Region

Man Dies Saturday in Plaistow, N.H., After Tree Cutting Accident 30 Feet in the Air

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A man was killed late Saturday morning in Plaistow, N.H., after apparently being struck while using a rented bucket lift to remove a large tree entangled with vines. Plaistow Emergency Communications Center received an emergency 911 call just after 11:30 a.m., Saturday, that the man “appeared to be injured and was not responsive.” Plaistow Fire/Rescue and Paramedics arrived within at 233 Oakridge Road, Plaistow, just under four minutes of dispatch and found the unidentified man up approximately 30 feet in a boom lift. “The patient was slumped over in the boom basket, bleeding and not responsive,” according to a press release issued by Fire Chief Chris Knutsen. What was called “a technical rescue” was initiated and Haverhill Fire Department sent a ladder truck to assist. The boom arm near the basket appeared to have been damaged and electronic override controls were not working. The chief said a representative from the rental company “quickly arrived on the scene, assessed the boom and was able to use a handjack manual pump to lower the basket.”

The man was considered deceased by Plaistow Fire Paramedics and Boston Medflight Critical Care personnel.

Beacon Hill News

Former Lawrence Mayor Rivera Out at MassDevelopment; Tenure Brought Benefits to Haverhill

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Sam Drysdale, State House News Service. Former Lawrence Mayor Dan Rivera, who helped Haverhill and area cities at the state economic development agency MassDevelopment, stepped down from his position as president and CEO on Friday, more than two years before his contract was set to expire. Economic Development Secretary Yvonne Hao, also chair of the MassDevelopment board, said in a statement Friday that she and the administration thanked Rivera for his tenure. “Under Dan’s leadership, the agency has funded key housing deals, created economic development opportunities in Gateway Cities, and promoted commercial development across the state. We wish him well on his next endeavor,” the statement said.

Haverhill

Haverhill, Methuen, Other Area Communities Collecting Old, Unused Prescriptions Saturday

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Haverhill, Methuen and other area communities are participating tomorrow in the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. National Prescription Drug Take Back Day accepts tablets, capsules, patches and other solid forms of prescription drugs. Collections takes place Saturday, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., at participating police departments. No liquids, needles or other sharps can be accepted. Besides Haverhill and Methuen, other area communities taking part include Groveland, North Andover, Lawrence, and Atkinson and Plaistow, N.H.

For more than a decade, the event has helped Americans rid their homes of unneeded medications—those that are old, unwanted or expired—that, officials say, too often become a gateway to addiction.

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.