Crime & Safety

Tewksbury PD Reels in Several Drunk Drivers

One officer is nearly struck by suspect's vehicle on Route 495.

Tewksbury Police had a busy weekend dealing with alleged drunk drivers, making three arrests early Saturday morning.

The first incident took place on Route 495 and nearly resulted in tragedy. As an officer was stopped to assist a motorist with a flat tire, a driver came careering toward them, nearly striking the officer.

The officer then got into his cruiser, pursued and pulled over the driver.

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This led to the arrest of Shane T. Keating, of Miland Avenue, Chelmsford. He was charged with OUI-liquor second offense, obstructing an emergency vehicle, marked lanes violations and negligent operation of a motor vehicle.

A short while later, police responded to several 911 calls reporting a two-vehicle accident at the intersection of North Street and Andover Street.

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A female, who was driving a van, was injured and transported to Saints Medical Center in Lowell. Her name was not released and the extent of her injuries is not known. But police say she was conscious and alert when placed into the ambulance.

The driver of the second vehicle, Justin A. Sharifi, 21, of 49 Sheridan Lane, Tewksbury, was arrested and charged with OUI-Liquor. Both cars were towed.

Later that morning, just before 4 a.m., a motor vehicle stop for erratic operation near 1698 Main St., led to another OUI arrest. The suspect, Erin M. Costello, 26, of 65 Oxford Road, Tewksbury, was charged with OUI-Liquor.

Amazing parking problems

When more than 500 people showed up at the Ninety-Nine Restaurant on Saturday morning to audition for The Amazing Race, you just knew there might be a problem.

Police received a call from the nearby Shell Station reporting a problem with parked cars. Because of the overflow from the auditions, drivers were parking in the lots of surrounding businesses, including the Shell Station. An officer responded and spoke to the parties involved.

Pretty sure that's a no-parking zone

Police responded to a call just before 7 a.m. on Sunday that reported a vehicle abandoned in the roadway at Lowell Street near Park Avenue. The caller said it looked like there was damage to the dashboard.

The investigating officer determined that the ignition had been "popped" and determined it likely was stolen. The car was towed and the registered owner was notified. The owner said he would fill out a stolen vehicle report and a recovery report.

No word if a TV and remote control were nearby

At around 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, police responded  to a call reporting a couch in the middle of the road on Marston Street. The responding officer moved the  couch to the side of the road and informed the DPW.

A little back to school shoplifting

A 31-year-old Old Main Street woman was arrested and charged with shoplifting by concealing merchandise on Saturday afternoon. Lauren A. Harrington had been detained by loss prevention staff at Wal-Mart.


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