“Massachusetts State Police fugitive unit Troopers and an MSP K9 Unit team and partner officers, after a nightlong search for an accused child rapist, ultimately captured him before dawn today in Stoneham woodland.

Members of the MSP Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section (MSP VFAS) and US Marshals Service Task Force Officers (USMS TFOs) developed information that suspect RICKLAND POWELL, 59, of Belmont, might be in a wooded area in that town.

MSP K9 Unit Trooper Christina Cavagnaro and her partner Thor assisted in the search, tracking into the woods. At about 3 AM the K9 team, along with MSP VFAS Troopers and USMS TFOs, located POWELL, who had hung himself from a tree.

Troopers and Officers cut the suspect down. The suspect was still alive and was transported to an area hospital. The Belmont Police Department, which conducted the investigation that led to the child rape warrants against POWELL, assumed custody of him.

Belmont Police recently requested assistance from MSP VFAS in searching for POWELL, for whom Belmont detectives had obtained a warrant for the following offenses: Rape of a Child with Force (four counts); Aggravated Statutory Rape (four counts); Indecent Assault and Battery on a Child Under 14 (two counts); Posing a Child in a Sex Act; and Distributing Obscene Material.

The charges stem from evidence indicating that POWELL raped a female child multiple times.

Cambridge Police and the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department assisted in the search for POWELL.”-Massachusetts State Police.

“A 26-year-old New Bedford gang member convicted by a jury of his peers last month of the second degree murder of Brad Lourenco was sentenced this week in Fall River Superior Court to life in prison, Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III announced.

Superior Court Judge Renee Dupuis sentenced Ivan Fontanez to life in prison, with the possibility of parole after 20 years, on Monday.

The two week long trial before Judge Renee Dupuis was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Shawn Guilderson and Matthew Sylvia.

The jury also convicted Fontanez of carrying an illegal firearm and carrying a loaded illegal firearm.

On June 5, 2017, Fontanez and Keeland Rose got a ride from Temple Landing in the West End of New Bedford to Rivet Street in the South End of New Bedford. Fontanez and Rose then walked to Roberto Clement Park where Fontanez pointed the firearm into a group of individuals at the park, fired the gun 9 times, and one shot struck Brad Lourenco in the back of the head causing his death. They both then ran from the area while being chased by south End gang members, including Bruno Lopes. Fontanez and Rose both crossed over Route 18 by way of a pedestrian foot bridge. The murder weapon was later located hidden on this bridge.

As they continued their flight, they discarded their sweatshirts and Fontanez discarded his sweatpants in a dumpster. That clothing was located, and DNA of Rose was found on one of the sweatshirts while DNA of Fontanez was found on the sweatpants. The chase continued back over Route 18 when Fontanez and Rose jump into the back of a pickup truck that was in the area hoping to flee the scene. After the driver of the truck stopped his car and ordered them out, Rose and Fontanez grabbed hand tools from the pickup truck in an attempt to defend themselves from the gang chasing them. They were apprehended by police within seconds of this occurring.

The shooting was likely the results of an ongoing feud between rival gangs in New Bedford and was in retaliation to an incident that occurred about a week before the homicide involving the non-fatal shooting of Fontanez’s half-brother.

“This was a gang related killing committed by the defendant in broad daylight to avenge the recent shooting of his half-brother. The murder was committed at a park with complete disregard for the safety of others who were in the vicinity of the shooting. It was particularly disturbing that associates of the defendant came to the trial during the testimony of several civilian witnesses with clear intent to influence their testimony.

While they have a right to watch the trial, any attempt to influence or intimidate a witnesses testimony undermines our system of justice,” District Attorney Quinn said. “I commend the jury for focusing on the evidence and convicting the defendant of murder. The defendant was on probation at the time he committed the murder and received a five year sentence for committing a violent crime. He clearly is a danger to the community. I would like to thank the prosecution team for their efforts at trial, which led to the murder conviction.”

Keeland Rose pled guilty to a charge of Accessory to Murder in 2019 and was sentenced to serve three to six years in state prison.”

“At approximately 5:15 pm, on Monday, November 27, 2023, Officers assigned to the A-1 (Downtown) Drug Control Unit arrested Israel Silva, 51, of Roxbury, on weapons and drug related charges.

