Ashby Police Department

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Ashby Police Respond To Serious One-Car Crash

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Ashby Police Department
Fred Alden, Chief of Police
893 Main Street
Ashby, MA 01431

For Immediate Release

Friday, Sept. 15, 2017

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 978-841-9948
Email: [email protected]

Ashby Police Respond To Serious One-Car Crash

ASHBY — Chief Fred Alden reports that the Ashby Police Department responded to a single-car crash Thursday night that left a man with serious life-threatening injuries.

On Thursday, Sept. 14, at 10:02 p.m., Ashby Police were dispatched to a reported crash on Rindge Road near Mayo Road. Upon arrival, first responders observed that the vehicle had crashed into trees on the westbound shoulder of the road.

Ashby firefighters extricated the driver, a male in his late 20’s, from the vehicle, and he is believed to have suffered serious injuries. He was transported to UMass Memorial – HealthAlliance Hospital in Leominster and was later transferred to UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester. His current condition is not known to police.

There were no other passengers in the car.

Police conducted a preliminary investigation into the crash, and believe that the vehicle was traveling eastbound on Rindge Road approaching Mayo Road when it struck a guardrail before crossing into the westbound travel lane, striking trees and a boulder.

Ashby Police are continuing to investigate the crash along with the Massachusetts State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section and Crime Scene Services Section. The cause of the crash has not yet been determined.

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*Joint Release* Pepperell, Ashby And Townsend Police Departments Offer Back to School Safety Tips

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Pepperell Police Department
David Scott, Chief of Police
59 Main St.
Pepperell, MA 01463
Townsend Police Department
Rick Bailey, Interim Chief of Police
70 Brookline Road
Townsend, MA 01469
Ashby Police Department
Fred Alden, Chief of Police
893 Main Street
Ashby, MA 01431

For Immediate Release

Friday, Aug. 18, 2017

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

 

*Joint Release*

Pepperell, Ashby And Townsend Police Departments Offer Back to School Safety Tips

PEPPERELL — The start of a new school year is always a busy time and Pepperell Police Chief David Scott, Ashby Police Chief Fred Alden and Townsend Interim Police Chief Rick Bailey urge families to review several safety tips for a smooth transition.

All students in grades one through 12 in the North Middlesex Regional School District will return to class on Aug. 30. Pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students begin classes on Sept. 5.

“Our top priority is ensuring students are getting to and from school safely,” Chief Scott said. “We encourage parents and students to pay extra attention during this time of year.”

With students often on their phones texting, browsing the internet or playing games, the Pepperell, Ashby and Townsend Police Departments recommend that parents talk to their children about following safety tips provided by the National Safety Council (NSC) when headed to and from school:

  • Never walk while texting. If you need to respond to a text, move out of the way of others and stop on the sidewalk.
  • Never cross the street while using an electronic device.
  • Look left, right, then left again before crossing the street.
  • Cross only at crosswalks.

Drivers should be on increased alert when traveling through school zones and should NEVER text and drive. Additionally, the NSC reminds operators that:

  • Stop and yield to pedestrians crossing the crosswalk or intersection.
  • Always stop for a crossing guard holding up a stop sign.
  • Be alert for smaller vehicles that are used to transport students, and treat them as you would a full-sized yellow school bus.
  • Take extra care to look out for children in school zones, near playgrounds and parks, and in all residential areas
  • Do not honk or rev your engine to scare a pedestrian, even if you have the right of way
  • Never pass a vehicle stopped for pedestrians

“With so many students taking different modes of transportation, pick-up and drop-off areas will be particularly busy, so we urge everyone to take extra care,” Chief Alden said. “Students and parents should implement safety precautions as part of their preparation back to school.”

To best ensure that children who travel to school by bus get their safely, Chiefs Scott, Alden and Bailey advise that students follow these tips from the NSC:

Getting on the bus:

  • When waiting for the bus, stay away from traffic and avoid roughhousing or other behavior that can lead to carelessness.
  • Line up away from the street as the bus approaches.
  • Wait until the bus has stopped and the doors open before approaching.

