Crime

Man, 36, Takes Own Life After Barricading Himself, Shooting at Police at North Andover Home

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An armed gunman, described as having “a mental health episode,” took his own life last night after barricading himself at a North Andover home. North Andover Police said in a press release this morning the 36-year-old man, whose identity was not officially released, fired at a police cruiser, injuring an officer who was struck in the head with metal shards. The officer, also unnamed, was taken to Lawrence General Hospital where he was treated and released. Police said they first received an emergency 9-1-1 call just before 10 p.m. from the Waverley Road home from a family member, reporting the situation and notifying officials the man was armed. Nearby residents were advised to shelter in place.

Community Spotlight

Plaistow Police Inspect, Install Car Safety Seats Friday

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The Plaistow Public Library and Plaistow Police Department are helping drivers keep their youngest passengers safe. Trained and certified child safety seat technicians from the Plaistow Police Department will staff a checkpoint at the Plaistow Public Library to inspect the safety devices in local operators’ cars. For those having trouble safely installing the seats, the same trained personnel will lend a hand to make sure they are installed properly. The Car Seat Safety Checkup takes place on Friday, April 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Plaistow Public Library, 85 Main St., Plaistow, N.H.

Region

Plaistow, N.H., Team Effort Proves Successful in Rescuing Duckling From Sewer

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A joint effort of Plaistow, N.H., first responders rescued several ducklings this past Monday that took a wrong turn and became trapped in a Plaistow Road sewer. Plaistow Fire Chief Chris Knutsen told WHAV his department was able to provide Animal Control Officer Maura Wentworth with seven personnel and equipment to help recover the wayward flock from a storm drain system on Route 125. “In all, three different storm drains were accessed. We were able to recover all but two ducklings. Unfortunately, they ran into small drainage pipes that would not allow us the ability to access them.

Community Spotlight

Friends of Plaistow Rec Stage Musical Laser Show Tonight

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Families looking for a fun activity near the end of New Hampshire’s school vacation week can take in a laser concert. Lasermania, by Prismatic Magic, will feature current musical hits and colorful lasers that appear to react to the sound. The show is tonight, April 25, from 4 to 5 p.m., at the Timberlane Performing Arts Center, 40 Greenough Road, Plaistow, N.H.

Doors will open at 3:45 p.m., but cash raffle sales will begin at 3:30 p.m. in the lobby. Raffle prizes will be drawn right after the show. Tickets are $8 when bought in advance online or $10 at the door on the day of the show.

Crime

Police Arrest Six, Including 22-Year-Old Methuen Man, For Alleged Theft of $50,000 in Lottery Tickets

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Six people, including a 22-year-old Methuen man, were arrested Wednesday after 121 indictments were handed down related to alleged break-ins at various convenience stores where about $50,000 lottery tickets were stolen. Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker said indictments charged “known” gang members and associates with breaking and entering in the night for felony, larceny in excess of $1,200, larceny from a building, wanton destruction of property over $1,200, receiving stolen property less than $1,200, common and notorious thief, money laundering and improper use of credit card less than $1,200. “These indictments and arrests are a reflection of the tremendous partnerships between state and local agencies and represent how law enforcement and prosecutors from my office work tirelessly and side-by-side to solve and prosecute crimes perpetrated by criminal networks,” Tucker said in a statement. Tucker’s office said it was involved in a three-month, multi-agency effort they called “Operation Smash & Cash” where at least 12 convenience stores throughout Essex and Middlesex counties in Massachusetts and four New Hampshire communities were struck February, March, and April of this year. Search warrants were used in Methuen, Lawrence, Revere, Swampscott and Lynn.

Education

North Andover School Committee to Discuss Placing School Superintendent on Paid Leave

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The North Andover School Committee is scheduled Thursday to discuss placing the school superintendent on paid leave, but an official would not confirm the circumstances giving rise to the item. A new business agenda item referenced two items, “Placing the superintendent on paid administrative leave pursuant to Section D of his employment contract” and “Process for selecting and naming an acting superintendent during the paid leave period.”

North Andover Chair School Committee David Brown told WHAV that he “cannot comment on personnel matters” regarding Superintendent Gregg T. Gilligan. The School Committee meets in public session tomorrow night, 7 p.m., in the Superintendent’s Conference Room, School Administration Building, 566 Main St., North Andover. According to a meeting notice, the School Committee amended its outline at 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, to include the additional items related to the superintendent. Gilligan first became superintendent July 1, 2018.

Region

Groveland, Chesterton Company to Offer Free Small Business Workshop May 15

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The Groveland Economic Development Committee and Chesterton Company are inviting business owners and residents to a free small business workshop featuring a panel of experts discussing how to start, expand, grow and recover businesses. U.S. Small Business Administration Economic Development Specialist Lisa Gonzalez Welch, Northeast SCORE Mentor and Beverly Branch Manager Michael Thompson, and Massachusetts Small Business Development Center Regional Director Nancy Gerardi will discuss opportunities, outreach, loans and more. The workshop takes place Wednesday, May 15, from 10 a.m. to noon, at A.W. Chesterton Company, 860 Salem St., Groveland. Registration takes place online here.

Business Bulletin

Fish to Leave Greater Lawrence Family Health Center; Board Plans Needs Assessment and Search

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Dr. Guy L. Fish, who became president and CEO of Greater Lawrence Family Health Center in 2021, is leaving the position. The Health Center’s board of directors said Tuesday it will assess the organization’s current and future needs and undertake a comprehensive search. In a statement, the board said members “appreciate the leadership Dr. Fish has provided over the last three years, especially as the Health Center navigated the challenges of COVID-19 and the transition from the pandemic, and we thank him for his leadership in the development of our strategic plan and our new Accountable Care Organization partnership.”

Fish succeeded John M. Silva. He previously served as acting CEO of Nextstage Therapeutics, CEO of Cellanyx Diagnostics and was a leader with profit and loss responsibilities for 17 years at the health care strategy consulting firm Fletcher Spaght. Greater Lawrence Family Health Center serves more than 68,000 patients with their primary health care needs at locations in Lawrence, Haverhill and Methuen.