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9-22-2025 12:49am
Police Log: Spyware Enables Remote Control of Resident’s Computer and Other Stories
Darlene Cancell
Editor
The news described in this installment of Westwood Minute's weekly Police Log article series is primarily based on selected incidents from the Westwood Police Department's daily log, and information provided by Lieutenant Michael DiLalla and police staff to Westwood Minute through written records and conversations. Occasionally, Westwood Minute may weave a few facts that it obtains from other sources into these stories.
Sunday, September 14th
Facebook Marketplace Dispute
4:53 p.m. Police were dispatched to a home on Washington Street following a complaint from an Easton resident about a dispute over a Facebook Marketplace transaction with the Westwood resident. The Easton resident reported purchasing a lawnmower from the Westwood resident for $120. Upon arriving at home, the lawnmower did not work. The complainant says she reached out to the seller, but he blocked her. She went back to the Westwood residence, where they two parties argued. Westwood resident accused the buyer of trespassing and refused to return her money. Police advised both parties of their option to go to civil court.
Noise Complaint
10:14 p.m. A caller complained of hearing a loud horn on Gay Street. Police informed the resident that there is overnight construction in the area as paving is underway at night.
Reaction to Medication
11:47 p.m. Police responded to an apartment at Gables University Station apartments where the male caller told police that his girlfriend was having a reaction to medication. Police arrived to hear a female yelling and crying inside the apartment.
The boyfriend told police that his girlfriend had been fine earlier in the day, and had not been drinking. However, when he spoke with her on the phone at 11 p.m., she made no sense. She has consumed a prescribed medication.
Fire department paramedics were summoned. Police placed the female into protective custody, as she was under the influence of drugs. She was transported to the hospital for assistance.
Saturday, September 13th
Unusual Litter
12:28 p.m. A resident of Pond Street discovered a discarded hypodermic needle. The resident also reported that on September 11, between 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., someone had discarded medical waste at the end of the homeowner’s driveway.
Suspicious Subaru
7:09 p.m. Police received a call from Hemlock Drive regarding a green Subaru driving in the area, without any license plate on either the front or the rear of the car. The caller was concerned for children in the area. Police investigated but did not find any vehicle matching the description.
Rivalry among Westwood and DedhamYouths
9:50 p.m. Police responded to an address on Lake Shore Drive on the report of two groups of teens, including a number who had arrived in three cars, who were looking for a fight. Police did not see any such gathering on the road, and investigated further in the neighborhood.
Police spoke to the mother of a Westwood youth, who told police that her son had been involved in an altercation with a Dedham youth. She believed another fight would be likely because of an ongoing rivalry between the group of Dedham youths with a group of Westwood youths.
School resource officers of both communities will be alerted.
Friday, September 12th
Spyware Enables Remote Control of Resident’s Computer
6:50 a.m. The owner of a small business on High Street reported that on September 10, around 4:15 p.m., he was working on his computer when someone took control of it, remotely. The owner told police that someone began editing forms on his computer and manipulating client data. He believes the trouble began around 3:15 a.m. in the morning. The owner shut off the computer.
Upon bringing the computer to a technician, spyware was discovered, which is believed to be how the scammer gained remote access. The owner has informed his clients of the incident and is investigating ways to increase his cybersecurity.
Suspicious Activity on University Avenue
7:03 p.m. A caller informed police that four juveniles were on University Avenue, throwing things around and refusing to leave the area. While police were en route, the caller reported that the group was leaving.
Can You Lend Me a Charge?
7:38 p.m. A resident of Highview Street reported suspicious activity when a male came to the resident’s door to ask to use a phone charger. The young man, who appeared to be in his 20s with shoulder length hair, claimed that he was looking for a music lesson. The man said didn’t know where the teacher’s address was because he needed to charge his phone for directions.
Unaccompanied Minors
7:38 p.m. A caller reported observing two young children on High Street who were unaccompanied by any adult. One was on a scooter, and one was on a bicycle. Police searched the area but did not find anyone matching the description.
Thursday, September 11th
Inheritance Scam
11:23 a.m. A resident of Longwood Drive reported a scam from an alleged New York broker, “David Fisher,” while communicating on the WhatsApp app. The alleged broker informed the resident that he is a beneficiary of stock for $17.5 million, and asked for information so that the funds could be transferred. The resident provided social security, email address, and home address to the scammer.
Later on, the resident discussed the incident with a Fidelity financial consultant in Westwood, who informed the resident that the interaction was a scam. The resident has not lost any money, but his personal identification has been compromised. He is monitoring his financial accounts.
Wednesday, September 10th
Argument over a Microwave
5:34 p.m. Police were dispatched to the lobby of Romanow Container on University Avenue on the report of an employee who complained of an altercation with a coworker. The two employees were having an argument over use of a microwave. The calling party alleged that his coworker asked him why he uses the preferred microwave, then screamed, and pushed him.
Police spoke with the alleged aggressor, who described the same scenario, but with roles reversed.
Upon reviewing video, police determined that the two men engaged in animated conversation, with the alleged aggressor waving his forearm in what appeared to be a defensive gesture, to create distance from the calling party. Contact was made very slightly.
No charges were filed.
Tuesday, September 9th
Providing Mutual Aid with Drone Work
8:00 a.m. Norwood Police requested MetroLEC assistance with drones to aid with security during Norwood Day.
Resident of Apartment Complex Suspected of Package Thefts
10:57 a.m. Police met with a manager of Gables University Station apartments regarding several complaints of stolen packages from residents of the apartment complex. The manager was able to provide police with video of a resident opening and stealing the contents of packages from a package delivery room. The male suspect will be evicted. Charges are pending a determination of the list of items taken.
Thanks to Lieutenant Michael DiLalla and the Westwood Police Department for contributing information for this Westwood Minute article.
Updated 9/22/2025 at 10:05 a.m.