Behavior on the bus:

  • If available, always wear your seat belt.
  • Don’t put your head, arms or hands out the window.
  • Wait for the bus to stop completely before getting up from your seat.

Getting off the bus:

  • If you have to cross in front of the bus, walk at least 10 feet ahead until you can see the driver. Make sure the driver can see you too.
  • Wait for a signal from the driver before crossing. When the driver signals, look left, right, then left again. Walk across the road and keep an eye out for sudden traffic changes.
  • If your vision is blocked, move to an area where you can see other drivers and they can see you.

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Ashby Police Department Appoints New Full-Time Officer

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Ashby Police Department
Fred Alden, Chief of Police
893 Main Street
Ashby, MA 01431

For Immediate Release

Wednesday, June 14, 2017

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 978-841-9948
Email: [email protected]

Ashby Police Department Appoints New Full-Time Officer

Reserve Officer Corin Campbell Promoted to Full-Time Status

Officer Corin Campbell is sworn in by Ashby Town Clerk Tiffany Call during a ceremony May 31 with the Board of Selectmen (Courtesy Photo)

ASHBY — Chief Fred Alden is pleased to announce that the Ashby Police Department has added a new full-time officer to its ranks.

Officer Corin Campbell has been promoted from the rank of reserve officer to full-time patrol officer at a ceremony with the Ashby Board of Selectmen on May 31. He began work in his new role on June 4.

Officer Campbell joined Ashby as a reserve officer in March 2017. He is a 2016 graduate of the Northern Essex Community College/Methuen Police Academy, the latest achievement in a diverse career in public service. He previously served in the United States Army, achieving the rank of Sergeant, where he was responsible for more than 200 soldiers. He was honorably discharged in 2012 and went on to serve as a firefighter in Chelmsford before entering law enforcement.

“I am extraordinarily pleased to welcome Officer Corin Campbell to our department in a full-time career capacity,” Chief Alden said. “Today’s police officer is called upon to handle a variety of law enforcement and community service tasks, and the job requires a diverse range of education, interest, and experience. I am confident that Officer Campbell will serve the Town of Ashby with distinction.”

Officer Campbell is a certified bicycle officer and previously served in the Massachusetts State Police Student Trooper program. He is also an active volunteer, having offered his time to the Department of Veterans Affairs in Bedford and the J.V. Fletcher Public Library in Westford.

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Ashby Police Respond to Serious Two-Car Crash

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Ashby Police Department
Fred Alden, Chief of Police
893 Main Street
Ashby, MA 01431

For Immediate Release

Saturday, April 22, 2017

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 978-841-9948
Email: [email protected]

Ashby Police Respond to Serious Two-Car Crash

ASHBY — Chief Fred Alden reports that the Ashby Police Department responded to a two-car crash this morning that seriously injured one man.

On Saturday, April 22 at approximately 9:06 a.m., Ashby Police responded to the intersection of Greenville Road (Route 31) and Turnpike Road for a report of a crash involving two vehicles.

Upon arrival, police observed that a Toyota Camry traveling westbound had apparently failed to stop for a posted stop sign on Turnpike Road, and was struck by a GMC Acadia that was traveling southbound on Greenville Road.

The Toyota Camry, which flipped onto its roof, had two people inside. The passenger, an 18-year-old man from Methuen, was extricated from the vehicle by the Ashby Fire Department using the Jaws of Life and transported to UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester with serious injuries. The driver, a 17-year-old boy from Lawrence, was transported to a local hospital with injuries that are believed to be non-life threatening.

The GMC Acadia also had two people inside, a 30-year-old woman and a 5-year-old child, both of New Ipswich, N.H., who were transported to local hospitals with injuries that are believed to be non-life threatening.

Townsend Police also responded to the scene to assist. An ambulance from Ashby, Townsend, and two ambulances from Fitchburg provided transport for the four occupants.

