Stoughton Police

As the Fourth of July holiday approaches quickly, we would like to remind residents that the recreational use of fireworks is illegal in Massachusetts.

According to the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services, there have been more than 550 fires and explosions involving illegal fireworks in Massachusetts in the past five years. Six firefighters were injured in these incidents, and damages were estimated at nearly $1 million.

Between 2019 and 2023, Massachusetts medical facilities treated more than 200 people for burns and other injuries associated with fireworks. Two dozen people were treated for severe burn injuries that covered 5% or more of the victim’s body.

The possession, use and sale of fireworks without a professional license is against the law in Massachusetts and punishable by confiscation, fine or imprisonment. Fines range from $100 to $1,000, and some violations could carry a one-year prison sentence.

Please leave fireworks to the professionals!

With temperatures expected to reach the 80s and 90s over the next several days, we would like to remind residents to take safety precautions during outdoor activities in hot weather.

The National Weather Service defines a “heat wave” as a period of abnormally hot weather generally lasting more than two days. Heat waves can occur with or without high humidity.

To prevent illness and injuries, it is imperative that residents follow hot weather safety tips and know how to recognize heat illnesses.

Please follow these extreme heat safety tips from the American Red Cross: https://tinyurl.com/RedCrossHeatSafety

Chief Donna McNamara reports that the Stoughton Police Department responded to a report of an individual acting erratically and brandishing a knife in public outside a convenience store.

On Monday, June 9, at approximately 6:33 p.m., Stoughton Police officers were dispatched to the area of a convenience store on Turnpike Street for a report of a person brandishing a knife with a 3-to-5-inch blade and swiping at cars. The caller reported to dispatch that the female appeared to be in her late teens to early 20s, weighing approximately 200 pounds.

Officers quickly located the person, who was about 5 feet 6 inches tall and matched the description given by the 911 call. The officers observed that she was holding a bladed weapon in her hand while sitting on the ground.

They took immediate steps to ensure her safety and well-being, and the safety of the public and responding officers. Following their training and procedures, officers issued clear verbal commands for the individual to drop the weapon and lie on her stomach. One officer observed that she dropped the knife. However, she did not comply with orders to lie on the ground, and she took off running in the direction of additional officers who had arrived on the scene, including a sergeant who had grabbed a protective shield as a proactive de-escalation tactic. Unsure of her mental state and whether she had any additional weapons that would present a danger to herself or the officers, she was detained following a brief physical encounter to allow officers to assess the situation.

Initially, officers were unaware of the individual’s age or potential cognitive condition. After she was detained, it was recognized that the juvenile had an intellectual disability and was younger than the age provided by dispatch. The officers demonstrated significant care and compassion in their interaction. Once they determined she posed no threat to herself or others, they removed her handcuffs. Officers then arranged for a paramedic evaluation and promptly took steps to reunite her with her mother, who was found to be working at a nearby business.

A subsequent investigation revealed the object to be a broken half-pair of kitchen shear-style scissors. It was also determined that the juvenile was not swiping at cars or threatening individuals with the item, contrary to the initial dispatch report.

“As police officers, we never know what kind of situation we are facing when we are called. Reports concerning armed individuals must be approached with the utmost care and caution,” said Chief McNamara. “The added variables in this case — a child with autism spectrum disorder — add a great deal of difficulty and emotion for everyone involved, but I am grateful that our officers relied on their training and responded with care, compassion and professionalism. The Stoughton Police Department is committed to serving all members of our community with empathy and understanding.”

(To view video of the incident, including body camera footage, the 911 call and dispatch audio, visit: https://vimeo.com/1093786672/e1639b3eaf?share=copy)

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Chief Donna McNamara today praised the successful conviction of a man who was driving under the influence of alcohol when he struck a motorcycle in 2021, killing two local residents.

RAFFAELE FRONTINO, AGE 65, of STOUGHTON, was found guilty by a jury in Norfolk County Superior Court on May 21 of two counts of motor vehicle homicide while driving negligently and under the influence of alcohol.

On Tuesday, June 10, Judge Mark A. Hallal sentenced FRONTINO to serve 3 years to 3 years and one day in state prison, followed by 2 1/2 years in jail (18 months to serve).

