News

Stoughton Police Officer Ed Barker with K-9 Dino. (Photo Courtesy Stoughton Police Department) STOUGHTON — Chief Donna McNamara and the Stoughton Police Department would like…

Distracted Driving Awareness Month, observed every April, is an opportunity to remind drivers of the importance of focused and safe driving. The month aims to raise awareness of the dangers of distracted driving to everyone on the road, including drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists.

In 2022, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that an estimated 3,308 people were killed and an additional 289,310 people were injured in traffic crashes involving distracted drivers.

When behind the wheel, drivers should focus only on the task at hand by keeping their eyes on the road, both hands on the wheel, and their attention on driving. Distracted driving is any activity that takes your attention away from driving, including using a phone, adjusting the radio or GPS, applying makeup, eating, or drinking.

For more tips and information on distracted driving from the NHTSA, visit: https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/distracted-driving

STOUGHTON — Chief Donna McNamara is pleased to announce that the Stoughton Police Department is launching several initiatives this April to celebrate World Autism Month.

“Over two years ago, the Stoughton Police Department began a program to register at-risk individuals to help our first responders in the event of emergencies,” Chief McNamara said. “Thanks to School Resource Officer Lindsay Bonda, we are proud to expand this important program to include at-risk children, ensuring that our most vulnerable community members receive the support and resources they need.”

At-Risk Emergency Biographical Information Form
Residents can visit the Stoughton Police website to complete an At-Risk Emergency Biographical Information Form. The form will be retained and distributed to first responders for the sole purpose of identifying and assisting the person at risk should they wander, need assistance, or be involved in any type of emergency.

The form asks for a name, email, recent photo of the at-risk individual, emergency contacts, any interests the at-risk individual has that may help first responders engage with them, and if they respond to their name, among other questions.

The form can be completed on the Stoughton Police website or printed and emailed to SPDatriskinfo@stoughton-ma.gov.

Blue Envelope Program
The Blue Envelope Program is an initiative to ease communication between individuals on the autism spectrum and law enforcement during motor vehicle operator interactions.

The Stoughton Police Department is partnering with the Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office to distribute seat belt covers to help first responders quickly identify people on the autism spectrum in an emergency.

To get a seat belt cover, email SPDatriskinfo@stoughton-ma.gov.

Autism Patch Fundraiser
The Stoughton Police Department will wear a commemorative patch throughout April to show support for those living on the autism spectrum.

The patch, which will be worn by Stoughton officers, will also be made available to members of the community. The money will be donated to the Best Buddies program at Stoughton High School (SHS). The program aims for students to develop, foster, and maintain friendships throughout their time at SHS.

Patches can be purchased for $10 each at the Stoughton Police Station (26 Rose St., Stoughton, MA 02072) with cash or through Venmo (@stoughtonpolicerelief). If purchasing through Venmo, community members are asked to indicate whether they will pick up their patch at the station or want to have it mailed. If a patch is being sent, provide your name and address in the Venmo description.

###

STOUGHTON — Chief Donna McNamara is pleased to announce that the Stoughton Police Department is launching its body-worn camera program this Sunday.

Sgt. Ryan Flanagan developed an extensive training program that covered the department’s body-worn camera policy and how to operate the cameras. All Stoughton Police officers have undergone the requisite training and will now wear the body-worn cameras while on duty, beginning Sunday, March 30. 

As part of the program, all sworn officers will be outfitted with a Getac BC-04-4K UHD Rugged Body Camera. The cameras will be attached to the officer’s uniform and will be visible to the public. 

All patrol officers, school resource officers, and the court prosecutor will wear body cameras when they are interacting with the public. Detectives and administrative staff will wear them as required by their duties that day but will have cameras available when outside the police station.

Officers will activate their body-worn cameras during routine calls for service, investigatory stops, traffic stops, foot and vehicle pursuits, emergency driving situations, situations that would gather evidence to enhance prosecution, and situations as required by the department’s policy. 

The Stoughton Police Department’s body-worn camera policy establishes guidelines for the proper use, management, storage, and retrieval of video and audio data recorded by a body-worn camera during the program. The policy was developed with input from the patrol officer and superior officers unions and contains best police practices gleaned from other Massachusetts police departments that have successfully implemented body-worn camera programs.