The crash is under investigation by Ashby Police, with the assistance of the Massachusetts State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section.

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Ashby Police Department Promotes Reserve Officer

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Ashby Police Department
Fred Alden, Chief of Police
893 Main Street
Ashby, MA 01431

For Immediate Release

Monday, Jan. 23, 2017

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 978-841-9948
Email: [email protected]

Ashby Police Department Promotes Reserve Officer

ASHBY- Chief Fred Alden is pleased to announce that Erik Salo has been promoted to a full-time police officer at the Ashby Police Department.

Police Officer Erik Salo became a full-time police officer with the Ashby Police Department this month. (Courtesy Photo)

Officer Salo, who previously served as a part-time Reserve Officer since 2006, moved up to full-time following a Board of Selectmen’s meeting on January 11. His appointment went into effect on Jan. 22, and he is is set to attend the full-time academy in the spring.

During his tenure with the Ashby Police Department, Officer Salo completed courses at the Municipal Police Training Committee, and most recently received certification as a “train the trainer” for active shooter events. Officer Salo is also certified in latent evidence recovery.

Additionally, Officer Salo served six years in the United States Army Reserves as an administrative specialist and then a military police officer. He has over 16 years of police experience, including his most recent role as a reserve police officer in Shirley. Officer Salo also previously worked as a part-time police officer in Westminster and at Fitchburg State University.

An Ashby native, Officer Salo graduated from North Middlesex Regional High School and has taken courses in criminal justice at Northeastern University.

“We are incredibly excited to have Officer Salo serve this department and community on a full-time basis,” Chief Alden said. “His years of expertise and dedication to the field will certainly be a benefit to our residents.”

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Ashby Police Arrest Rhode Island Man, Seize 202 Grams of Cocaine, After Pursuit

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Ashby Police Department
Fred Alden, Chief of Police
893 Main Street
Ashby, MA 01431

For Immediate Release

Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 978-841-9948
Email: [email protected]

Ashby Police Arrest Man, Seize 202 Grams of Cocaine, After Pursuit

Police Chief Praises Restraint, Measured Response of Officers

ASHBY — Chief Fred Alden reports that the Ashby Police Department arrested a Rhode Island man after a brief motor vehicle pursuit and seized 202 grams of cocaine from a rental car Saturday afternoon.

As a result, DISLYN ROA-De La ROSA, AGE 23, OF PROVIDENCE, R.I. was arrested and charged with:

  • Trafficking a Class B Substance (Cocaine)
  • Failure to Stop for Police
  • Passing in a No Passing Zone
  • Negligent Operation of a Motor Vehicle
  • Possessing an Open Container of Alcohol in a Motor Vehicle
  • Speeding

On Saturday, Nov. 26, 2016, Ashby Police were on patrol at 4:30 p.m. when an officer stopped a black sport utility vehicle for speeding on westbound on West State Road.

As the officer approached, the SUV sped off, and the officer returned to his cruiser and initiated a pursuit. The vehicle proceeded down West State Road, approaching Breed Road, passing multiple vehicles and driving in the breakdown lane. The vehicle abruptly stopped near 2173 West State Road, where the driver exited the vehicle.

The driver then began quickly walking toward one of the Ashby officers. The officer drew his firearm and ordered him to raise his hands. ROA-De La ROSA did not comply with the orders and told the officer he did not understand English. The officer was able to place the suspect into custody without further incident.

Ashburnham Police arrived shortly afterward to assist, and a Spanish-speaking officer from Leominster Police arrived to speak to the suspect and read him his Miranda rights in Spanish.

Inside the vehicle, with the help of Captain Thomas Chabot and K-9 Duke from the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office, police found nearly $1,800 in cash in the vehicle. Several bags of a white power, later shown to be cocaine, were found in a culvert up the road, which Ashby Police allege were thrown from the vehicle by ROA-De La ROSA.