Officers were conducting a drug investigation in the area of Temple Place area when they heard a loud disturbance approximately 20 feet away. The officers upon observing what was happening, could see the suspect brandishing a large machete and threatening to attack a group of teens while simultaneously approaching them and challenging them to fight.

The officers quickly abandoned their investigation and rushed in to respond to the disturbance, as the officers were making their approach the suspect stopped and was observed reaching into his right pocket and then brandishing a small axe with his right hand as he held the machete with his left.

The suspect then continued to approach and challenge the group, who then ran off in fear of the suspect. The officers confronted the suspect and were able to successfully de-escalate the situation and place the suspect in handcuffs. Upon conducting a search of the suspect the officers recovered: 30 individual packets of K-2 Synthetic Marijuana, 16 Suboxone Strips, and a small digital scale.

Silva was placed under arrest and charged with: 2 counts of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, 2 counts of Possession of a Dangerous Weapon, Possession of class B with intent to distribute, possession of class C with intent to distribute and disorderly conduct. He is expected to be arraigned in Boston Municipal Court.”-Boston Police Department.

“On November 29, at 1740 hours Gardner Dispatch received a call from Heywood Hospital for assistance with a male party, later identified as Harrison Barjolo, 21, of Spencer, Massachusetts, who reportedly accessed an ambulance at the hospital and began to drive away with it.

While en route to assist, Gardner Police units located the ambulance, attempted to conduct a motor vehicle stop, at which point Barjolo failed to stop and a pursuit ensued.

Barjolo failed to stop for police and continued in the ambulance with police in pursuit. While attempting to flee police Barjolo did strike another vehicle, at which point a Gardner Officer broke off from the pursuit to render aid. Barjolo continued to flee after striking the vehicle, at which point other agencies also joined in pursuit.

Barjolo reversed directions and continued to flee, ultimately driving back to Heywood Hospital and crashing the ambulance into the pylons outside the ambulance bay.

Barjolo then fled back into the emergency department where officers were able to take him into custody. Currently, Barjolo is in police custody and there is no threat to the public.

At this time Barjolo is charged with unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, failure to stop for police, operating to endanger, leaving the scene of a porperty damage accident, leaving the scene of a personal injury accident, assault and battery on an elder, assault and battery on ambulance personnel, and simple assault and battery, as well as other motor vehicle charges.

This investigation is ongoing and other charges could result.”-Sgt. Jeffrey LaBonte.

“Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Marlborough Chief of Police David Giorgi have confirmed the ongoing investigation into an apparent murder-suicide that occurred this morning in Marlborough.

Wednesday, at approximately 10:05 a.m. Marlborough police received a call for a shooting at a Rice Street residence. Upon arrival police located two females and a child outside who reported that there had been an apparent shooting of their female roommate inside the home. Once inside, police located a 28-year-old female resident of the home and a 29-year-old male, dead from apparent gunshot wounds.

The preliminary investigation suggests that the two decedents had been in a dating relationship. Last night the male had allegedly threatened the female at his home. The female party returned to her Rice Street home this morning. Shortly before 10:05 a.m. the male came to the female’s home, forcing entry through a window. Once inside the male again threatened the female before shooting her and then himself.

The DA’s office has identified the deceased as 28-year-old Kethlen Paula Alves Trindade DaRocha and 29-year-old Marlon Moreira Costa.

This is an open and ongoing investigation being conducted by the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office, Massachusetts State Police Detectives assigned to the District Attorney’s Office and Marlborough Police.”-Middlesex District Attorney Office.

“A 36-year-old New Bedford man arrested last week for allegedly breaking into his ex-girlfriend’s apartment and violently assaulted her was found dangerous by a New Bedford District Court judge and ordered held without bail for 120 days, District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III announced.

Eberth Galicia-Giron is charged with Domestic Assault and Battery, Assault and Battery with a Dangerous Weapon, Breaking and Entering, Witness Intimidation and Destruction of Property Under $1,200.

