Crime

Heavy Police Presence Converges on Plaistow Home After Break-In

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(Additional photograph below.)

Updated: Police Chief John J. Santoro confirms there were no arrests Friday contrary to social media posts. A heavy contingent of Plaistow, N.H., Police and the Southern New Hampshire Special Operations Unit converged Friday morning on a vacant Maple Avenue home where guns were previously stored, after two people were detected by a remote home security camera. Plaistow Police said in a statement dispatchers received a call around 8:30 a.m. for a report of a break-in at 8 Maple Ave. They said the homeowner learned of the break-in by her security camera. Police said officers quickly blocked off the area and alerted surrounding residents to shelter in place.

Crime

Byrne Justice Assistance Grants Go to Methuen, North Andover, West Newbury and Others

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Police departments in area cities and towns are receiving federal grants to address “unmet public safety priorities.”

The Edward J. Byrne Justice Assistance Grants, awarded by the U.S. Justice Department and administered by the state, pay for strategies to stem drug use, human trafficking, domestic violence, sexual assault, gang and gun violence, missing person cases and hate crimes. Additional priorities may include technology upgrades, investigative tools and protective gear, school safety and security and efforts to advance racial equity and support underserved communities. Grants awarded locally are Lawrence, $50,000; Merrimac $49,528; Methuen, $49,550; North Andover, $36,476; and West Newbury, $30,876. Gov. Maura Healey said “This program allows towns and cities to identify their most pressing needs and direct funding to address those challenges. The ability of local public safety leaders to guide funds toward priority safety initiatives encourages a holistic approach to improving safety in communities with diverse needs.”

Crime

Police Arrest 18-Year-Old Lawrence Man in New York in Connection with Murder

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The 18-year-old Lawrence man wanted in connection with a Worcester murder was arrested Thursday in New York. The office of Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr. said Kevin Rodriguez was arrested without incident on a warrant, charging him with unlawful possession of a firearm and armed assault with intent to murder. Early’s office said Sunday two men were found with gunshot wounds around 2:30 a.m., Saturday, on the Worcester State University campus. Both were taken to area hospitals and a 19-year-old died from his injuries. The second victim, a 21-year-old man, appears to have non-life-threatening injuries.

Crime

Feds Charge Haverhill Man, 27, With Alleged Cocaine Dealing and Ghost Gun Sales

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A 27-year-old Haverhill man was one of two arrested Thursday in connection with dealing in cocaine and illegal firearms—including alleged ghost guns—in and around the Boston area. Cordell Miller of Haverhill and 32-year-old Malcolm Desir of Brockton were each charged with distribution of and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and conspiracy to do the same, being a felon in possession of a firearm and firearms trafficking. They were arrested and detained following an appearance in federal court. According to court documents, Miller was identified as a firearms and ammunition trafficker in the metro Boston area. Over a three-month investigation beginning last August, Miller allegedly sold several firearms to a cooperating witness during controlled purchases and offered to sell distribution weight cocaine.

Crime

51-Year-Old Haverhill Man Faces Extradition in Connection with 2016 Conway, N.H., Murder

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A 51-year-old Haverhill man is expected to face extradition to New Hampshire after being arrested in connection with a previously unresolved murder more than seven years ago. A warrant was issued for Robert Dowling, charging him with second degree murder for the alleged killing of 64-year-old David Bruce Goodwin in Conway, N.H.

“Mr. Goodwin was attacked inside his living space at the Conway Valley Inn in Conway, N.H., on May 15, 2016, and passed away two days later. The cause of Mr. Goodwin’s death was blunt force trauma to the head, and the manner of his death was homicide,” read a statement from New Hampshire Attorney General John M. Formella, State Police Colonel Mark B. Hall and Conway Police Chief Christopher J. Mattei. They said a collaborative effort involving the New Hampshire Cold Case Unit working with the State Police Major Crime Unit led to the arrest. Dowling was arrested in Massachusetts and charged with being a fugitive from justice.

Crime

Police Looking for 18-Year-Old Lawrence Man After Weekend Murder in Worcester

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Police are searching for an 18-year-old Lawrence resident wanted in connection with a Worcester murder at Worcester State University. The office of Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr. said two men were found with gunshot wounds around 2:30 a.m., Saturday, on the Worcester campus. Both were taken to area hospitals and a 19-year-old died from his injuries. The second victim, a 21-year-old man, appears to have non-life-threatening injuries. Rodriguez last lived in Lawrence.

Crime

Judge Sends 54-Year-Old Haverhill Man to Prison Two Years for Failing to File as Sex Offender

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A 54-year-old Haverhill man was sentenced Tuesday to two years in prison and five years of supervised release for failing to register as a sex offender when he moved from the city to Fryeburg, Maine. Frank Boyd was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge William G. Young. Boyd pleaded guilty March 27, to failure to register as a sex offender in violation of the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act. He was charged in a complaint during August of 2022 and later indicted a month later by a federal grand jury. Boyd has remained in state custody on unrelated charges since his arrest in July 2022.