Crime

Lawrence Man, Shot by Haverhill Police Last Month, Faces Charges Related to Striking Officers with Car

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A 26-year-old, shot by a Haverhill detective last month after he allegedly drove into police officers conducting an investigation, is scheduled to return in January to both Haverhill and Lawrence District Courts. Records show Christopher Roque-Joaquin of Lawrence was arraigned in Haverhill District Court Dec. 11, nearly a month after he allegedly tried to run down Haverhill police officers who conducting an investigation at the Main Street McDonald’s in Haverhill. He will appear during a pre-trial hearing Jan. 21 before Judge Cesar A. Archilla in Haverhill District Court on such charges as six counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, assault with a dangerous weapon, leaving the scene of property damage, driving under influence of drugs, failure to stop for police, possession of a class A drug, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, driving after suspended of license and registration, driving an uninsured motor vehicle and larceny under $1,200.

Crime

New Hampshire State Police Says Aircraft Clocked 20 I-93 Drivers Traveling Faster Than 90 MPH

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New Hampshire State Police said its aircraft observed this week 52 drivers violating traffic laws along Interstate 93 north in Salem, N.H., with drivers some traveling faster than 100 miles per hour

Police reported no arrests Dec. 23 by the State Police Special Enforcement Unit, but said violations included speeding, distracted driving, following too closely and reckless driving. Twenty drivers were seen traveling 90 miles per hour or greater and five were driving recklessly and traveling faster than 100 miles per hour. It warned, troopers will continue to conduct traffic enforcement to reduce speeds, prevent serious crashes and ensure the safety of residents and visitors this holiday season. New Hampshire State Police reminded drivers minimum penalties for reckless driving include a fine of $620 with an additional mandatory penalty assessment and a 60-day loss of driver’s licenses.

Crime

Lawrence Man to Serve Up to 26 Years for Shooting Death; Same Sentence as Haverhill Offender

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A 23-year-old Lawrence man was ordered to serve 22 to 26 years in state prison after pleading guilty Thursday in Salem Superior Court to charges related to the shooting death of a 26-year-old and wounding of two others. Miguel Angel Vega Rodriguez was sentenced by Judge Camille F. Sarrouf Jr. to serve 22 to 26 years in state prison on charges of voluntary manslaughter, two counts of armed assault to murder, two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury and carrying a firearm without a license. Last year, a second man charged in the same case, 27-year-old Hector Baez of Haverhill also pled guilty and received an identical sentence from Judge Janice W. Howe. “Following this guilty plea, Miguel Vega Rodriguez will now face the consequences for his terrible actions,” said Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker. “I greatly appreciate all those who have worked diligently on this case.

Crime

Federal Judge Sentences Methuen Man to Six Years in Prison for Methamphetamine Dealing

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A 30-year-old Methuen man was sentenced to six years in federal prison for distributing methamphetamine in New Hampshire. Leuris Xavier Guerrero Valdez was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Landya McCafferty to 72 months in prison and three years of supervised release. According to U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young. “Methamphetamine, a dangerous and highly addictive drug, wreaks havoc on public health and safety,” said Young. “Individuals like the defendant who profit from poisoning our communities will be held accountable.

Crime

State Awards Haverhill, Lawrence and Methuen Money to Fight Youth and Gang Violence

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Haverhill, Lawrence and Methuen were formally awarded state grants Wednesday to help reduce youth and gang-related violence. Haverhill and Methuen will share $310,466 from the Charles E. Shannon Jr. Community Safety Initiative, while Lawrence will receive $299,866. “Preventing violence among young people is critical to ensuring the future wellbeing of our youth and the safety of our communities,” said Gov. Maura T. Healey in a statement. “This work requires collaboration among law enforcement, state and local officials, youth-serving nonprofits and research partners to help ensure funds have the greatest positive impact.”

The state grant program awards money yearly to support regional, multi-disciplinary program sites that take collaborative and evidence-based approaches to reduce youth and gang violence. The funds are managed and administered by the Office of Grants and Research (OGR).

Crime

North Andover Man Pleads Guilty to Being a Felon with Guns and Explosives; Connected to July Blast

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A 64-year-old North Andover man, connected with an explosion this past summer, pleaded guilty Wednesday in federal court to possessing more than 30 firearms and explosives as a convicted felon. Daniel Medina pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a machine gun, unlawful possession of explosives and as a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition. U.S. District Court Judge Patti B. Saris scheduled sentencing for April 3. Medina was charged in October by criminal complaint. Prosecutors say police were sent July 1 to the area of Medina’s North Andover home after receiving a report of an explosion.

Crime

Methuen Police Arrest Salem, N.H., Man, 36, on Alleged Drug, Gun and Driving Offenses

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A 36-year-old Salem, N.H., man faces drug and gun charges following an investigation by Methuen Police Department’s Street Crimes Unit. Edward Cieslik was arrested Tuesday by police for alleged possession of fentanyl and cocaine, possession of a firearm and ammunition without firearms identification or license to carry cards, improper storage of a firearm, unattended ammunition, motor vehicle equipment violation and unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Methuen Police Chief Scott J. McNamara said in a release Thursday that police were conducting surveillance in the area of Swan and Prospect streets, which he called, “a high-crime area that is known for drug activity.” After officers saw what they believed to be a drug transaction, they pulled over a car driven by Cieslik. The chief added officers found narcotics, drug paraphernalia and a loaded Desert Eagle .45 caliber firearm with hollow-point ammunition and Cieslik was arrested. He was arraigned Wednesday in Lawrence District Court.

Crime

No Injuries in Three-Hour Methuen Standoff; Failed State Law Prevents Release of Name

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Police said there were no injuries during a three-hour standoff that began Wednesday afternoon with a person who had barricaded himself inside a Methuen home. Methuen Police Chief Scott J. McNamara said police discovered the unnamed person had apparently barricaded himself inside a Huntington Avenue home when police were dispatched there around 3:40 p.m. Police said the person was “sought in connection with the investigation.”

Police established a perimeter around the home and called for assistance from the Northeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council, or NEMLEC, SWAT team, which includes specially trained negotiators. At about 6:45 p.m., the person surrendered without further incident to members of the SWAT team. McNamara ‘s release said one of the legislature’s secrecy laws prevents police from immediately releasing any names. The particular law—the Domestic Violence Act of 2014—has been widely criticized since its adoption for its unintended effect of protecting perpetrators rather than victims.