Ashby Police Department

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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: john@jgpr.net

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: john@jgpr.net

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: john@jgpr.net

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: john@jgpr.net

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: john@jgpr.net

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: john@jgpr.net

*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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Ashby Police Investigating Deaths of Man, Woman at Home

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Ashby Police are investigating the deaths of two people found on Watatic Mountain Road. An adult male and female were found outside a home.

The Ashby Police Department does not believe that there is any danger to the public at this time.

Ashby Police and Fire, Townsend Police, New Ipswich, N.H. Police, and State Police are on scene. Ashby and State Police are investigating.

Members of the media with questions should contact the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office for further information.

*Joint Press Release* Pepperell, Townsend and Ashby Police Provide Residents With 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
Robert M. Eaton Jr., 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. 26, 2015

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 978-743-0004
Email: john@jgpr.net

*Joint Press Release* Pepperell, Townsend and Ashby Police Provide Residents With Back to School Safety Tips

PEPPERELL — Pepperell Police Chief David Scott, Townsend Police Chief Robert M. Eaton Jr. and Ashby Police Chief Fred Alden would like to provide safety tips for all residents as students prepare to return to school over the next two weeks.

Students in grades one through 12 in the North Middlesex Regional School District will begin classes next Tuesday, Aug. 30. Pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students begin classes on Tuesday, Sept. 6.

“We want the transition back to school to be as smooth as possible for both students and parents,” Chief Scott said. “The tips provided will help to ensure safety for all and to make the process as stress-free as possible.”

Chiefs Scott, Eaton and Alden are asking that residents follow several safety tips provided by Officer Brent Davis:

Students

  • When walking to school, use bike paths and sidewalks where available. In areas where there are no sidewalks or bike paths, walk along the side of the road facing traffic.
  • If riding a bicycle to school and there are no bike paths, ride with traffic; if riding in the dark your bike must have a light on it.
  • Always wear a helmet when riding a bicycle.
  • Wear light-colored clothing and avoid using headphones or other electronic devices that will distract you from traffic.
  • Students that ride the bus should arrive at the bus stop early, stay away from traffic and never walk behind the bus.
  • Make sure the bus comes to a complete stop before trying to enter or exit the bus.
  • Never rely solely on flashing bus lights to stop traffic. If you have to cross the street, observe traffic and watch for the signal from your bus driver that it is safe to cross.

“The start of a new school year can be very exciting for students, and sometimes children can forget to think about safety,” Chief Eaton said. “We urge all who travel along the roadways throughout town to be vigilant, especially during the school week, so we can ensure a safe and happy school year.”

Motorists

  • Avoid having to rush and leave earlier to give yourself ample time to get to your destination. Even if you don’t have a student returning to class next week, you need to be prepared for buses that make frequent stops. 
  • Be aware of traffic around schools, especially when driving during the hours prior to school starting and at dismissal time.
  • As a driver, it is your responsibility to know where school zones are and adhere to the posted speed limit. Speed limits of 20 mph in school zones will be strictly enforced.
  • Crossing guards will be present to assist students in crossing the street safely and rely on the motorist to stop when directed.
  • All drivers must stop when approaching a school bus that has activated its flashing red lights. The initial fine for illegally passing a school bus is $250, with repeat offenders facing increased fines, as well as license suspensions and revocations. Police will be strictly enforcing these laws. 
  • A child’s behavior can be unpredictable. Wait for school bus lights to stop flashing before beginning to move again. 
  • Be mindful that no vehicle may operate less than 100 feet behind a school bus.

“As students return to classes next month there will be increased pedestrian traffic near schools and bus stops,” Chief Alden said. “It is vital that motorists pay extra attention to young students that may be crossing the street or getting on or off a school bus.”

Pepperell, Townsend and Ashby Police are also urging parents and guardians to talk to their high school students about the dangers along Rt. 119. This is especially important in the area surrounding the school, where there is an increase of traffic flow, congestion and ongoing construction. Two police officers will be added in the morning and afternoons to assist the school crossing guard during the first week of school.

For more information on safety procedures, including stranger danger or pedestrian and bike safety, contact your local police department.

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Ashby Police Arrest Man for Breaking and Entering, Malicious Destruction of Property

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

For Immediate Release

Sunday, Aug. 21, 2016

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 978-841-9948
Email: john@jgpr.net

Ashby Police Arrest Man for Breaking and Entering, Malicious Destruction of Property

ASHBY — Chief Fred Alden reports that Ashby Police Department arrested a man for Breaking and Entering and Malicious Destruction of Property last night.

MURDOCH LINDWOOD HATFIELD, AGE 37, OF ASHBURNHAM, is charged with Breaking and Entering Nighttime for Felony and Malicious Destruction of Property Over $250.

On Saturday, Aug. 20 at approximately 8:37 p.m., Ashby Police were dispatched to a residence on Pillsbury Road for a report of a suspicious male who was attempting to gain access to the homeowner’s vehicle.

While police were on their way to the scene, dispatch updated officers that the same male was now in the driveway of a residence on West Road. When police arrived, they found HATFIELD standing in the roadway.

As police were interviewing HATFIELD, the homeowner of the residence on Pillsbury Road told police that he believed his neighbor’s house had been broken into and there may still be another suspect inside.

When police arrived at the neighbor’s home, they observed the front door was wide open. The front storm door had been completely removed from the door frame and the side window was missing.

Upon further investigation, police discovered there was significant damage to the interior of the home including drawers, cabinets and their contents strewn throughout rooms of the house and a sliding glass door to the rear deck completely shattered and the screen removed.

No suspects were located inside of the residence. A State Police K-9 Unit provided assistance searching the area around the home, but no other suspects were located during this search.

Due to the extent of the damage to the home, State Police Crime Scene Services are assisting to process the scene.

HATFIELD was booked at the Ashby Police Station and transported to the State Police barracks in Leominster where he is being held on $5,000 bail pending his arraignment in Ayer District Court.

This incident remains under investigation by the Ashby Police Department and State Police Crime Scene Services.

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

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Ashby, MA 01431

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