Police

Winthrop Police Department Charges Two Men with Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute

Winthrop Police Department Charges Two Men with Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute
Methamphetamine, cash and drug paraphernalia located during a traffic stop conducted by Winthrop Police detectives. (Courtesy Winthrop Police Department)

Chief Terence M. Delehanty reports that the Winthrop Police Department arrested and charged two men with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine as a result of a motor vehicle stop.

SAMUEL CHAVARRIA ARTEAGA, AGE 19, OF REVERE, was arrested and charged with:

  • Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute
  • Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle
  • Fugitive from Justice on Court Warrant

MATEO MIRA CHALARCA, AGE 26, OF WINTHROP, was arrested and charged with:

  • Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute
  • Giving a False Name to Law Enforcement

On Tuesday, Oct. 10, at approximately 1 p.m., Winthrop Police detectives were on patrol in an unmarked vehicle when they noticed a Ford Escape that was involved in an alleged drug transaction a week earlier and was not registered to a licensed owner.

While observing the Ford Escape, detectives witnessed what they believed was a possible drug transaction in progress, and stopped the vehicle on Veterans Road.

The driver of the Escape, later identified as ARTEAGA, was not licensed to drive, and was taken into custody at the scene. A subsequent search of the vehicle and a cross-body bag that ARTEAGA had on his person, officers located approximately 15 grams of a pink, powdery substance identified by field tests as methamphetamine. Detectives also located a scale with pink residue on it, a blender, and other drug paraphernalia in the vehicle.

Both ARTEAGA and CHARLARCA, who was a passenger in the vehicle, were arrested and charged at the scene.

ARTEAGA and CHARLARCA were both arraigned Wednesday in Boston Municipal Court, East Boston Division. ARTEAGA was ordered held without bail on the fugitive from justice charge, and CHARLARCA was ordered held on $2,500 cash bail, with conditions that he surrender his passport and report to probation if he posts bail.

“I want to highlight the good work of our detectives on this case, but I also want to highlight that this is the second time in a week that we have found defendants in possession of methamphetamine on the streets of Winthrop,” said Chief Delehanty. “Methamphetamine has caused major issues across much of America, and I hope we can prevent it from continuing to enter our community.”

These are allegations. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Winthrop Police Department Accepting Applications for Civilian Police Academy

Winthrop Police Department Accepting Applications for Civilian Police Academy

WINTHROP — Chief Terence M. Delehanty is pleased to announce that residents can now sign up for the Winthrop Police Department’s Civilian Police Academy this fall.

This free program is open to Winthrop residents age 18 and up. Classes will be held on Thursdays from Nov. 2 through Jan. 18, from 6:30-9 p.m. in the Lyceum Room at the E.B. Newton School Cultural Center, 45 Pauline St. Classes will not be held the week of Thanksgiving or Christmas.

Members of the Winthrop Police Department will lead classes in their fields of expertise during the 10 weeks. Topics will include domestic violence, police exploring, motor vehicle law, patrol procedures, accidents, firearms, critical incidents, implicit bias, gangs, juveniles, as well as narcotics enforcement, prevention and treatment. Participants will also have the opportunity to attend a ride-along with a Winthrop Police officer.

“We encourage all that are eligible to sign up for this great learning opportunity,” Chief Delehanty said. “Participants will have the chance to receive first-hand experience from our department members on a number of public safety topics to gain a wide education on police matters and criminal justice.”

Residents are asked to drop off or mail a completed application to the Winthrop Police Department, 3 Metcalf Square. Mailed applications should be addressed to the care of Lt. Stephen Rogers. For those who prefer to complete the application virtually, please click here.

The Winthrop Police Department will conduct a background check on applicants to determine their acceptance into the academy.

Residents will be notified by email if they have been accepted into the class. The class is limited to 20 participants.

For more information, please contact Lt. Rogers by emailing srogers@town.winthrop.ma.us or calling 617-846-1212 ext. 2940.

###

Winthrop Police Department to Wear Camouflaged Badges in Honor of Service Members

Chief Terence Delehanty would like to announce that the Winthrop Police Department will be showing support for service members by wearing camouflaged badges during the months of May and November.

The camouflaged badge is authorized to be worn on an officer’s duty uniform during May and November, in recognition of Memorial Day and Veterans Day, respectively.

The badges will be worn to display the department’s support and gratitude toward those who sacrificed their lives during their service and to those who have served.

“The Winthrop Police Department is grateful to the many men and women who have served our country,” said Chief Delehanty. “This new badge serves as a reminder for all of us of the service and sacrifice of so many to uphold our liberties in conflicts throughout the world.”

