Police Log: Multiple Vehicles Broken Into at Dedham Health, Athletic Complex

Monday, April 14

At 8:10 p.m., Dedham police officers responded to a report of two suspicious males inside a bathroom at a local business. Management told police that two men had been using drugs in the bathroom and claimed the two men were in the store the previous week causing a disturbance. The two claimed they had not been using drugs but were washing up as they work landscape together. Police arrested one of the men on a straight warrant out of Dorchester District Court and the other on a default warrant. Police also discovered one of the suspects had in his possession a checkbook, the owner of which police learned had reported it stolen out of a vehicle while in Boston. Police records did not immediately indicate at which business the incident occurred. 

Tuesday, April 15

At 4:48 p.m., police responded to a Hooper Road home on a report of a sick raccoon. Officers located the animal, who appeared to be stumbling around and falling over. Officers then used a shotgun, primarily used for euthanizing sick or rabid animals, and put the raccoon down.

At 8:30 p.m., police responded to the Dedham Health and Athletic Complex on a report of a vehicle that had been entered. Officers spoke with the owner of the vehicle, the passenger side front window of which had been smashed. Police also observed a pry mark in between the pillar and window. No valuables were reportedly taken from the car, according to police records. 

At about 9:32 p.m., police returned to the DHAC on a report that two vehicles had been entered. A Cadillac Escalade's passenger side window had been smashed, and was in close proximity to two other vehicles that had been entered. The owner of the vehicle reported that a backpack containing a laptop had been stolen. 

At around the same time and date, police received a report form another individual who claimed her vehicle was entered at the complex. Police observed a pry mark in the same area that was consistent with the other vehicles entered. The owner claimed some items were missing including a laptop, and police advised surrounding communities of the situation to boost extra patrols. 

Wednesday, April 16

At 3:28 p.m., police responded to Best Buy on a report of a potential shoplifter. An individual reportedly stole a pair of headphones from the store valued at $50, but upon arrival, police learned the alleged suspect had left in a vehicle. Police are investigating the incident. 

Thursday, April 17

At 3:10 p.m., police responded to Sears on a report of a female shoplifter in custody. Upon arrival, officers determined the woman had taken three teddy bears and tried to walk out of the store without paying for them. When officers spoke with the woman, she said she intended on paying for them and was simply asking a friend to retrieve her wallet out of her car. 

Friday, April 18

At 12:30 p.m., police responded to a residents on a report that a ladder had been stolen. A burgundy-colored pickup truck had pulled into a driveway, when the owner of the vehicle go out, put a ladder into the bed of the truck and drove away. Police were able to locate the vehicle on Cedar Street and spoke with the driver, who claimed he had been "scrapping". Police escorted the driver back to the residence to return the ladder. 

At 5:53 p.m. while parked in the parking lot of Rick's Pub, officers noticed smoke coming from the woods behind Mother Brook across from East Dedham Gas. Upon investigation, police discovered three individuals sitting around a smokey, poorly burning fire next to the river. The area appeared to be a gathering spot, as officers observed large piles of beer bottles and trash littered in the area. The individuals claimed they were walking by and that the fire was already lit. The Dedham Fire Department was asked to come extinguish the fire and the individuals were sent on their way. 

At 5:30 p.m., police spoke with a manager of Wicked Fire Kissed Pizza at Legacy Place, who claimed two intoxicated females were in the restaurant and was concerned they would leave and drive. Police spoke with the two females and determined that they were intoxicated due to their behavior and statements. Police worked with the two to contact a taxi service from Norwood to drive them home, according to police records. 

Saturday, April 19

At 8:59 a.m., police received a report of a hit-and-run accident at TGI Friday's on Providence Highway. The driver of one vehicle told police that the other vehicle drove down Lechemere Road, and police were able to locate and stop the driver near River Street. The driver told police he was rear-ended by the other vehicle

At about 1:48 p.m., police received a report of a stolen bike from outside of Tedeschi in Oakdale Square. The bike was described as being all black with two pegs on the front and back wheel on the left side of the bike, which was estimated to be valued somewhere between $250 and $300.

At 5:50 p.m., police responded to Best Buy and BJ's on a report of a suspicious male in the parking lot. An employee from Best Buy told police he recognized the mean as a Mass Most Wanted person and began following him. Police confronted the alleged suspect and determined that he did not have any active warrants out for his arrest. 

At 11:50 p.m., police responded to The Tahiti Restaurant on a report that a vehicle had been entered. Officers spoke with the owner of the vehicle in question, who claimed that when she left the restaurant her tailgate had been down on the vehicle and several grocery items had been removed. The estimated dollar value of the items taken was about $150, according to police records.