Police Log Roundup: Alleged Drunk Driver Runs From Crash, Day Care Broken Into

Men Arrested For Allegedly Stealing Metal From Construction Site

Monday, Aug. 2, 8:13 p.m.:  A caller reported to Melrose Police that two men in an older green Jeep Cherokee possibly stole metal from a construction zone at Lovell Road and Damon Avenue. Melrose Police Lt. Mark DeCroteau said that the men were reportedly stealing "gate box shutoffs" — 8-10 inch wide sleeves that are attached to water pipes underground — which were on the side of the road due to the ongoing construction.

Melrose Police detectives located a vehicle matching the description given by the caller and subsequently placed the vehicle's occupants under arrest. Justin C. Capachietti, 27, 2 Rodgers Road, Saugus, and Stephen Goodwin, 30, 20 Reed Ave., Everett, were each charged with receiving stolen property worth more than $250 and larceny of property worth more $250.

Vandals Destroy Melrose Common Picnic Table

Wednesday, Aug. 4, 12:24 a.m.: Melrose Police received a report that kids were destroying a picnic table at Melrose Common and dragged it into the road. A responding officer reported that the table was completely destroyed and the Department of Public Works would be notified to pick up the pieces.

Alleged Drunk Driver Leaves ID Behind At Crash Site

Thursday, Aug. 5, 1:31 a.m.:  A 911 caller told Melrose Police that a vehicle had crashed near the intersection of the Lynn Fells Parkway and West Emerson Street and the driver was then attempting to drive away. Melrose Police who responded to the crash found a car, but no driver, that had struck a tree approximately 20 feet from the edge of the roadway, DeCroteau said. Massachusetts State Police, who have jurisdiction over the parkway, responded and took over the investigation.

State Police spokesman Sgt. Michael Popovics said that "it looks like when he (the driver) left, he left his ID in the car. They (State Police) then went to his residence."

James Squires, 23, 3 Alden St., Melrose was placed under arrest on charges of OUI liquor, negligent operation of a motor vehicle and a marked lanes violation, Popovics said.

Something Was Stirring ...

Thursday, Aug. 5, 10:07 p.m.:  A West Highland Avenue resident called Melrose Police because she thought there was an animal under her sink. The responding officer reported that it appeared to be a mouse and advised the woman to buy a mouse trap.

Day Care In Church Broken Into, Flatscreen TV Stolen

Monday, Aug. 9, 6:45 a.m.:  Employees of Melrose Day Care Center, which is located in First Congregational Church on West Foster Street, reported that the day care had been broken into over the weekend. Employees found the day care center in disarray, DeCroteau said, and a 54-inch plasma television missing. The break-in remains under investigation. 

Arrests and Other Summonses

Jennifer R. Snook, 21, 4 Perham Ave., Melrose, was arrested on Tuesday, Aug. 3 on the charge of assault and battery.

A 46-year-old Everett resident was issued a summons on Wednesday, Aug. 4 on the charge of operating a vehicle after suspension.

A 19-year-old Melrose woman was issued a summons on Wednesday, Aug. 4 on the charge of assault and battery to a household member.

A 17-year-old Dorchester man was issued a summons on Wednesday, Aug. 4 on the charge of assault and battery to a household member.

A 24-year-old Lynn man was issued a summons on Friday, Aug. 6 on the charges of threat to commit a crime, assault and battery on a police officer and disorderly conduct.

A 47-year-old Melrose man was issued a summons on Friday, Aug. 6 on the charge of five counts of check forgery.

A 38-year-old Bloomfield, CT man was issued a summons on Friday, Aug. 6 on the charge of assault and battery.