Press Releases

Date: June 23, 2010
Contact: Paul H. Magee, Chief of Police

Police Find Missing Acushnet Woman in Woods

On Tuesday, June 22, at approximately 8:34 P.M., the Rochester and Acushnet Police responded to the area of Featherbed Lane and Perkins Lane on the Rochester/Acushnet town line for a 19-year-old female who was lost in the woods. The victim called 911 from her cell phone and attempted to direct police toward her location. Enhanced 911 services placed her near a cell tower in the area of the town line.

While the victim remained on the line with police, Rochester Officers Sean Crook and Kevin Flynn worked their way down Featherbed Lane in Rochester while Acushnet Officers John Almeida and Jeremy Fontes worked their way up Perkins Lane in Acushnet, taking turns sounding their cruiser sirens to narrow down the area where the victim was located.

With the area narrowed down, personnel from the Southeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council (SEMLEC) Search and Rescue Team entered the densely wooded area and located the victim about a half mile in. The victim suffered cuts to her feet, legs, arms, and face. Once assisted out of the woods, she was transported to St. Lukes Hospital by Acushnet EMS.

The victim reported that she was out for a walk and decided to cut through the woods. As darkness fell, she became disorientated and unable to find her way out, prompting her call to police.

Date: May 31, 2010
Contact: Paul H. Magee, Chief of Police

2-Year-Old Girl Dies After Falling Into Pool

On May 29, 2010, at approximately 10:15 AM, the Rochester Police received a 911 call for a 2-year-old child that had fallen into a pool. Rochester Police, Fire, and EMS were dispatched to the home.

The child was unconscious upon arrival of police. CPR was immediately given and an Automated External Defibrillator was put into use.

Despite the efforts of all on hand, the child was unable to be revived. The child was transported to Tobey Hospital by EMS, where she was pronounced dead. The victim's name is not being released at this time.

Date: May 12, 2010
Contact: Paul H. Magee, Chief of Police

Rochester Police Investigate Night Time Break-in To Occupied Home

Police seeking at least three suspects in Vaughan Hill Road house break

At approximately 12:14 A.M. this morning, the Rochester Police received a 911 call from a resident in the 100 block of Vaughan Hill Road. The caller stated he was sleeping when 3 to 4 individuals entered his bedroom with a flashlight. Upon seeing that the resident was home, the suspects fled the home.

Upon arrival, police found access to the home was obstructed by a closed gate. Investigation later revealed that the gate was likely shut by the suspects in an attempt to slow police response.

With the assistance of police from Marion, Mattapoisett, Freetown, and a K-9 from the Plymouth County Sheriff's Department a search for the suspects was conducted. The K-9 did alert on a track that led officers through the woods and eventually to an area roadway where the suspects likely fled in a waiting vehicle.

Investigating Officer Robert Nordahl and Sergeant Pamela Canney found that the suspects had forcibly entered the home on the first floor and made their way to the second floor bedroom where the resident was sleeping. Nothing appeared to be taken during the break-in.

The crime scene was processed by the Sheriff Departments Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the Rochester Police. The incident remains under investigation and police are following up on some leads in the case.

Date: February 22, 2010
Contact: Paul H. Magee, Chief of Police

New Bedford Man Arrested After Chase

On Monday, February 22, 2010, at approximately 1:00 PM, the Rochester Police Department received a report of an erratic driver in a maroon van on High Street. Officer Robert Small was on patrol in the area and spotted the van. As soon as the driver saw the police he fled. Police gave chase on a number of town streets before the suspect took the pursuit off road.

The driver sped into cranberry bogs in the area of High Street and Walnut Plain Road. His vehicle became stuck in deep mud so he jumped out and fled on foot. Officer Donald Kemmett arrived to assist. The suspect was chased around the bog area by the officers and finally taken into custody.

Ronald A. Tavares of Willard Street in New Bedford has been charged with speeding, failure to stop for police, operating negligently so as to endanger, and operating with a suspended license. Tavares will be arraigned in Wareham District Court Tuesday morning.