Police Log: Residents Report Scam Calls

Monday, May 12

At 5:27 a.m., an officer on patrol monitoring heavy commercial truck traffic found no excessive braking noise at New and Haverhill streets. There have been complaints about trucks using their loud jake brakes while driving through town.

At 10:22 a.m., a North Reading resident reported receiving a grandson scam call. The call involves a person claiming that a person’s grandson is in prison in another country and the grandparent must wire money immediately. The North Reading resident knew it was a scam and didn’t provide any information or money.

At 10:25 a.m., an officer cited a North Reading driver for texting while driving and a marked lanes violation on Main Street.

At 4:05 p.m., a person reported that cars turning from Oakdale Road onto Park Street are not stopping at the Stop sign. Police will conduct traffic enforcement at the stop sign.

At 4:31 p.m., police responded to a brush fire on Kings Row. North Reading Fire with the help of two other communities extinguished the fire. Read more about the fire.

At 10:10 p.m., a Pomeroy Road resident reported that a man in a red pickup offered her child a lollipop last week. She said she will call police if she sees the truck again.

Tuesday, May 13

At 5:28 a.m., an officer monitoring heavy commercial truck traffic found no problems at New and Haverhill streets.

At 8:59 a.m., a person on Park Street reported seeing a coyote when he took his dog out. The animal appeared healthy.

At 10:49 a.m., a Spruce Road resident reported a man in all black in the area. Police spoke to the man, who was dropping off fliers for Verizon. Police explained that he needs to register with police when he is going to solicit.

Wednesday, May 14

At 12:14 a.m., police received a call after an Equestrian Drive home was toilet-papered. There was no damage.

At 7:50 a.m., an officer on heavy commercial truck traffic duty found one driver using a jake brake at New and Chestnut streets.

Thursday, May 15

At 10:01 a.m., a North Reading resident reported someone left a message on voicemail claiming he was from the IRS and demanding the resident owed the IRS money. Police advised the person to not provide any personal information.

At 1:11 p.m., police responded to Bank of America after a dump truck got stuck in the drive thru. It reportedly struck the overhang. There was minor structural damage.

At 1:36 p.m., a North Reading resident reported receiving a granddaughter scam call. The person calling said the granddaughter was arrested and needed money. The resident hung up on the caller.

 At 6:03 p.m., police arrested Richard Joseph Ward, 57, 101 Lowell Road, Apt. 301, North Reading, and charged him with charged him on one count of trafficking cocaine, five counts of distributing cocaine (subsequent offenses), one count of possessing a Class D substance (marijuana) with the intent to distribute (subsequent offense), two counts of drug violations near a park, one count of possessing a Class B substance (Percocet) (subsequent offense) and one count of possessing a Class E substance (steroids), and Edward Scott Conron, 58, 140 Park St., North Reading, and charged him with possessing a Class B drug. Read more about this arrest.

At 6:07 p.m., a person reported a Jet Ski on Martin’s Pond. The man riding the Jet Ski gave her the finger when the caller confronted him. Police arrived, but the Jet Skier had already left.