🌱 Catalytic Converter Thefts + Brush Fire + Report Of Gunfire

Morning, neighbors! I'm back with your fresh copy of the Manchester Patch newsletter. Come along for the most important things happening in town these days.

But first, your local weather:

• Saturday: High clouds and cooler. High: 65 Low: 49.
• Sunday: Occasional rain and drizzle. High: 58 Low: 48.

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Here are the top three stories in Manchester today:

1. Seven men are facing federal charges in a string of catalytic converter thefts across Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Federal investigators say the men were able to drive up to a vehicle, jack it up and cut the catalytic converter from the vehicle in just one minute. Rafael Davila, 35, Jose Torres, 37, Nicolas Davila, 25, Jose Fonseca, 26, Zachary Marshall, 26, Santo Feliberty, 34, and Alexander Oyola, 37 are all from Springfield, Massachusetts, and are accused of planning and executing thefts on 471 vehicles since the beginning of last year. The estimated damages from all the vehicles combined with ATM and jewelry store thefts are estimated at two million dollars. (WMUR 9)
2. Manchester fire crews battle a large brush fire near the Mount Calvary Cemetery off Goffstown Road. More than 11 crews worked for more than two hours in the Black Acres area of Manchester to put out the brush fire that burned about 15 acres. The fire department received another call about a possible building fire but it turned out to be the smoke from this brush fire. It was one of the largest brush fires the fire crew has seen this year. "The access and lack of water supply made it very difficult to put out," according to Battalion Chief Bob Beaudet, and 40mph winds made the fire spread very quickly. Crews were able to get the fire to 100 percent containment by 1:45 p.m. (WMUR 9)
3. Manchester police responded to gunshots heard on Apr. 13 at 2:50 a.m. in the area of 137 Gabrielle St. When officers arrived, they spoke with the caller who reported they were awoken to muffled yelling outside, followed by several big bangs. They then saw a car driving away toward S. Jewett St. Officers were unable to find any shell casings, evidence of property damage, or hear any reports of injury. Anyone who may have information about the incident is encouraged to call the Manchester Police Department. (Manchester Ink Link)

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Today and tomorrow in and around Manchester:

Saturday, April 15

• Saturday Family Drop-In Story Time - Goffstown Public Library (9:30 AM)
• Kids' Blackout Poetry - Goffstown Public Library (10:30 AM)
• Slow Art Day 2023 - Currier Museum of Art (11:00 AM)
• Hollywood Nights: The Bob Seger Experience - The Palace Theatre (7:30 PM)

Sunday, April 16

• National Volunteer Week - Goffstown Public Library (12:00 AM)
• David Clark’s Songs in the Attic - The Rex Theatre (10:00 AM)
• Duo Mundi: George & Guli - The Rex Theatre (12:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Manchester Police Department released a video of one of its officers on horseback as the Mounted Patrol will be back in action with the warmer weather. Officers will be on horses and on foot in the downtown area be sure to stop and say hi to the officers! (Manchester NH Police)
• The City of Manchester and the Manchester Police Department would like to announce its drug take-back day. You will have the chance to turn in unneeded medication on Apr. 22 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Manchester Police Department. (The City of Manchester NH - Government)
• The Manchester Fire Department has released a video update of the development of their new fire station #9. You can watch how this new facility is being built and see the progress that has been made on their Facebook page. (City of Manchester, NH Fire Department)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Polaris Charter School — (Visit website)
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Featured events:

• Great New England Specialty Food & Artisan Show (April 15)
• Bidding For Paws Online Silent Auction to benefit the Animal Rescue League of NH (April 16)
• Run2Rescue 5K (May 7)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Saturday off right! I'll see you soon.

— Nicole Fallon-Peek

About me: Nicole Fallon-Peek is a journalist and copywriter with a degree in Media, Culture and Communication from New York University. She has served as a freelance reporter, managing editor, copy editor, and editorial director for a variety of B2B news outlets. She currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.