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10-26-2026 12:30am
Police Log: No Firearm Found after Student's Verbal Threat; Drunk Driving Arrest after Crash into Pole
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 incorporate facts that it obtains from other sources into these stories.
Sunday, October 18
K-9 Unit Assists Search for Missing Dover Man
9:27 p.m. Westwood Police Department’s K-9 unit was dispatched to the Town of Dover to aid a search for a missing 60-year-old man, who had wandered away after a family argument. He was last seen on Glen Street, wearing a T-shirt, and not dressed for the cold temperature. His family had been unable to reach him by cell phone for a few hours.
After multiple K-9 units had searched an area of about 200 meters in diameter, Dover Fire Department personnel located the man walking on Indian Springs Road, apparently on his way home.
Saturday, October 17
Drunk Driving Arrest Following Vehicle Crash into Pole
1:26 a.m. Police responded to the intersection of Washington and Clapboardtree streets on the report of a motor vehicle crash involving a vehicle facing the wrong direction in a travel lane. Upon arrival, police observed a grey Nissan Outlander that was facing north in the southbound lane. Police observed heavy damage to its front end, and a debris trail of about 50 yards between the vehicle and a traffic pole and sign which the vehicle appeared to have struck. The crash reportedly caused an outage of all lights at the intersection.
Police described the driver as appearing dazed and unsteady on his feet, with glassy eyes, the odor of alcohol on his breath, and slurring his words. He reportedly told police that he had “made a mistake.” Police report that he admitted to drinking “a little bit.”
A short time later, a friend of the driver arrived at the scene, and told police that they had come from a birthday party in Norwood.
The driver, a 41-year-old resident of Dorchester, refused to take a breath test and refused field sobriety testing. Based on police observations, he was arrested for operating under the influence of liquor and issued a criminal citation that included a marked lanes violation and negligent operation of a motor vehicle.
Resident Reports Suspicious Vehicle on Pleasant Valley Road/Fieldstone Road
12:06 p.m. Police received a report of suspicious activity in the area of Pleasant Valley Road and Fieldstone Road. A resident told police that a vehicle was in the neighborhood that did not belong. Police investigated and spoke to the vehicle’s owner who told them that her husband was using the vehicle for business, checking whether landscaping services were being completed.
Police Pursuit of Vehicle Results in Arrest for Shoplifting
3:48 p.m. Police intercepted a male and female traveling in their vehicle on University Avenue, who were suspected of leaving the Target store with concealed and unpaid merchandise. Store staff reported that the male had pushed a cart full of items past all points of sale. When store staff attempted to stop him, he reportedly abandoned the cart and exited the store, getting into a black, Chevrolet Cruze. The female had been observed concealing items in a green purse, and reportedly failed to stop for store staff.
A responding officer observed the suspects’ vehicle on University Avenue, headed toward the Interstate 95 onramp. The officer performed a U-turn to pursue the vehicle, activating the cruiser lights. Police report that the vehicle pulled over near Exit 26 on Interstate 95 South, and that both vehicle occupants admitted to being inside the Target store, but claimed they had not taken anything.
Police arrested the two for shoplifting. The 42-year-old male resident of Hyde Park was charged with shoplifting by asportation, second offense. His girlfriend, a 25-year-old resident of Dorchester, was charged with shoplifting by concealment and carrying a dangerous weapon, after police found an electric taser in her possession.
Friday, October 16
Boyfriend Accused of Smashing Girlfriend’s Car Window is Later Arrested in Plymouth
10:21 p.m. A resident of Grafton Avenue informed police that her boyfriend, a Stoughton resident, had smashed the rear window of her white, 2017 Nissan Sentra. She told police that they had gone to dinner and argued, and that she had exited their vehicle while stopped at an intersection to walk home. The boyfriend was reportedly upset and did not want her to leave.
Subsequently, on Thursday, October 22, the boyfriend was arrested in Plymouth for an alleged violation of a restraining order, and custody was transferred to Westwood Police. He was transported to Dedham District Court that same day.
