At Least Seven More Cars Broken Into On Merrimack Meadows Lane

Merrimack Meadows Lane has been struck by thieves for the second time in less than a week.

Just a few days after a home and three cars were broken into on the lane, seven more cars were broken into Sunday night into early Monday morning, Sept. 23-24.

According to Tewksbury Police reports, the first 911 call came in around 5:18 a.m., Monday morning, reporting that a vehicle on Merrimack Meadows Lane had been broken into and that an I-Pod and a car stero had been stolen.

Ove the next several hours, six more calls came in, reporting additional car break-ins along Merrimack Meadows Lane, all very close to the original call.

Tewksbury Police continue to investigate both series of break-ins.

Computer thief doesn’t get far (Sept. 23)

On Sunday, Sept. 23, at about 1:30 p.m., police received a call from a loss-prevention employee at WalMart, reporting that a man had just stolen a laptop computer and had fled the store. Three officers were sent to the scene and the employee was able to provide a description of both the man and the car (a Honda Pilot) he rode off in. Officers pulled over the car at the corner of Clark and Main Streets. Joseph Espada, 43, 366 Chelmsford St., Lowell, was arrested and charged with two counts of larceny over $250, as well as malicious destruction of property. Neil Benoit, 25, 5 Lillian Road, Westford, was also arrested on two warrants and one count of larceny over $250.

Additional arrests:

Melissa Meskell, 31, 67 Drew Road, Derry NH, was arrested on Sept. 23 and charged with OUI-liquor, marked lanes violation and negligent operation of a motor vehicle. A second woman in the car was taken into protective custody.

Gregorio C. DaSilva, 21, 62 Andrews St., Apt. 4, Lowell, was arrested on SEpt. 22 and charged with operating a motor vehicle after his license had been suspended.

Additional Incidents:

On Sunday, Sept. 23, at 2:50 p.m., police received a call from a woman regarding a young boy, around 13, who was at the near the skate park and was very drunk. The woman said she was calling on behalf of another woman who had approached the boy and saw he was carrying a partially consumed bottle of vodka. The woman was able to get the bottle from the boy and pour out the rest of the contents. An officer was sent to the scene and spoke with the boy. The officer then drove the boy to his home and turned him over to his father.

For questions about this blotter, email williamg@patch.com.