Chief Alden praised the work of law enforcement officers in finding and apprehending this alleged drug trafficker without injury to the suspect, officers, or civilians.

“In this instance, we had an alleged drug trafficker fleeing police and showing no regard for the safety of those around him. With a pursuit and a language barrier preventing the suspect from complying with orders from police, this situation could have ended tragically had it not been for the training and instincts of our Ashby Police officers,” Chief Alden said. “Our officers, working with our neighbors, as well as county and state partners, did an excellent job.”

The rental car was towed away and ROA-De La ROSA was transported to Ashby Police for booking. He was ordered held on $15,040 cash bail pending arraignment Monday in Ayer District Court. ROA-De La ROSA is being held at Massachusetts State Police Station C-4 in Leominster.

These are allegations. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty.

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Ashby Police Offer Halloween Safety Tips

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Ashby Police Department
Fred Alden, Chief of Police
893 Main Street
Ashby, MA 01431

For Immediate Release

Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 978-841-9948
Email: [email protected]

Ashby Police Offer Halloween Safety Tips

ASHBY — Chief Fred Alden and the Ashby Police Department issue the following safety tips, parking restrictions, and trick-or-treating hours for Halloween in Ashby.

Halloween, which is celebrated on Oct. 31, falls on a Monday this year. Trick-or-treating hours will be from 6 to 8 p.m.

The police department is requesting residents and those coming to the Main Street area do not park on Main Street between the Town Common and County Road.

The Ashby community should also use caution as they celebrate the weekend prior to Halloween, Oct. 28-30.

“We have designated these hours and parking logistics to bring safety, order and ease to Ashby residents as they trick-or-treat,” Chief Alden said. “I encourage everyone to take these restrictions seriously as they plan their celebrations, and do not hesitate to contact the police department with any questions.”

The Ashby Police Department recommends that residents follow safety tips outlined by the Centers for Disease Control, which ask that people follow the “Safe Halloween” motto.

• Swords and other costume accessories should be short, soft and flexible.

• Avoid trick-or-treating alone. Walk in groups or with a trusted adult.

• Fasten reflective tape on costumes and bags to help drivers see you.

• Examine all treats for choking hazards and tampering before you eat them.

• Hold a flashlight while walking to ensure that you are visible. Walk and don’t run from house to house.

• Always test makeup in a small area first. Remove it before bedtime to prevent possible skin and eye irritation.

• Lower your risk of serious eye injury by not wearing decorative contact lenses.

• Look both ways before crossing the street. Use established crosswalks wherever  possible.

• Only walk on sidewalks wherever possible, or on the far edge of the road facing traffic to stay safe and to prevent accidents or injury.

• Wear well-fitting masks, costumes and shoes to avoid blocked vision, trips and falls.

• Eat only factory-wrapped candy. Avoid eating homemade treats offered by strangers.

• Enter homes only if you’re with a trusted adult. Only visit well-lit houses. Never accept rides from strangers.

• Never walk near lit candles or devices with open flames. Be sure to wear flame-resistant costumes.

Any parents or residents with questions on Halloween safety should contact the Ashby Police Department at (978) 386-5652.

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Ashby Police to Participate in National Drug Take Back Day This Month

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Ashby Police Department
Fred Alden, Chief of Police
893 Main Street
Ashby, MA 01431

For Immediate Release

Friday, Oct. 7, 2016

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 978-841-9948
Email: [email protected]

Ashby Police to Participate in National Drug Take Back Day This Month

ASHBY — Chief Fred Alden announces that the Ashby Police Department, in collaboration with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), will participate in National Drug Take Back Day later this month.

Residents are encouraged to visit the police station, 893 Main St., on Saturday, Oct. 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to dispose of their unused, unwanted or expired prescription drugs. The event is free and anonymous.  

The initiative addresses the vital public health issue of removing easily accessible and unused prescriptions from people’s houses. Studies have shown that the majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including the home medicine cabinet. Residents are advised to avoid disposing unused medications by flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the garbage, as these methods have potential safety and health risks.

