The Lowell Police Department upgraded its equipment in May by adding three body cameras to its existing inventory of four units.
By having seven cameras total, the department ensures that all officers will have access to one when needed. Previously, during large events such as community festivals, there may have been officers who had to go without one.
As for cases, May saw Lowell officers log 192 reports. Those cases included the following:
- 42 assists to other agencies
- 20 suspicious situations
- 15 traffic accidents
- 14 general and motorist assists
- 14 welfare checks
- 11 pistol permits and sales
- 5 non-aggravated assault
- 2 disorderly conduct
- 1 stalking/harassment
- 1 breaking and entering
- 1 criminal sexual conduct
Lowell officers also made 146 traffic stops that resulted in two citations in May.
Breaking and Entering in Garage
A resident filed a report stating that someone had broken into their unattached garage and stolen $800. A window was left open, but the police did not find fingerprints or other evidence. The garage contained hobby RC cars, computers and yard equipment but apparently only the cash was taken.
Calls from Care Facility
Police responded to two cases at a care facility. In one case, a male patient was seen leaving the bathroom of a female patient. There was a concern that an assault may have occurred, but police could find no evidence to substantiate that claim.
In another case, police responded to a call about a disorderly patient. The Kent County Sheriff’s Office provided back-up on this call, and paramedics also arrived to transport the patient for a health evaluation. The patient did not want to comply, spit in a paramedic’s face and was charged with assault.
Disorderly and Domestic Disputes
The Lowell Police Department responded to several calls about disorderly conduct and domestic disputes. In one case, a person was reported to be intoxicated and yelling on Main Street. However, when police arrived, the person was gone. At another time, police responded to three domestic complaints within a 24-hour period, all involving the same couple.
Stealing from Local Businesses
A customer at a local restaurant apparently walked away without paying for their meal. That case is still open as police await video footage of the incident.
An employee of a gas station has been charged with fraud for stealing lottery tickets. Apparently, the crime took place under the security camera so there is “ample evidence,” police say.
Beware Online Scams
Police are again advising people to be wary of a scams when selling items online. A May case involved a person who sold an item on Facebook Marketplace but was sent a larger-than-expected payment. The “buyer” then asked the seller to send them back the overpayment using gift cards.
This is known as an overpayment or refund scam. If someone sends you more than excepted, the payment was likely made via a stolen credit card or other fraudulent means. Any request for a refund through an untraceable method, such as gift cards, is also a clear sign that the person on the other side of the sale is a scammer.
Hit and Run on Main Street
On May 1st, a hit and run accident occurred in front of the Baker Buick GMC dealership on W. Main Street. A car – reportedly a blue Ford Focus – rear-ended another vehicle and then took off. There are no suspects in the case, and if anyone witnessed the accident, they should contact the Lowell Police Department.
In May, I called the police on Dollar General after they short-changed me on my purchase for the fourth time in one year. The police were hesitant, saying this was a business and there was nothing they could do about it. I explained that if I stole from Dollar General, they would do something about it. That they work for the citizens of Lowell, and that this store has a habit of stealing from their customers!
I insisted they go there and make a report, and they agreed. But now, I am NOT SEEING that call in the logs!