In a five-car accident, one is injured; Spooky encounters are a cause for concern

The following is based on selected Arlington Police Department logs from April 30 to May 6, 2024.

No arrests were reported.

Check Laundering Update: Incidents of mail theft from blue mailboxes and “washing” checks to make fraudulent withdrawals continue to occur one to two times per week. According to APD spokesman Captain Richard Flynn, the U.S. Postal Service continues to work toward an effective solution. This reporter plans to provide regular updates on the situation.

Excerpts from the Arlington Police Department log:

Tuesday, April, 30th

8:43 p.m. – Theft under $1,200. An Arlington parent filed a community police report alleging that her son’s blue Gary Fisher mountain bike, along with his bicycle helmet, were allegedly stolen from an Arlington High School bike rack. The bike, valued at an estimated $200, was reportedly locked after regular school hours but left unattended. This is the latest in a string of recent mountain bike thefts in the city. Flynn said mountain bike owners should invest in a good lock, but added that even a very good lock may not be enough to protect the bike from theft. “Mountain bike thieves are on the hunt,” he said. “If you take the bike to school, don’t leave it there after school ends. When driving home, do not leave it on the porch or leaning against a garage. Take photos of the bike and write down the serial number. Most importantly, do not leave it unattended for long periods of time for a thief to see.”

Wednesday, 1st of May

5:00 p.m. – Suspicious condition. A concerned father called police to report a disturbing encounter his son experienced while walking home on Highland Avenue. An unknown man driving a red pickup truck reportedly pulled over next to the teen and the two exchanged eye contact. The truck then reportedly followed the boy for an extended period of time as he continued walking. Police are searching for videos and adding patrols in the area.

Thursday, 2.May

5:27 p.m. – Accident resulting in injury. Police and firefighters were called to the intersection of Highland Avenue and Arlmont Street following a two-car collision that sent a 42-year-old Roxbury man to the hospital with back pain. The man, who was traveling west on Arlmont in a 2018 Toyota RAV4, allegedly collided with a 2021 Jeep Cherokee traveling south on Highland as both vehicles entered the intersection. The Jeep driver, a 49-year-old woman from Needham, was uninjured. There were no witnesses to the crash; Because officers at the scene were unable to determine guilt, no citations were issued. Both cars were towed.

Friday, May 3rd

4:25 p.m. – Suspicious condition. A concerned mother contacted police about an unknown male party who had been following a group of five 12-year-olds and allegedly making unwanted, disturbing comments. The man, who was apparently described by the children as a “pale, thin white male about 5 feet 10 inches tall,” reportedly followed the children as they took the mass. Ave. from Robbins Library to the front of Domino’s. The children were reportedly quite excited. Flynn said APD will conduct targeted patrols and deploy additional officers to the area. He also encouraged the public to continue reporting distressing interactions with strangers, adding: “See something, say something.”

7:37 p.m. – Suspicious condition. A Wilbur Avenue resident filed a police report noting that home surveillance tape showed that on April 20, a man in a white Nissan drove past their home, stopped, returned later with the yellow tag “Slowly – children play” drove away. The footage did not show the license plate number of the Nissan, Flynn said, so police have no leads at this time.

Saturday, May 4th

12:17 p.m. – Suspicious condition. A Ryder Street parent filed a citizen report stating that his son was approached inappropriately by a man in work clothes as he walked past the Mirak apartment complex in the Heights. The man allegedly asked somewhat suggestively: “Do you need anything?” – to which the teenager replied: “I’m fine.”

1:12 p.m. – Accident resulting in injury. A five-car pileup that left one driver injured drew police and firefighters to Park Avenue and Cedar Avenue. An 18-year-old Arlington man allegedly started the chain reaction by failing to brake in time and crashing his 2020 Hyundai into the back of an Audi SUV. The sudden impact startled the Audi driver, who reportedly accidentally stepped on the accelerator, causing his vehicle to lurch and continuing the chain reaction through all three stationary cars in front of him. The only driver to report an injury was the middle one, a 27-year-old Lynn man driving a 2018 Toyota Corolla sedan; He told emergency responders he was feeling sharp headaches, neck and back pain and agreed to be taken to a local hospital. The Arlington man received a citation for following him too closely.

May 3, 2024: Police notice 23-29. April: Arlington riot: accidents involving pedestrians, bicycles and e-scooters and an arrest for disorderly conduct

This column by YourArlington volunteer writer Chris Wilbur was published on Friday, May 10, 2024, and is based on information from the Arlington Police Department’s daily logs and statements from APD spokesman Captain Richard Flynn.