“Our body-worn camera program has received overwhelming support from officers at all levels of the department,” said Deputy Chief Nathan Derby.

The program’s purpose is to continue fostering trust and positive community relationships by providing greater transparency. Along with greater transparency, body cameras can promote de-escalation, resolve citizen complaints, and provide a valuable training tool.

Stoughton Police received a state grant to support the program. The department was awarded $249,425 from the Healey-Driscoll Administration as part of the Law Enforcement Body-Worn Camera Program. The state awarded over $3 million in grant funds to 32 local police departments in July 2024 to implement or expand body-worn camera programs across Massachusetts.

“The implementation of body-worn cameras is a significant step forward in our commitment to transparency, accountability, and community trust,” Chief McNamara said. “These cameras will enhance officer safety, provide an objective record of interactions, and help strengthen the relationship between our officers and the community we serve.”

President Barack Obama’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing placed a priority on body camera research and camera programs. More recently, a 2020 study of the Boston Police body-worn camera program showed a 63.6% reduction in use of force reports and a 50.5% reduction in citizen complaints for officers wearing body-worn cameras compared to the 12 months before implementing their program. 

###

STOUGHTON — Chief Donna McNamara reports that the Stoughton Police Department has returned a suspect to Massachusetts to face charges in a 2019 house break-in and assault on an elderly woman.

A relentless investigation by Stoughton Police Sgt. Robert Kuhn, a detective at the time of the incident, ensures that STANLEY MITCHELL, 34, of NEWTON, NEW JERSEY, will answer to charges of:

Entering a Dwelling by False Pretenses with the Intent to Commit a Felony

Larceny Over $1,200

Conspiracy

Witness Intimidation

Vandalizing Property

MITCHELL was arrested by Stoughton Police on Thursday, March 20, at the Broome County Correctional Facility in Binghamton, New York, on two fugitive from justice warrants related to an incident that occurred in Stoughton on Feb. 2, 2019.

MITCHELL, who failed to appear in court for a pre-trial conference in August 2024, prompting a default warrant to issue, had been on the run. He waived his extradition to return to Massachusetts.

Stoughton Police Detective Daniel Barber worked extensively with the Broome County District Attorney’s Office to arrange MITCHELL’s extradition. On March 20, Stoughton Police Officers John Lydstone and Joe DeSousa traveled to New York to bring MITCHELL back to Massachusetts.

MITCHELL, who had been indicted by a grand jury related to the incident, appeared in Norfolk County Superior Court in Dedham on Friday, March 21, and his bail was set at $35,000.

On Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019, at approximately 1:20 p.m., Stoughton Police responded to a house break-in on Halliden Place. The investigation revealed that a man posing as a utility worker forcibly entered the home, pushed the 82-year-old resident, stole about $4,000 in valuables, and fled.

Sgt. Kuhn’s extensive investigation, which included reviewing surveillance video, subpoenaing records, and working with local, state, and federal law enforcement partners, led him to identify MITCHELL as the suspect.

In 2019, Sgt. Kuhn also traveled to Florida to return a co-conspirator who was charged in connection with the incident and released to Stoughton Police’s custody.

“I want to commend Sgt. Kuhn for his tenacious and tireless efforts for six years to pursue justice for the victim and her family,” Chief McNamara said. “His dedication was instrumental in identifying and apprehending the suspect. This is a powerful example of the determination and commitment that define the men and women of the Stoughton Police Department.”

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

###

Are you interested in becoming a Stoughton Police Officer? The Stoughton Police Department, through Hanrahan Consulting LLC, is holding an entrance examination at 9 a.m. on April 26. Candidates must register no later than 4 p.m. on April 20.

Candidates must be at least 21 years old at the time of the appointment and meet the minimum qualifications to be a police officer.

To sign up for the entrance exam, visit StoughtonPolice.com.

STOUGHTON — Chief Donna McNamara reports that the Stoughton Police Department arrested a man wanted on multiple warrants following an extensive investigation into an armed carjacking.

