the time, but was able to get out safely, even as the storm moved over the neighborhood and firefighters raced to the scene, reported NECN. *** UPDATE 6:35 p.m.: All firefighters have been ordered out of the building, according to scanner report. Report ceiling has collapsed. *** UPDATE 6:30 p.m.: Natick Fire command is reporting heavy fire in the home.  *** Just after 6 p.m. Natick Fire Department called a second alarm for a fire at 59 Woodland St. Ladder 1 is one the scene. This is near Juniper Lane. The two-…

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Tool Bandits Take Off With $50K in Materials

Police are seeking the public's help identifying the box truck pictured with this article.

Information provided by Natick Police: Between 1:45 and 3:45 p.m. Saturday, May 26, approximately $40,000 to $50,000 worth of tools and materials were stolen from trailers and construction boxes at 5 Chrysler Rd. The locks were cut using either gas-powered or pneumatic devices. It appears as though at least two individuals were involved. Also, possibly associated, is a small grey sedan (unknown make or model). See attached photo of the suspect's vehicle, a white over red two-toned box truck. Note possible company name on door and above windshield and two roof racks. Anyone that can assist with the identification is asked to contact the Natick Police Department Detective Division at 508-647-9520. You may report anonymously using our Online …

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OMG PD

Oh My: Patient Makes Fashion Statement; Fox Acts 'Out of Character'

We report the odd police-related news from the region.

Mario Kart? A man called Hopkinton Police this week to report that another driver threw trash out of his car window. The caller said he honked his horn, and in return, was given the finger. An officer spoke with the alleged litterbug, who said he had just tossed a banana peel. Unlike the video game Mario Kart, this did not result in any nearby cars spiraling out of control. It's free and comfortable; why wouldn't you wear it? A woman called Milford police to report her daughter was discharged from the hospital, but had gone to a relative's workplace still wearing the hospital gown. She reported her daughter might still be walking around Main Street with the johnny. I know this fox, and he never acts this way. A Northborough resident …

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OMG PD

Oh My: Man Overshares About Lottery Winnings; Coffee Bandit Incarcerated

We share the odd, surprising and silly police news from the region.

This week's round-up of odd police news includes a mysterious creature, a coffee theft and a man who was beaten over a $5 scratch ticket. Even for $500, this assault wouldn't have been worth it. I encourage you to read this full story to follow the complicated series of events that led to a Framingham man being beaten over a $5 winning scratch ticket. In short: a man excitedly shares with some folks in the neighborhood the good news that he has won $500 from a scratch ticket. Man goes to redeem scratch ticket; man learns he won not $500, but $5. Man returns home, is attacked by the people he told he had won; they were looking to take his money.  Ashland drivers bring silliness to Hopkinton. Hopkinton police received a call from neighboring…

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VIDEO: Help Cops Identify Cigarette Thief

A masked man robbed a local gas station of cigarettes; police have footage from the event.

Information submitted by the Natick Police Department. In the early morning hours of April 23, the pictured subject smashed the glass at a local gas station and promptly loaded up on lighters, Marlboro Black, Marlboro Blend 27, Camel Menthol, Camel Crush and Camel Silver cigarettes. During the event, the suspect removed his mask for a period of time. When a cruiser entered the lot, he exited the rear. Several units and a K9 searched the area with negative results. We are hoping the images, clothing and cigarette brands might lead us to a suspect. Anyone that can assist with the identification is asked to contact the Natick Police Department Detective Division at: 508-647-9520. You may report anonymously using the Online Reporting system …

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Police Notes

Arrests: Jury Dury Evasion; Driving on Lawn

The following information was obtained from the Natick Police Department. Where arrests or charges are mentioned, it does not indicate a conviction. Patch prints all arrests.

Tuesday, May 1 1:08 a.m.: Dewayne W. Jones, 24, of 41 Vose St., Framingham, was arrested at the Sunnyside Plaza, 915 Worcester St., and charged on a warrant out of Lowell District Court for failing to appear for jury duty. Wednesday, May 2 11:20 a.m.: Suspicious activity was reported at Brandon School, 27 Winter St. The school had reported a runaway student. Police arrested a 13-year-old, who was charged with disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, malicious destruction of property over $250 and assault and battery on a police officer. 4:25 p.m.: Police received a couple of calls about an erratic operator driving on a lawn on Village Rock Lane. Officers responded and arrested Robert J. Herring, 44, of 63 Charles St., Natick. Herring was …

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