Not an Argument, Just Friends Talking
10:52 p.m. Police responded to a report of a disturbance on Highland Glen Road where parties were heard loudly arguing for half an hour. Upon arrival, police encountered two individuals described as friends who were talking on a porch. Police determined that no action was required.
Thursday, October 15
Report of Altercation Ends Peacefully
11:38 a.m. Police responded to a caller’s report of an altercation on Everett Street between employees of a moving company and a construction company. The situation had already resolved when police arrived.
Suspicious Vehicle on Fieldstone Road Has Canceled Plate
12:38 p.m. A resident of Fieldstone Road reported seeing a strange vehicle in the area over the last few weeks. Police checked the license plate number given, and discovered that the plate was canceled.
Rear-End Collision on East Street Rotary
3:54 p.m. Police responded to the East Street rotary where a grey 2021 Chevrolet Spark crashed into the back of a 2022 grey Ford Escape. Police issued a written warning to driver of the trailing vehicle who accepted responsibility for following too closely. The driver of lead vehicle was transported by Westwood Fire paramedics to Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital – Needham with minor injuries.
Wednesday, October 14
Caller Reports Male Waving Large Knife in Reported Road Rage Incident
6:35 a.m. Police received a report of road rage in the area of University Avenue and Canton Street. The caller told police that a male exited a vehicle and waved a large knife – similar to a machete – at him.
After checking the area and finding no person matching the description, police contacted the caller for more information. Police learned that the vehicle was an older, grey sedan, and may have had a Nebraska plate, but the caller was unsure because the plate was covered. The driver was described as a male in his 50s.
Westwood Police contacted Norwood Police to obtain video to see if a vehicle matching the description could be seen leaving the area.
Westwood Resident Issued Warning after Car Crash on Washington Street
12:26 p.m. An officer responded to Washington Street where two cars had collided. One driver – a Westwood resident – informed police that as she exited the CVS parking lot to Washington Street, she expected that a vehicle that was traveling on Washington Street would slow down to allow her to exit. However, as she turned right onto the street, her car collided with a vehicle driven by a man from Millis. The Westwood resident was given a verbal warning for failure to yield to oncoming traffic. Her car was towed. No injuries were reported.
Suspicious Activity at Onramp to Interstate 95
8:23 p.m. Police responded to a call reporting that a female wearing a pink top, carrying bags, was walking onto the ramp to Interstate 95 South. Police did not locate any person matching the description.
Tuesday, October 13
No Firearm Found after One Student Threatens Another During Middle School Dispute
1:01 p.m. Westwood’s school resource officer received a call from the administration of Thurston Middle School regarding the possibility that a student may be in possession of a firearm. The student in question met with the principal and reportedly denied having a firearm. School staff searched the student’s belongings and locker before police arrived, but reportedly found no firearm.
Upon arrival, the school resource officer learned that the student had been in an altercation with another student at recess, and that they were “rage baiting” each other. Police learned that the student had reportedly threatened to “send shooters” to the other student’s home.
The police investigation found no evidence of a firearm. No further action was taken.
Mediating a Dispute among Family Members
8:10 p.m. An officer mediated a dispute between two sisters on Westwood Glen Road. The dispute concerned clothing and a dog.
Monday, October 12
Enforcing Noise Bylaw on Holiday
7:39 a.m. A resident reported construction noise in the area of Oak Street, in violation of the Town of Westwood’s bylaws which prohibit the operation of heavy machinery on legal holidays. Police spoke to the worker or workers who decided to leave for the day.
Report of Rocks on the Road
11:40 a.m. A caller reported that a bulldozer was pushing rocks into the street in the area of Pond Street and Dayton Avenue. Police investigated and found no obstruction in the road.
Thanks to Lieutenant Michael DiLalla and Westwood Police Department for sharing information for this Westwood Minute article.