Winthrop Fire and Police Respond to Four-Alarm Apartment Complex Fire

Winthrop Fire and Police Respond to Four-Alarm Apartment Complex Fire

WINTHROP – Deputy Fire Chief Stephen Calandra and Police Chief Terence Delehanty report that the Winthrop Fire and Police Departments responded to and extinguished a four-alarm fire this afternoon. 

On Friday, April 21 at 12:18 p.m., Winthrop Police and Fire received reports of a fire at a multi-unit apartment building at 91 Veterans Road.  

Upon arrival, crews observed heavy smoke and fire coming from the building, and multiple residents actively trying to escape. Crews quickly struck a second alarm to request mutual aid.

Crews worked aggressively to extinguish the fire and struck a fourth alarm calling additional mutual aid to the scene. Multiple residents were entrapped and have since been safely rescued from the building. 

Three residents were transported to local hospitals for injuries that are not believed to be life threatening. Approximately 110 people are displaced and are being assisted by Red Cross.

Lynn Fire, Chelsea Fire, Malden Fire, Saugus Fire, Revere Police and Fire, Massachusetts State Police and the Massachusetts Port Authority provided mutual aid at the scene. 

Veterans Road remains closed to Shirley Street and Hadassah Way. Coral Road has been reopened.

The cause of the fire is under investigation by Winthrop Fire Department and the State Police Fire and Explosion Investigation Unit attached to the State Fire Marshal’s Office

###

Winthrop Police Advise Community Members to Secure Vehicles In Wake of Uptick in Stolen Vehicles and Break-Ins

Winthrop Police Advise Community Members to Secure Vehicles In Wake of Uptick in Stolen Vehicles and Break-Ins

Chief Terence Delehanty and the Winthrop Police Department would like to urge community members to secure their vehicles following an uptick in reports of stolen vehicles and vehicle break-ins, all of which occurred in unsecured vehicles.

On March 19 and April 11, 12 and 19, the Winthrop Police Department took multiple reports of car breaks-ins and reports of four vehicles being stolen from the areas of Prescott Street, Ingleside Avenue, Douglas Street and Waldemar Avenue.

Of note is that none of the vehicles that were broken into or stolen were entered by force. In every instance, the doors of the vehicles were unlocked, and all four of the stolen vehicles had keys or key fobs still in the vehicle.

“We are investigating all of the incidents, have developed suspects in every case, and intend to file appropriate charges, but we also want to warn the community to please secure their vehicles,” said Chief Delehanty. “Motor vehicle theft and motor vehicle break-ins are often crimes of opportunity: Suspects will break into or steal any unsecured vehicle while passing right by locked vehicles. Basic security precautions can make a world of difference and can help prevent crime.”

Protect Your Vehicle

Winthrop Police urge residents to always lock and secure their vehicles. Additional safety tips, courtesy the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, include the following:

  • Take your keys, don’t leave them in your vehicle.
  • Close and lock all windows and doors.
  • Park in well-lit areas, preferably a garage, if possible.
  • Never leave valuables in your vehicle, and if you do, make sure they are out of sight.

For more tips on vehicle safety courtesy the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, click here.

Winthrop Police Department Warns Community About Grandparent and Bail Scams

Winthrop Police Department Warns Community About Grandparent and Bail Scams

WINTHROP – Chief Terence Delehanty and the Winthrop Police Department would like to warn the community about scams that target senior citizens, and would like to offer tips for community members to help protect themselves and their loved ones.

Grandparent scams and bail scams, as they are commonly called, target grandparents and family members with stories of a grandchild or relative being in urgent trouble, often that they are under arrest. The scams request urgent bail money be provided, and scammers often encourage would-be victims not to contact police or other family members.

The scammer requests bail payment in cash or gift cards, to be given to a person posing as a courier or bail bondsman who arrives at the victim’s home. Or, the scammer requests money be transferred via a wire service.

Government agencies, including law enforcement, never contact the public demanding payment by wire transfer or by prepaid cards when individuals are being held on bail. 

Two Winthrop residents recently were victims of this type of scam and both incidents are being actively investigated by Winthrop Police, with assistance from multiple law enforcement partners.

Winthrop Police remind residents that any arrest or detainment of relatives can be confirmed with the arresting police department or through the local district court clerk’s office.

The Winthrop Police Department would like to share the following tips from the Federal Trade Commission regarding these types of scams:

  • Resist the urge to act immediately, no matter how dramatic the story is.
  • Verify the person’s identity by asking questions that a stranger couldn’t answer.
  • Call a phone number for your family member or friend that you know to be genuine.
  • Check the story out with someone else in your family or circle of friends, even if you’ve been told to keep it a secret.
  • Don’t wire money – or send a check or money order by overnight delivery or courier.
  • Report possible fraud at ftc.gov/complaint or by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP.

For more information on grandparent and bail scams, click here.

Residents who believe they may have fallen victim to such a scam are encouraged to contact Winthrop Police at 617-846-1212.

