Excerpts from the Marblehead police log Dec. 21 – Jan. 4. Consistent with state law, Marblehead police have adopted a policy of not providing media outlets reports related to incidents involving domestic violence, juveniles and matters that remain under investigation.
Dec. 21
1:21 p.m. — Officer Jason McDonald responded to a report of vandalism on a sea wall behind Harding Lane. Unknown subject(s) spray painted “Free Gaza” on the wall. The officer checked the area for evidence and conducted follow-up interviews with neighbors. The investigation is ongoing.
6:34 p.m. — Officer Dean Peralta took a report from a woman claiming someone used her personal information to open a fraudulent business account for a company called Sevinor Travel. Over $90,000 was transferred from Bank of America to the business account, which was then used to purchase a BMW. The officer advised the woman on steps to freeze her credit and accounts to prevent further fraudulent activity.
Dec. 22
10:10 a.m. — Officer Timothy Morley spoke with a man who said was receiving threatening Facebook messages from an old acquaintance. Morley conducted background checks, disseminated information to other agencies and advised the man on obtaining harassment prevention orders from Lynn District Court. Attempts were made to contact the suspect by phone and in-person. The investigation is ongoing.
Dec. 23
12:53 a.m. — Officers Michael Farewell, James Akerson and Brian Comeau responded to the 800 block of Clifton Avenue for a report of a motor vehicle accident. A 2001 BMW allegedly struck two legally parked vehicles, pushing one into the other. The driver of the BMW claimed he was driving without headlights and did not see the parked cars. After interviewing the driver and a witness, the crash scene was processed and all three damaged vehicles were towed.
5:21 p.m. — Officers Jason McDonald and Patrick Donovan responded to Three Cod Tavern at Pleasant Street for a report of threats. An employee reported that a former colleague confronted and threatened him in the rear parking lot around closing time. The suspect was located at a Beverly Avenue residence and interviewed.
Dec. 24
10:41 a.m. — Officer Michael Farewell responded to Atlantic Avenue for a damaged vehicle complaint. Video showed a landlord’s truck was damaged when his tenant allegedly moved a heavy metal sign in front of the parked vehicle. The tenant denied hitting the vehicle intentionally. The tenant and owner will work with their insurance companies.
Dec. 26
9:09 a.m. — Officer Charles Sweeney spoke with a man who allegedly received threatening text messages from a former co-worker. The victim was advised to file a report in Danvers where texts were received.
9:17 a.m. — Officers Luke Peters and Jason McDonald responded to Crosby’s Marketplace on Washington Street for a vehicle into a building. A driver’s accelerator pedal allegedly became stuck, causing him to strike railings and crash into the stone foundation. The driver declined medical attention. Witnesses reported the vehicle was driving erratically beforehand. The vehicle was towed.
11:33 a.m. — Officer Charles Sweeney spoke with residents who responded to a scam Facebook post selling Celtics tickets. After paying $1,100 via Zelle, the accounts blocked them. The officer determined the accounts were fraudulent and advised the victims on next steps. The report was forwarded to detectives.
Dec. 27
9:51 a.m. — Officer Adam Mastrangelo spoke to a woman on Pierce Street who reported issues with a neighbor yelling from windows and shining exterior lights into her home at night. The reporting party feels continually harassed and is considering legal action against the neighbor.
4:11 p.m. — Officer Nicholas Michaud responded to Mugford Street for an ongoing property dispute between neighbors. The officer advised the neighbor to speak with her lawyer regarding recently installed surveyor stakes placed on her property.
Dec. 29
9:33 p.m. — Officer Tyler Bates spoke to a woman in the police station lobby regarding identity fraud. The woman reported receiving a scam call claiming multiple unauthorized iPhone purchases on her Apple credit card. The caller allegedly tricked her into sharing Apple ID account information and then made various online purchases under the compromised account. Apple was notified of the fraud.
Dec. 31
8:18 p.m. — Officer Michael Farewell stopped an unregistered moped on Ocean Avenue after it passed his cruiser, traveling outbound with both driver and passenger not wearing helmets. The 17-year-old driver allegedly ignored lights and sirens before finally stopping. The driver did not have a license and the moped was towed.
Jan. 1
9:17 a.m. — Officer Andrew DiMare responded to vehicle parts and fluid on the road on Leggs Hill Road, apparently from an overnight hit and run. A downed tree stump on the outskirts of Forest River Conservation land was struck by an unknown vehicle which fled towards Salem. Recovered parts match a white Nissan Altima.
3:45 p.m. — Officer Robert Picariello responded to Spitfire Tacos at Pleasant Street for youths allegedly causing a disturbance, engaging in inappropriate behavior, throwing trash on the ground and allegedly stealing a storm drain cover. The area was checked and involved parties located across the street and spoken to. Information on no trespass orders was provided to the landlord.
4:21 p.m. — Officer Andrew DiMare spoke to a house cleaner in the station lobby regarding a text message from her employer on Madison Road accusing her of stealing jewelry and savings bonds, without proof. The cleaner was advised on next steps if items are reported stolen.
Jan. 2
11:11 a.m. — Officer Andrew Clark spoke with a resident of Sheldon Road who claimed neighbors intentionally blocked her vehicle overnight by parking very close. Neighbors denied intent and agreed to be more careful in future. The reporting party was advised on options for legal protection orders against continual harassment from neighbors.
Jan. 4
10:39 a.m. — Officer Timothy Morley spoke with a man who reported receiving a scam call claiming his daughter was in a car accident needing bail money. The caller allegedly impersonated the daughter and a second person requested $12,500 payment. It was determined to be fraudulent when the actual daughter arrived home uninjured. Police advised the victim on common tactics used in similar scams.
12:02 p.m. — Officer Douglas Mills spoke with a woman at the police station lobby regarding check fraud. The woman’s $500 check to Pan Mass Challenge had allegedly been chemically altered to show $3,500 and deposited into an unknown account. The bank was notified and the account is now closed. The report was forwarded to Criminal Investigation Division detectives.
**Out of an abundance of caution and concern for the safety of an individual, the police log was updated Monday afternoon to remove an entry.
