Police Log: FBI Arrest, LoJack Hit, Kids Steal Veterans Donations

(Editor's Note: This story was update on Thursday, Sept. 9 at 1:45 p.m. with a link to a full article on the FBI arrest.)

LoJack Leads State Police to Alleged Car Thief in Melrose

Wednesday, Sept. 1, 11:31 a.m. Massachusetts State Police arrested a 27-year-old Woburn woman in Melrose who was allegedly driving a stolen car, according to State Police spokesman Sgt. Matthew Murray.

Murray said that a red 2001 Jeep Cherokee reported as stolen by Boston Police was tracked to Main Street and Rockview Avenue in Melrose, near Pine Banks Park, via the car's LoJack security system.

When State Police arrived and found the car, assisted by Melrose Police officers, they placed Patricia A. Callahan of Flag Street in Woburn under arrest on charges of receiving a stolen motor vehicle, malicious dmage to a motor vehicle and possession of buglarious instruments.

FBI Arrests Burrell Street Resident on Warrant

Friday, Sept. 3, 5:24 a.m. The FBI notified Melrose Police that they had an arrest warrant they would be serving for a resident of Burrell Street in Melrose, according to Melrose Police Lt. Mark DeCroteau, who said the FBI made the arrest without incident.

FBI spokesman Greg Comcowich said that "the FBI was conducting court authorized activity in conjunction with the Melrose Police" and referred any other questions about the warrant, the charges or the arrestee's identity to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

Christina Sterling, law enforcement coordinator for the U.S. Attorney's Office Massachusetts district, said that she did not have any information available in the Massachusetts docket system for the arrest.

"Maybe he was picked up on warrant for another state charge," Sterling said. "Often times, if it's something out of another district, they'll ask the agency to pick him up."

On Thursday this week, Comcowick informed Melrose Patch that the U.S. Attorney's Office had the indictment available.

Kids Steal Bucket Collection of Donations For Veterans From Shaw's

Sunday, Sept. 5, 4:58 p.m. The manager from Shaw's Supermarket called Melrose Police to report that three kids stole a bucket that was collecting donations for veterans.

DeCroteau said that a woman from a veterans support organization was sitting in the entryway to Shaw's with two buckets and collecting donations. Three kids of unknown age—the woman described one as "short" and another as "tall," DeCroteau said—quickly grabbed one of the buckets and ran down Essex Street.

The bucket, which had approximately $20 in cash and change in it at the time it was stolen, was found by Melrose Police at 6:30 p.m. on Cherry Street, just around the corner form the supermarket, DeCroteau said. The incident is under investigation.

Other Arrests and Summonses

A 46-year-old Medford man was issued a summons on Monday, Aug. 30 on charges of operating a vehicle with a suspended license and miscellaneous vehicle equipment violation.

A 38-year-old Stoneham man was issued a summons on Tuesday, Aug. 31 on the charge of a subsequent offense of operating a vehicle with a suspended license.

A 40-year-old Stoneham man was issued a summons on Tuesday, Aug. 31 on the charge of criminal harassment.

A 51-year-old Melrose man was issued a summons on Friday, Sept. 3 on the charge of violation of an abuse prevention order.

Peter M. Ricker, 58, 27 Lincoln St., Melrose, was arrested on Friday, Sept. 3 on charges of failing to stop for police and a vehicle lights violation.

A 21-year-old Winchester man was issued a summons on Friday, Sept. 3 on the charge of unlicensed operation of a vehicle.

Frederick Rufo, 46, 40 Lebanon St., Melrose, was arrested on Sunday, Sept. 5 on the charge of assault and battery to intimidate.

Jonathan Melo, 18, 21 Osborne St., Apt. 2, Peabody, was arrested on Sunday, Sept. 5 on the charge of assault and battery.