CRIME & SAFETY
Springfield Shocker, Man Shot Dead at Dawn in Forest Park Neighborhood
Earlier yesterday, gunshots shattered the peace as a man's life was violently brought to an end inside an apartment building. The Springfield Police Department relayed that the fatal incident transpired within the confines of a residential structure situated on the 100 block of Fort Pleasant Avenue, an artery lining the periphery of the Forest Park neighborhood, as reported by MassLive.
Amherst Police warning of several car break-ins
AMHERST, MA (WGGB/WSHM) - The Amherst Police Department said that they have received several reports of cars being broken into all over town with the majority of them being unlocked vehicles. Authorities are urging residents to park their cars in well-lit areas, not to leave valuables in the car, lock...
Former Springfield golf pro pleads guilty to cheating IRS out of income derived from taxpayer-funded contract
SPRINGFIELD — Federal prosecutors say a former municipal golf pro cheated the Internal Revenue Service out of around $740,000 in unreported income gleaned from a city contract between 2011 and 2014. Kevin M. Kennedy entered guilty pleas on that group of charges Monday, one day before he is set...
Duo Busted with Cocaine Bonanza, Heroin Haul in Palmer Traffic Stop
A pair of Massachusetts motorists found themselves in cuffs, with a cache of cocaine and heroin in tow. Palmer police pinched two individuals after a routine check of an expired registration revealed a whole lot more than outdated paperwork, according to WWLP. Galen Woodward of Wilbraham and Lisa Laroche of Palmer had their ride come to an abrupt halt during a traffic stop on the Mass Pike.
Arrest warrant issued for Mass. man after Springfield woman found spy camera
Shannon Archambault felt her privacy shattered when she discovered a hidden spy camera inside her Springfield apartment last month. Now, the man she and police suspect put them there will face charges. Archambault, 31, pulled down a fake fire alarm on the ceiling outside her bedroom in October and found...
UMass professor leading pro-Palestine protest arrested at Boston Logan, police say
A University of Massachusetts Amherst professor was arrested at Boston Logan International Airport after police said he led a pro-Palestine protest at the airport and refused to leave on Sunday. State police said about 40 people descended upon the lower level of Terminal B at Boston Logan around 12:05 p.m....
Officials urge safety following recent string of Springfield fires
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - The latest in a recent string of fires in Springfield happened overnight on Devens Street, that makes four in the last month, one of them fatal. A firefighter suffered minor injuries during this most recent call. Western Mass News spoke with Springfield Fire Captain Drew Piemonte....
Sunderland Firefighter Recognized In 34th Annual Firefighter Of The Year Awards
(Sunderland, MA) Sunderland firefighter Lieutenant Matthew Morin has received the Norman Knight Award for Excellence in Community Service. Lieutenant Morin was recognized for helping develop a first responder training program, setting standards for respectfully and professionally interacting with members of the LGBTQIA+ community and has presented the training to over 2,000 firefighters, and achieved runner-up for Educator of the Year at the Department of Fire Service’s Safety Education Conference this year.
The Shoestring discusses police transparency at community panel
On Nov. 16, around 30 residents of western Massachusetts communities attended a panel discussion on “Police Accountability and the Media” at the Abandoned Building Brewery in Easthampton, where panelists discussed their investigative work into police transparency and other topics. The panel was moderated by Shoestring reporter Sierra Dickey...
Preventing Fire Hazards: The Importance of Tree Maintenance Near Power Lines
Discover how a single tree branch can cause a massive fire and power outage, leaving thousands in the dark. Learn about the importance of tree maintenance and how being proactive can prevent such incidents. Get insights from the general manager of Westfield Gas and Electric.
Increased Police Presence in Belchertown Schools Following Threatening Email
Discover why both local and state police were inspecting Belchertown schools following a threatening email. Learn about the safety measures taken, the results of the inspections, and the increased police presence planned for the entire week.
East Longmeadow man indicted for motor vehicle homicide in 2022 fatal motorcycle crash
SPRINGFIELD — A 75-year-old East Longmeadow man has been criminally charged in connection with a motorcycle crash that took a man’s life. John Metzidakis was indicted on Nov. 20 by a Hampden County grand jury for motor vehicle homicide by negligent operation, according to court records. Cameron Champigny, 28, was killed when Metizidakis’ car collided with his Harley-Davidson on June 10, 2022, authorities said.
Springfield driver going 90 mph crashes into N.H. utility pole, police say
A Massachusetts driver is facing several charges after crashing their car into a utility pole in New Hampshire Saturday while trying to avoid being arrested by state troopers, New Hampshire State Police said Sunday. A state trooper saw a vehicle speeding down Route 9 in Sullivan around 9:12 p.m. on...