###

 

Winthrop Police Department Mourns Passing of Retired Chief Michael McManus

Winthrop Police Department Mourns Passing of Retired Chief Michael McManus

Chief Terence M. Delehanty reports with a heavy heart that retired Police Chief Michael McManus passed away on Thursday morning at age 80.

Retired Winthrop Police Chief Michael McManus passed away on Thursday morning at age 80. (Courtesy Winthrop Police Department)

Chief McManus joined the Winthrop Police Department as a Reserve Officer on Oct. 27, 1966, and became a Permanent Full-Time Officer on Feb. 26, 1968.

He became a Sergeant on June 2, 1983, and served in that position until his subsequent promotion to Lieutenant on March 14, 1988. McManus served as Acting Chief twice — from Jan. 31, 1995, to July 26, 1995, and from July 1, 1999, to March 13, 2000 — before becoming permanent Chief of Police on Dec. 26, 2000.

“Chief McManus was a gentleman many of us learned from as we came on the job as new Reserves or Officers,” said Chief Delehanty. “He served honorably for 38 years protecting and educating the citizens of the Town of Winthrop, and for that, we thank him and his family for their support and sacrifices.”

Chief McManus is survived by his wife, Fran, and his children, Maureen, Debby, Michael, Paula, Thomas, Sherry, Joseph, and Kim, and 15 grandchildren.

Visiting hours will be held in the Maurice W. Kirby Funeral Home, 210 Winthrop St., Winthrop on Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m., with a funeral Mass at St. John the Evangelist Church, (St. Michael the Archangel Parish) at 210 Winthrop St., Winthrop on Thursday 10 a.m.

Winthrop Police Arrest Alleged Drug Dealer, Seize Illegal Handgun, after Investigation

Winthrop Police seized a loaded handgun, other weapons, drugs and drug paraphernalia after a search. (Courtesy Photo/Winthrop Police Department) 
Winthrop Police seized a loaded handgun, other weapons, drugs and drug paraphernalia after a search. (Courtesy Photo/Winthrop Police Department)

WINTHROP — Chief Terence M. Delehanty reports that the Winthrop Police Department, after an investigation into drug distribution activity in the community, arrested a reputed drug dealer and seized weapons, drugs and an illegal handgun.

Lead investigator, Detective Andrew Biggio and members of the Winthrop Police Department, as a result of an investigation, obtained a search warrant for SHKAMB ROKA, AGE 29, OF WINTHROP and a vehicle registered to him.

On Wednesday, Nov, 23, at 2 p.m., Detective Biggio and other officers made a traffic stop of ROKA and his gray Volkswagen hatchback at the intersection of Bowdin
and Buchannan streets. ROKA was read his rights and detained during the search. Investigators found a folded up piece of aluminum foil with a white powdery substance later determined to be cocaine in the vehicle. Officers also found a bag on the passenger side of the vehicle containing a brownish powder believed to be Fentanyl as well as various other drugs including Xanax pulls, at least 16 oxycodone pills and a quantity of crack cocaine. Officers also found a scale, plastic bags, spoons, vials and other items used to package and distribute drugs.

Finally, officers found a plastic garbage bag full of laundry. At the bottom of the bag, police found a loaded Springfield 9mm semiautomatic handgun. ROKA is not licensed to own or carry firearms.

ROKA is known to police.

ROKA was placed under arrest without incident and charged with:

  • Unlawful Possession of Firearm without FID
  • Unlawful Possession of Ammo without FID
  • Possession with intent to distribute a Class B Substance (Two Counts)
  • Possession with intent to distribute a Class A Substance
  • Possession with intent to distribute a Class E Substance

ROKA was booked and held at the Winthrop Police Department pending his likely arraignment Friday at Boston Municipal Court, East Boston Division.

The firearm’s serial number and photos were sent to the ATF for further information on the weapon’s origin and history.

These are allegations. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty.

 

###

Winthrop Police Investigating Stabbing on Shirley Street, Public Asked to Avoid the Area

Winthrop Police Investigating Stabbing on Shirley Street, Public Asked to Avoid the Area

WINTHROP — Chief Terence M. Delehanty reports that the Winthrop Police Department is currently investigating a stabbing that occurred on Shirley Street Sunday night.

Just before 8 p.m., police responded to Shirley Street between Crystal Cove Street and Moore Street and located a male suffering from a stab wound. He was transported to an area hospital and his condition is unknown at this time.

Shirley Street between Crystal Cove Street and Moore Street is currently blocked off, and there is no bus service to the Point Shirley area. Motorists and pedestrians are asked to avoid the area.

Residents should expect to see a significant police presence in the area for the next several hours.

The investigation remains active and ongoing, but police do not believe that there is any danger to the public. No further information is being released at this time.

###