Distracted driver blamed for double crash, power outage in Harwichport
HARWICHPORT - A distracted driver is being blamed for a huge mess in Harwichport Tuesday evening. According to reports from the scene, the driver of an eastbound Lincoln Town Car, Linda Harless, 61, of Chatham apparently reached for a CD that she dropped on the floor in her car and lost control, crashing into a utllity pole on Route 28 near the Coachman Motor Lodge. The impact caused a second utility pole to topple as well. An eastbound Ford Explorer driven by Paul McClusky, 39, of Harwich then struck that downed pole. The Explorer ended up entrapped in wires with the hood peeled back. McClusky was taken to Cape Cod Hospital with unknown injuries that were apparently not life-threatening. Harless was not injured but was cited by Harwich Police for failing to stay in marked lanes. The electric service to the closed Coachman Motor Lodge was ripped away from the building. NStar had to cut power in the area due to the downed wires and poles. Route 28 was expected to remain closed until at least 5 or 6 a.m. Harwich Police are continuing to investigate the crash.
Photos by Kevin Morley/CWN
5 escape uninjured after crash leaves vehicle teetering
FALMOUTH - Tuesday evening about 6 p.m., a single vehicle crash left five people feeling relieved.
Just off Thomas B. Landers Road a Toyota Scion backing down a steep driveway lost control when it reached the road surface and was left teetering on a steep embankment.
Falmouth Fire Rescue stabilized the vehicle with chains to prevent it slipping over.
All five persons on board were then able to exit the vehicle with no one being injured.
The mishap was being investigated by Falmouth PD. Photos by C. Eric Tinglof/CWN
Two-vehicle rear-end collision sends two to hospital
FALMOUTH - On Tuesday at 9 a.m. a Buick Park Avenue sedan struck the rear of a contractor’s van on Waquoit Highway southbound in front of the polling place at the Waquoit Congregational Church.
The female driver the Buick and her young female child were both taken to Falmouth Hospital by Falmouth Fire Rescue with unknown injuries. The male driver of the van was uninjured.
Heavy in-and-out traffic at the polling place may have contributed to the crash. Falmouth PD were on scene to quell the snarled traffic and investigate the crash.
Photos by C. Eric Tinglof/CWN
Three-vehicle crash closes Route 28 in Centerville
CENTERVILLE - A three-vehicle crash at a notorious Centerville intersection closed down Route 28 for a time during the morning commute. The crash happened just before 6:30 a.m. at Route 28 and Lumbert Mill Road. Two pickups and a Ford Explorer collided. Two of the drivers were treated for minor injuries. The intersection has seen numerous crashes over the years and is slated to finally get a traffic light later this year. Barnstable Police are reportedly investigating if black ice contributed to this latest crash. CWN photos by Bryan Joseph
Dennis Police Warrant Team arrests six
SOUTH DENNIS - Dennis Police Chief Mike Whalen credited a team of Dennis officers for their work making six arrests Monday night in a new program that will provide more focused attention on individuals and locations involved in criminal activity. Dennis, like many Cape towns, saw an increase in Part 1 crimes during 2009. Whalen believes the increase in burglaries and larcenies is partly due to the economic conditions and the increased misuse of prescription drugs. A recent crime analysis program initiated by Barnstable PD with the assistance of Dennis and Yarmouth looks to identify “hot spots” and individuals involved in these activities and focus extra attention on these areas and people.
During Monday night’s program, officers checked computerized warrant lists to identify suspects with warrants or hot spot areas where people were listed with warrants and then went out in search of the suspects. In some cases the warrants were for minor charges but the arrests resulted in additional drug charges. A core component of any good Community Policing program recognizes that addressing relatively minor infractions often prevents bigger problems. These directed patrols focusing on individuals and locations will continue, Whalen said, and are funded through a Justice Assistance Grant.
The following persons were arrested:
Nicholas S. Callahan, 20, South Dennis
Possession Class B (Percocet) and warrant other jurisdiction
Coleen B. Goode, 32, West Dennis
Warrant other jurisdiction for motor vehicle offenses
Steven P. Fulcher, Jr., 18, Dennisport
Warrant other jurisdiction disturbing school assembly
Jennifer M. Cochran, 30, Dennisport
Warrant other jurisdiction (MV offenses)
Robert H. Reid, 23, South Dennis
Possession to distribute Class D (Marijuana)
Dwayne E. Barabe, 29, West Yarmouth
Warrant other jurisdiction (default OUI failed to pay fines)
Chief Whalen encouraged citizens to call in and report violations and reminded citizens that anonymous calls can be made to the Dennis PD Tip Line at 774-352-1500.
Press release provided by Dennis PD
Car fire doused in Yarmouth YARMOUTH - On Tuesday at 11:52 a.m., Yarmouth Fire received a 911 call for a car fire at 51 Pondview Avenue in West Yarmouth.
Engine 45, with Lt. Omerzu, responded from Station 3. On arrival he reported fire in the engine compartment of a Ford Crown Victoria. The fire was knocked down quickly and tools were needed to perform overhaul.
The owner of the car stated he was working on the engine when it caught fire and he pushed the car out of the driveway across the street. Fire officials say If not for the owner’s quick action the fire could have spread to the other vehicle parked next to it or the home.
Release and photo furnished by Yarmouth Fire
Laura Ingraham
HARWICHPORT
FALMOUTH
FALMOUTH
YARMOUTH 
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