Heroin Ring Busted · Dog Beaten · Waitress Stabbed: MA Crime

PEABODY, MA — State and local authorities this week said they broke up a massive opioid ring on the North Shore. Thirteen people were arrested and police said they seized more than 2 kilograms of heroin and fentanyl, thousands of pills and nearly a half-million dollars.

"Heroin, fentanyl and oxycodone continue to cause hundreds of deadly overdoses across our state each year," Attorney General Maura Healey said. "My office is committed to working with our partners in law enforcement to disrupt the trafficking networks that distribute these drugs onto our streets and into our communities." Read more.

In Dartmouth, police said they arrested a man who beat his dog with a baseball bat because it ate his Whopper sandwich. The man allegedly told police he worked all day and was upset the animal ate his meal. Read more.

In Chelsea, a man stabbed a waitress in the neck after ditching his dinner tab, according to police. The waitress was seriously injured but expected to survive and the man was later tracked down and arrested. Read more.

In Bellingham, an elementary school teacher was arrested after police said he performed a sex act in Walmart. Read more.

Below are more of the top crime stories from across the Massachusetts Patch network this week. Individuals accused of crimes are presumed innocent.

MS-13 'Animal' Sentenced For Boy's Murder

BOSTON, MA — An MS-13 member known as "Animal" was sentenced Monday for his involvement in the murder of a 15-year-old boy in East Boston. Joel Martinez, 23, a Salvadoran national, was sentenced in... Read more

Hyannis Man Arrested In Domino's 'Pizza Points' Dispute: Cops

BARNSTABLE, MA — A man from Hyannis was arrested Friday after police said he lashed out at a Domino's employee then taunted officers about the recent shooting death of a Yarmouth police officer. Shaune... Read more

Accused Murderer In 1986 Massachusetts Cold Case Charged

PLYMOUTH, MA — A North Carolina man accused of killing a 15-year-old teenager in Kingston in 1986 was charged with murder Tuesday. Michael Hand, 61, of North Carolina, was indicted on murder, kidnapping... Read more

Massachusetts Casino Worker Poisoned Co-workers' Drinks: Report

PLAINVILLE, MA — A Massachusetts casino worker was arrested this week after police said she spiked her co-workers' drinks because she didn't want to work with them, ... Read more

Beverly Man Arrested For Woburn Road Rage Incident

WOBURN, MA -- Massachusetts State Police arrested a Beverly man early Tuesday morning after he allegedly pointed a gun at another motorist. Jason Root, 37, of Beverly, was scheduled to be arraigned... Read more

Massachusetts Robber Hit Pizza Delivery Drivers: Police

TAUNTON, MA — A Middleborough man was arrested Monday after police said he robbed five delivery drivers over a two-week period in Taunton. Brian Nunes, 32, of Middleborough, was charged with five... Read more

Student Arrested For Social Media Threats Against Clinton HS

CLINTON, MA—A student at Clinton High School has been arrested on charges of making threats against the school on social media Wednesday. On May 23 around 7:15 a.m., Clinton police responded... Read more

Roslindale Marine Recruiter Held on $10K Bail On Gun Charges

ROSLINDALE, MA — The Marine recruiter who was named a "person of interest" in the case of a recruit who disappeared in November in Roslindale was held on $10,000 bail and Friday by a Superior Court... Read more

Taunton School Threat: 16-Year-Old Girl Arrested For Note

TAUNTON, MA — A 16-year-old girl was arrested Wednesday and charged with writing a threatening note that prompted the closing of two Taunton schools Tuesday. The girl allegedly left the note in the... Read more

Photo: Left: Gregory Ostiguy, accused of beating his dog with a baseball bat in Dartmouth. (Credit: Dartmouth Police Department) Top right: Gerardo Menjivar, accused of stabbing a waitress in Chelsea. (Credit: Chelsea Police Department) Bottom right: Jared Anzelone, accused of performing a sex act at a Walmart in Bellingham. (Credit: Bellingham Police Department)