On the night of November 19, New Bedford Police responded to a report of an intoxicated male who broke into apartment. When police arrived, they found the female victim crying, covered in scratches with fresh bruising, and bleeding from her mouth. Police noted that the apartment was in complete disarray; broken beer bottles littered the floor and holes were punched in various walls. A coffee table was also in pieces.

The victim indicated she recently broke up with defendant. On the night in question, the defendant broke into her apartment, grabbed a knife and began screaming at her. The defendant allegedly grabbed her by the neck and held the knife to her neck. He then is alleged to have punched her in the face multiple times. She was transported to Saint Luke’s Hospital after she fainted.

The dangerousness hearing was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Eric DeMoura and the dangerousness finding was ruled upon by Judge Joseph Harrington.”-Bristol County District Attorney’s Office.

“On April 8, 1985, a driver traveling westbound on interstate 195 stopped in the breakdown lane in the Town of Fairhaven, just beyond the Mattapoisett town line.

Off the shoulder of the road, in the brush about 45 feet from the roadway, the driver saw a human skeleton and immediately notified police.

Police and crime scene personnel responded to the area and secured the scene. A thorough search of the area resulted in the recovery of the skeletal remains of an unidentified person and other physical evidence. Investigators did not find any information in the area related to the identity of the deceased.

Bristol County District Attorney’s Office photo.

The skeletal remains were sent to the FBI lab in Washington, D.C. for further examination. The examination revealed that the skeletal remains were that of a Caucasian male, approximately 5’ 9” tall, who had been killed within a few years before his remains were discovered. Investigators also determined that a pair of shoes found at the scene were manufactured in 1981. The forensic analysis of the skeleton showed evidence of inflicted trauma. The cause of death was determined to be a homicide.

Attempts to use dental records to compare and identify this individual with other missing persons cases were not successful. Investigators released information to the media seeking the public’s assistance in identifying this individual. These efforts, however, were also unsuccessful. Left with little else to go on, investigators made a facial reconstruction of the skull to recreate the facial features and appearance of the man prior to his death. A portrait of the recreation was distributed to the media with hopes that this would lead to an identification, but this too was unsuccessful. Without any other available options, this individual remained unidentified for the next 38 years.

As part of District Attorney Quinn’s Unidentified Bodies Project, which is an ongoing effort to identify unidentified bodies, the Bristol District Attorney’s Office in conjunction with the Massachusetts State Police Unresolved Unit got the assistance of Othram, a private laboratory located in Texas, and the FBI’s Investigative Genetic Genealogy Team, to help identify the remains.

Despite the passage of almost 40 years, these efforts resulted in the successful development of a genetic profile from DNA evidence recovered from the skeletal remains. With this profile, investigators were able to use forensic genetic genealogy (FGG). FGG compares the developed profile to thousands of other DNA profiles and establishes a family tree related to the unknown individual. After connecting this individual to a family tree, investigators were able to positively identify the recovered remains as Keith Olson of Cranston, RI. Mr. Olson was last seen in April of 1981 and had been reported missing from Cranston.

At the time of his disappearance Keith Olson was 27 years old. He was born and raised in Rhode Island. He was last seen on April 15, 1981.

Bristol County District Attorney’s Office photo.

At the time of his disappearance, Olson had been dating a woman. Although Olson’s relationship with this woman was brief, it resulted in friction between Olson and North Providence resident John Broccoli, who had previously been involved in a relationship with the same woman. A witness to Olson’s disappearance described that two men escorted Olson from his Cranston apartment. On the same day that Olson was last seen, Broccoli made cryptic statements to the woman who had been dating Olson. These statements suggested Broccoli’s possible involvement in this matter. John Broccoli, who was also known as Michael Corleone, died in 2019 at the age of 63.

Investigators are seeking the public’s assistance in providing any information related to the disappearance and murder of Keith Olson. Police have strong reason to believe that the crime was committed by at least two people and believe that there are individuals who could provide helpful information to solve this crime. If you have any information regarding this case, please contact: Massachusetts State Police -Det. Lt. AnnMarie Robertson # (855) MA-SOLVE / (855)-627-6583.”-Bristol County District Attorney’s Office.

Please make sure you are taking all the proper measures to protect yourself from porch pirates this holiday season! This is the time of year where criminals will scope out packages on the front porch of houses and gift themselves an early Christmas present.

