LAKEVILLE — Chief Matthew Perkins reports that the Lakeville Police Department is investigating after a vehicle struck a retail store Sunday morning and fled the scene.
At approximately 10 a.m., Lakeville Police and Fire responded to the Dollar Tree, located at 56 Main St., for a report of a vehicle that had hit the store.
The initial on-scene investigation showed that a vehicle had jumped the curb and hit the building, breaking glass on the building’s storefront. The vehicle involved fled the scene.
No injuries were reported. The Building Commissioner was notified.
The investigation remains active and ongoing. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Lakeville Police at 508-947-4422.
LAKEVILLE — Chief Matthew Perkins reports that a Bridgewater man was arraigned Friday following an investigation into an alleged indecent assault that took place in October.
FREDRICK CONRAD, AGE 63, of BRIDGEWATER, was charged with Indecent Assault and Battery on a Person 14 or Over (3 counts).
The incident, during which CONRAD allegedly had inappropriate contact with a minor, occurred at his place of business, Brickroad Wrestling Club, located at 155 Millennium Circle in Lakeville in October.
CONRAD was arraigned in Wareham District Court on Friday, Dec. 8. He was released on personal recognizance, with conditions to stay away from and have no contact with the victim. The next date in this case is Feb. 22, 2024.
The matter remains under investigation by the Lakeville Police Department. Anyone who may have further information is asked to call Lakeville Police at 508-947-4422.
These are allegations. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty.
A group of Lakeville Police officers participated in the 2023 Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) Polar Plunge to benefit Special Olympics Massachusetts on Saturday, March 11 at Clear Pond Park. (Photo courtesy Lakeville Police Department)
LAKEVILLE — Chief Matthew Perkins is pleased to share that the Lakeville Police Department hosted the local 2023 Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) Polar Plunge earlier this month.
The event was held in Lakeville on Saturday, March 11. Participants gathered at Clear Pond Park to take the plunge. A total of 87 participants from 13 teams each raised at least $100 to participate. In total, $18,846 was raised through the Lakeville Polar Plunge to benefit Special Olympics Massachusetts.
The event was organized by Lakeville Police Sgt. Erik McNeice, who is a longtime supporter of the Special Olympics and the Law Enforcement Torch Run.
“We were proud to host this year’s Polar Plunge, and thank everyone who participated and helped raise money to go toward meaningful initiatives and programs for Special Olympics athletes in Massachusetts,” Chief Perkins said. “I’d also like to recognize Sgt. McNeice for his hard work and dedication to coordinating the event this year.”
The department would also like to thank the Lakeville Dunkin’ for their food and coffee donation, as well as area public safety partners — the Lakeville Fire Department and East Bridgewater Police Department — who also participated in the fundraiser.
About Special Olympics Massachusetts
Special Olympics Massachusetts provides year-round sports training and competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for all children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, prepare for entry into school and community programs, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in the sharing of gifts, skills and friendships with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.
The Special Olympics Polar Plunge has participants jump into icy cold waters to help provide over 14,000 athletes with a a safe opportunity to participate in sports training and competition programs that help them live longer, happier, healthier lives. Every dollar raised directly supports year-round sports training and competition for athletes with intellectual disabilities in Massachusetts.
About The Law Enforcement Torch Run
The LETR for Special Olympics engages law enforcement worldwide championing acceptance and inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities, starting first with their own communities. Over the years the Torch Run has evolved and now encompasses a variety of innovative fundraising platforms to include Plane Pull®, Polar Plunge®, Tip-A-Cop®, and more.
LAKEVILLE — Chief Matthew Perkins reports that the Lakeville Police Department is investigating a motorcycle crash that occurred on Route 44 Monday afternoon.
At approximately 12:30 p.m., Lakeville Police and Fire were dispatched to the area of 13 Harding St. (Route 44) for a crash between a motorcycle and another vehicle.
Upon arrival, first responders located the male operator of the motorcycle suffering from life-threatening injuries. The man was treated by paramedics on scene before being transported to Rhode Island Hospital via medical helicopter.
The female operator of the other vehicle did not report injuries.
Route 44 in the immediate area of the crash is currently partially closed. Drivers are encouraged to avoid the area for the time being while investigators remain on scene, or expect delays.
The crash remains under investigation by Lakeville Police with assistance from the Massachusetts State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section and Crime Prevention and Control (CPAC) unit.
Possession or Use of Fireworks is Illegal in Massachusetts
Police Chief Matthew Perkins and Fire Chief Michael O’Brien, along with the Lakeville Police and Fire Departments, wish to share several important safety tips and reminders as residents prepare to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday.
According to the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services and State Police, fire departments statewide reported more than 900 fires related to illegal fireworks from 2012 to 2021. In addition to the 43 fire service injuries and $2.1 million in damages attributed to these fires, Massachusetts medical facilities reported 31 severe burn injuries extending to 5% or more of the victims’ bodies that were caused by illegal fireworks.
The possession, use and sale of all fireworks without a professional license is against the law in Massachusetts, and punishable by confiscation, fine, or imprisonment. Fines range from $100 to $1,000, and some violations could carry a one-year prison sentence. It is also illegal for private citizens to purchase fireworks legally elsewhere and then transport them into the state.
Residents are encouraged to report any misuse of fireworks they notice in the community to the Lakeville Police Department at 508-947-4422. In case of a firework-related or other emergency, always dial 911.
Lakeville Police also remind residents to drive and boat safely and while sober. Extra police patrols will be out on the roads and on the water around the Fourth of July holiday to monitor for unsafe and impaired driving/boating.
Lakeville Police and Fire share the following safety tips with residents:
Drive Safely
Be mindful of pedestrians.
Always wear your seatbelt.
Do not drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. From 2016 to 2020, there were 1,390 drivers killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes over the Fourth of July holiday period — 41% of the drivers killed were drunk.
Even if you’ve had only one alcoholic beverage, do not plan on driving. Instead, designate a sober driver or use public transportation or a ride-share service to get home safely.
Take keys away from individuals who are under the influence and are planning to drive. Alcohol and drugs can impair perception, judgment, motor skills, and memory, which are critical for safe and responsible driving.
If you see a possible impaired driver on the road, call 911.
For more tips from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, click here.
Celebrate Safely
Attend organized and permitted fireworks displays only.
Remember, alcohol/drugs and fireworks do not mix.
Never allow young children to go near fireworks.
Keep pets indoors and away from fireworks. The loud noises and flashing lights can be frightening and overwhelming for pets. Pets can become frightened and run from familiar environments and people, becoming lost. Read more here.
Boat Safely
Always wear a life jacket when on the water. Make sure the jacket is a proper fit for your size and weight and that it is properly fastened. The U.S. Coast Guard reports 76% of boating deaths in 2017 were due to drowning and 84% of the victims were not wearing a life jacket.
Maintain awareness of your surroundings at all times.
Be courteous and respectful to other boaters.
Travel at a safe speed for the environment and conditions.
Be sure you have and know how to use essential equipment, such as visual distress signals, sound producing devices, locator devices, fire extinguishers and navigation lights.
Check the latest forecast before leaving shore and watch for changing weather.
Take a safe boating course and get a vessel safety check.
Never boat under the influence. Drugs and alcohol impact your cognitive abilities, judgement, balance, coordination, reaction time and vision. Federal law prohibits boating under the influence of alcohol and drugs on all boats.
