Suspected Serial Package Thief Busted On OUI Charge: Patch PM

It's Monday, Dec. 7. Here's what Patch has been covering in Middlesex County and across Massachusetts today.

Arlington Drugged Driver Charged In Package Theft Spree: Police

A man charged with drugged driving in Arlington is believed to be behind a series of area package thefts, police said. Patrick McLaughlin, 37, of Everett, was stopped Saturday around 2 p.m. near Stowecroft and Columbia Roads. He was arrested on suspicion of being under the influence of drugs, police said.

Officers found 19 Amazon packages in his car that were mostly sealed and had different names on the labels, according to a police statement. They were addressed to different locations in Woburn and Revere.

McLaughlin also had many bags of clothing in the trunk and a black BB gun, police said.

Read more here.

Elsewhere in Middlesex County

Woburn Memorial High Goes Remote Due To 14 Coronavirus Cases

Woburn Memorial High School transitioned to remote learning Monday due to recent coronavirus cases.

Eight students and six staff at the school have active cases of the virus, Superintendent Matthew Crowley said in a letter to parents Sunday. The district does not have any evidence of in-school transmission, he said.

Medford Postpones Police Station Ceremony Amid COVID Spike

The ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Medford police station has been postponed due to the rising number of COVID-19 cases in the city, officials announced Monday. The ceremony was originally scheduled for Dec. 8 and included a small in-person ceremony attended by Mayor Breanna Lungo-Koehn, Police Chief Jack Buckley and local and state officials.

Medford Community Media will film a virtual tour of the building, which will air on Government Access TV and the city website.

Melrose's Waggery No Underdog Despite Opening During Pandemic

What in Fido's name would make anyone want to open a small business during this pandemic?

"I just decided I could do it now or I could just wait this thing out," Eric Czerlonka, the owner of Waggery on Main, said. "I sat there and I thought I could do it now, at one of the worst possible times to open a small business, and if I can be successful through COVID then I can be successful when things turn around."

Reading Police Warn Residents Of Common Scams

The Reading Police Department is warning residents of common scams to avoid.

"There are unfortunately many different types of scams that often target people's vulnerabilities, including unemployment scams, IRS and tax identity scams, and scams that specifically exploit older adults," Police Chief David Clark said. "We want residents to be aware that these scams exist, and that you should never share your personal information with someone you do not know, whether that's online, over the phone or in-person."

New Candidate Enters Somerville City Council Race

A new candidate recently pulled papers for city council in Somerville. Tessa Bridge, who has lived in Somerville for 11 years, announced her candidacy Dec. 2. She is running for the Ward 5 seat currently held by Mark Niedergang.

"I am inspired to run for office by my deep commitment to a sustainable future for my children, and all of the people in our community," Bridge said in a statement. "Somerville is at a crossroads. It is not enough to say that we support equity, diversity, and progress, it is time for us to invest in these values."

Across Massachusetts

MBTA Service Cuts On Hold Amid Pushback, Stimulus Momentum

MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak announced Monday he would suggest deferring some critical decisions on the service cuts until February.

MA Expands Coronavirus Testing; Hospitals Delay Some Procedures

Gov. Charlie Baker hinted Monday more coronavirus restrictions could be on the way.

Braintree Man Among 4 Charged With Unemployment Fraud

Prosecutors said William Corkery, 55, of Braintree, fraudulently collected more than $35,000 in employment benefits.

Former Employee Accused Of Trying To Burn Waltham Business

Damages to the building were reported at more than $1,200, according to the filed charges.