We received another “Ring Doorbell” video of a porch pirate in action on County Street in New Bedford.

“Hi! If you want to give County Street a heads up: this old lady is stealing packages.” Video by Jill Carmel.

“On November 25, 2023, at approximately 9:12 p.m., Trooper Troy Couillard of the #NHSP #TroopC Barracks was on patrol, conducting stationary radar speed enforcement in the town of Sullivan on Route 9.

At that time, Trooper Couillard observed a motor vehicle traveling westbound at a high rate of speed. Trooper Couillard attempted to stop the vehicle, but the operator refused and a pursuit was initiated. Immediately upon initiating the pursuit, the vehicle reached speeds of nearly 90 MPH, accelerating away from the trooper. Moments later, the trooper located the vehicle on Route 9 with heavy damage. It was discovered that the vehicle had struck a utility pole.

As Trooper Couillard arrived at the crash scene, he observed two subjects flee the area on foot in the direction of a nearby river and into a heavily wooded area. Numerous troopers as well as officers from the Keene Police Department arrived on scene within minutes. Resources were deployed in attempts to locate both occupants of the vehicle.

New Hampshire State Police photo.

During the search, the passenger of the vehicle emerged from the woods with minor injuries and was transported to Cheshire Medical Center to be treated. At approximately 3:30 a.m., a trooper still on scene located a male subject walking down Route 9 in the area of Granite Gorge. The trooper quickly identified as the operator of the vehicle and he was taken into custody. The subject was identified as:

GELIN, Childlove
Age: 31
Springfield, MA

GELIN was found to have two full extradition warrants out of New York City, NY Police Department and Springfield, MA Police Departments. GELIN was transported by ambulance to Cheshire Medical Center for precautionary reasons due to exposure to the elements. GELIN was subsequently discharged from the hospital and transported to the Cheshire County House of Corrections to await arraignment in Keene District Court on the following charges:

• Disobeying an Officer
• Conduct After an Accident
• Reckless Conduct
• Criminal Mischief
• Operating After Suspension
• Speed
• Open Container
• Fugitive From Justice

Additional charges are expected pending further investigation. GELIN was held without bail and will be arraigned in Keene District Court on November 27, 2023. Route 9 in the area of the crash was closed for several hours while utility companies repaired damage to the pole. Troopers on scene were assisted by the Keene Police Department and Keene Fire Department.

Any questions regarding this incident please contact Trooper Troy Couillard at (603) 227-2162 or Troy.J.Couillard@dos.nh.gov.”-New Hampshire State Police.

On Sunday night, we shared Yesteryear Cyclery’s story about a Grinch who decided that he wanted a free bicycle for Christmas and walked out of the store with a gorgeous Eastern Reaper. You can see photos and the discussion of the story here.

Yesteryear posted this statement along with several photos of the suspect onto social media,

“At 10:15am on Saturday 11/25 this scumbag decided he wanted a new bike for Christmas but didn’t want to pay for it. If you recognize him or know him please contact the #NewBedford Police Department. We are offering a REWARD for the return and prosecution of this felon.”– Yesteryear Cyclery, Inc.

Yesteryear Cyclery, Inc. photo.

Yesteryear Cyclery, Inc. photo.

Thanks to the power of social media, a good samaritan happened to see the man walking with the stolen bike in New Bedford and sprung into action! David Nelson of New Bedford retrieved the bike from the thief and returned it to Yesteryear with no hesitation.

Yesteryear then posted this update following the return of the bike,

“THE BIKE HAS BEEN RETURNED!!!!

Special thanks to David Nelson who while on a Sunday drive behind the airport, spotted our “perpetrator” walking the bike. When he approached him and asked about the bike he was told “I just bought it yesterday for $2000 from Yesteryear!”

Mr. Nelson realized that it was our stolen bike and “gently” relieved our thief from the bike and contacted us. Pictured is David and Adam Iacaponi, general manager getting the bike back. Again a special thank you to David for his alert and kind act.

BE WARNED….THIS PERSON IS STILL AT LARGE AND WE’D LOVE ? TO KNOW WHO HE IS !!!”

Yesteryear Cyclery, Inc. photo.