“This case represents an unimaginable loss for the victims’ families, and while nothing can undo that tragedy, we hope this conviction brings some measure of justice and closure,” said Chief McNamara.

On June 28, 2021, at approximately 8:46 p.m., Stoughton Police responded to a crash involving a car and motorcycle in the area of 1317 Washington St. The collision claimed the lives of Alfredo Pedro, 50, who was operating the motorcycle, and his wife, Aldina Pedro, 51, who was riding as a passenger.

Through an investigation led by Sgt. Robert Kuhn, a detective at the time of the incident, Stoughton Police determined that FRONTINO crossed into the oncoming lane of travel and struck the motorcycle. Sgt. Kuhn’s thorough investigation, which included reviewing surveillance video, interviewing witnesses and executing search warrants, revealed that FRONTINO was driving erratically before the crash. His blood alcohol content was measured at .125 approximately two hours after the incident.

The crash was investigated by Stoughton Police, the Massachusetts State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section and Massachusetts State Police detectives assigned to the Norfolk District Attorney’s Office.

Assistant District Attorneys Christopher Meade and Sean Riley prosecuted the case. Victim-Witness Advocate Jennifer Tihalas assisted the family of the victims through the court process.

“This case is a painful reminder of the devastating consequences of impaired driving,” said Chief McNamara. “I commend everyone involved for their diligence, professionalism and compassion. I especially want to recognize Sgt. Robert Kuhn, whose dedication and attention to detail were instrumental in holding the defendant accountable. This outcome is the result of tireless collaboration between our officers and our partners in the justice system.”

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Chief Donna McNamara reports that the Stoughton Police Department arrested a Brockton man and two juveniles following a pursuit of a stolen car.

AYDAN MIGUEL RIVERA, AGE 18, of BROCKTON, was arrested and charged with:

– Larceny of a Motor Vehicle

A 13-YEAR-OLD JUVENILE, of BROCKTON, was arrested and charged with:

– Larceny of a Motor Vehicle

– Negligent Operation of a Motor Vehicle

– Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle

– Failure to Stop for Police

A 15-YEAR-OLD JUVENILE, of BROCKTON, was arrested and charged with:

– Larceny of a Motor Vehicle

On Monday, June 9, at approximately 1:39 a.m., Officer Robert Genereux was conducting traffic enforcement on Washington Street (Route 138) when he noticed three vehicles traveling north at a high rate of speed. One vehicle shut off its lights and crossed the double yellow center line to pass another car.

Officer Genereux attempted to conduct a motor vehicle stop, but all three drivers fled. Officer Genereux initially terminated his pursuit as the vehicles reached Canton.

Stoughton Police then received a report that a Hyundai Elantra had been stolen from Manor Drive and determined it was one of the vehicles Officer Genereux saw. Police determined the reporting party was following the stolen car, which was one of the three vehicles Officer Genereux initially observed.

Officer Genereux began pursuing the stolen Elantra again in Canton, briefly onto Interstate 93, and then off the highway onto Ponkapoag Trail, where the Elantra crashed. Three people wearing ski masks ran from the vehicle.

The 15-YEAR-OLD JUVENILE was immediately stopped and taken into custody, while the other two suspects fled onto the walking trail.

Massachusetts State Police responded with two K-9 units and began searching for the suspects.

Canton Police then alerted the Stoughton Police that they had stopped two individuals who were knocking on people’s doors and asking for a ride or a phone charger.

Stoughton Police took the remaining suspects into custody. They later identified them as RIVERA and the 13-YEAR-OLD JUVENILE.

The preliminary investigation indicates that the suspects broke a window to get into the locked Elantra on Manor Drive and were able to start it without the keys. The investigation revealed the 13-YEAR-OLD JUVENILE was driving.

Through the investigation, police also determined that the third vehicle originally seen by Officer Genereux had been stolen from Abington and later crashed on Turnpike Street in Canton. The driver was not located.

RIVERA is expected to be arraigned Monday in Stoughton District Court. The juveniles will be arraigned in Dedham Juvenile Court.

“I want to commend the quick and coordinated work of our officers, who resolved a dangerous situation without injuries to anyone,” said Chief McNamara. “Thanks to their professionalism and strong collaboration with the Canton Police Department and Massachusetts State Police, we were able to take three suspects into custody and bring this incident to a safe conclusion.”

The investigation is ongoing.

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

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