AGYEMAN KUSI, AGE 21, of STOUGHTON, was arrested Wednesday and charged with:

Armed Carjacking

Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (Two Counts)

Negligent Operation of a Motor Vehicle

Failure to Stop for Police

In early December, Stoughton Police Detectives opened an investigation in an attempt to arrest KUSI, who was wanted on multiple outstanding warrants, including for charges of Assault and Battery with a Dangerous Weapon Causing Serious Bodily Injury, Armed Robbery with a Firearm, Attempted Assault and Battery with a Firearm, Carrying a Firearm without a License, and motor vehicle offenses.

On Jan. 8, Detective Sgt. Michael Medina and Officer Colby Gallagher stopped a vehicle in which KUSI was a passenger.

The driver and front-seat passenger complied with a lawful order to exit the vehicle. KUSI climbed into the driver’s seat and drove away. KUSI led police on a short pursuit into Randolph, where he began to operate in a reckless manner, reaching speeds of 100 mph and driving on the wrong side of the road. Detective Sgt. Medina terminated the pursuit due to safety concerns.

During an initial investigation, police learned KUSI had pointed a firearm at the driver and ordered them to exit when officers stopped the vehicle.

A short time later, a Randolph Police officer witnessed KUSI’s vehicle collide with another vehicle in front of the Randolph Fire Department Station 2 on North Main Street in North Randolph. KUSI ran from the scene.

Stoughton Police, Randolph Police, and Massachusetts State Police searched the area for the seven hours but could not locate KUSI.

On Jan. 13, Detective Sgt. Medina contacted the Massachusetts State Police Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section (VFAS) to request its assistance. 

During this time period, an additional warrant was issued for KUSI for an incident involving a firearm in Canton.

On Tuesday, Feb. 25, members of VFAS, the Rhode Island State Police Violent Fugitive Task Force, the U.S. Marshals Services Fugitive Task Force, and Stoughton Police Detectives responded to an address on Paisley Street in Pawtucket, R.I., and arrested KUSI after he attempted to flee again.

On Wednesday, Feb. 26, Detective Sgt. Medina and Officer Gallagher took KUSI into custody at the Rhode Island Department of Corrections facility in Cranston, R.I., and returned him to Stoughton for booking.

KUSI was arraigned Wednesday in Stoughton District Court. He was held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing on Monday, March 3.

“The Stoughton Police Department and the Massachusetts State Police Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section worked tirelessly over the last two months on this case,” Chief McNamara said. “Our Detectives, led by Detective Sgt. Michael Medina, were committed to ensuring this dangerous individual was taken into custody. We would like to thank all of our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners who assisted along the way.”

Chief McNamara also wishes to thank the Randolph Police Department for its assistance during its initial response, and the Rhode Island State Police Violent Fugitive Task Force and U.S. Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force for its guidance and professionalism.

###

National School Resource Officer Appreciation Day, celebrated on Feb. 15, recognizes the school resource officers (SROs) who keep schools safe. It is a time for students and school community members to show appreciation for their SROs and all the work they do to bridge the gap between law enforcement and youth.

We would like to recognize our SRO, Officer Lindsay Bonda, for her commitment to serving the students of Stoughton for the last eight years!

BEWARE OF ICE! During the winter months, it can be tempting to venture out onto frozen waterways, but we urge caution and remind residents that no ice is 100% safe ice. You should always consider ice potentially dangerous, as it’s impossible to judge ice conditions by appearance or thickness alone. Many factors, including water depth, the size of the body of water, water chemistry, currents, snow cover, age of ice, and local weather conditions, will impact ice strength. 

One significant risk factor associated with winter ice activities is falling through the ice, which can lead to fatal and non-fatal winter drownings.

If you see someone in danger, remember the phrase “Preach-Reach-Throw-Go.”

📢 Preach: If possible, call 911 and let the victim know help is on the way. Reassure the victim and keep them calm.

🫴 Reach: If it is safe to reach the victim from shore, extend a sturdy object for the victim to grab.

🛟 Throw: If it is safe to do so, toss the end of a rope or a flotation device to the victim.

🚑 Go: If a situation becomes too dangerous, go find help. Untrained rescuers can often become victims.

Avoid walking or driving on ice-bound bodies of water — ice thickness can be deceiving. Stay safe!