“Prescription drug abuse has affected our community just as it has affected nearly every community across the country,” Chief Alden said. “We urge residents to use this opportunity to remove potentially dangerous, unused or unwanted drugs from their homes to prevent them from ending up in the wrong hands.”

At the 11th National Take Back Day on April 30, Americans turned in 447 tons (over 893,000 pounds) of prescription drugs at 5,359 collection sites operated by the DEA and more than 4,000 of its state and municipal law enforcement partners. Since the first Take Back event, the DEA and police agencies have taken in over 4.8 million pounds of drugs.

Residents can also drop off their prescription drugs at the Ashby Police Department’s collection kiosk, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week in the station’s lobby. The department also has a sharps container that is available for proper disposal of hypodermic syringes.

For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs, or about the Oct. 22 Drug Take Back Day, visit the DEA Office of Diversion Control website, or contact the Ashby Police Department at 978-386-5652.

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*Joint Press Release* Victims Identified in Ashby Murder-Suicide

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Ashby Police Department
Fred Alden, Chief of Police
893 Main Street
Ashby, MA 01431

For Immediate Release

Sunday, Aug. 28, 2016

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 978-841-9948
Email: [email protected]

Victims Identified in Ashby Murder-Suicide

ASHBY – Police Chief Fred Alden and Middlesex County District Attorney Marian Ryan have confirmed that at approximately 1:37 p.m. Friday, August 26, Ashby Police officers responded to a report of a death on Watatic Mountain Road in Ashby. Upon arrival they observed an adult male and female to be deceased.

The individuals have been identified as Rebecca Griffin, 51, of Fitchburg, and John Griffin, 55, the resident of the home on Watatic Mountain Road. The two deceased were previously married but divorced in approximately 1990. Rebecca Griffin would come by her ex husband’s home to help him with errands.

On Friday, the two deceased were discovered on the front lawn of John Griffin’s home. According to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner both individuals died from multiple sharp-force wounds indicative of the use of a knife.  The investigation revealed that John Griffin inflicted sharp-force injuries to Rebecca Griffin outside of the home. Afterwards John Griffin then died from self-inflicted sharp-force wounds.

“This is a senseless and tragic crime,” stated District Attorney Ryan. “Rebecca Griffin would come to her ex husband’s home to assist him with day-to-day errands such as grocery shopping and bringing him to doctor’s appointments and sadly, she lost her life in the interest of helping him.”

“Ashby is a small, quiet town where incidents like these are not common,” Chief Alden said. “This was an isolated situation and at no time was the public ever in danger. Thank you to our residents for their patience and understanding during our investigation.”

Next of kin have been notified and this is an open and active investigation being conducted by Massachusetts State Police assigned to the Middlesex County District Attorney’s Office and the Ashby Police Department

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*Joint Press Release* Statement from Ashby Police Chief Fred Alden and Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan

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Ashby Police Department
Fred Alden, Chief of Police
893 Main Street
Ashby, MA 01431

For Immediate Release

Friday, Aug. 26, 2016

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 978-841-9948
Email: [email protected]

*Joint Press Release* Statement from Ashby Police Chief Fred Alden and Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan

ASHBY — Police Chief Fred Alden and Middlesex County District Attorney Marian Ryan have confirmed that at approximately 1:37 p.m. today Ashby Police officers responded to a report of a death on Watatic Mountain Road.

Upon arrival, they observed an adult male resident of that address, and adult female who was known to him, to be deceased. While this is an ongoing investigation, at this time the incident is believed to be an apparent murder-suicide.

This is an open and active investigation being conducted by Massachusetts State Police assigned to the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office and the Ashby Police Department, and no additional information will be released at this time pending notification of next of kin. This is an isolated incident and there is no threat to public safety.

“There is no danger to the public and no suspect is being sought,” Chief Alden said. “This is a tragic situation and we thank the community for their patience during this investigation.”

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We will recognize our fears and put them aside to do what is necessary.

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