Two More Neighborhoods Struck by Wave of Vehicle Break-ins

The rising number of vehicle break-ins in Tewksbury is inching toward epidemic proportions and this time, the crimes may have taken an ominous turn.

Just days after a thief, or thieves, hit numerous vehicles in the Coolidge Street neighborhood, several more vehicles were hit late Sunday night or early Monday morning in the Delehanty Road/Chandler Street area.

In addition, another batch of vehicles was struck in the Brook Street/Oakland Avenue neighborhood just off Salem Street.

In both instances, officers responded to calls from residents who woke up to find their cars had been broken into. And when the officers canvassed the neighborhood, they found several more residents who were not yet aware they had been victimized.

In most of the cases from Sunday night, residents reported just spare change had been taken. However, one resident reported a computer had been stolen from his car.

Police may have received a break in the case when one of the victims reported that just before noon on Monday, a man came to her door on Brook Street and left a threatening note in her door. The note specifically referred to the car break-in. The victim described the man as being a white male, wearing dark pants and a green hooded sweatshirt.

The investigation into the recent break-ins is ongoing.

OUI arrest

A local man, pulled over Wednesday at 2 a.m. for equipment violations, was ultimately arrested after questioning from an officer. Dennis M. Keohane, 26, of 5 Mark Road, is charged with operating a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs (second offense).

Motor vehicle arrest

John Kennedy, 37, of 134 Salem St., Wilmington, was arrested and charged with driving with a suspended license after being pulled over on Salem Street in Tewksbury at 2:38 a.m. Monday. He was also cited for equipment violations and a number plate violation.

Animal complaints

It's that time of year, as wildlife begins to emerge from their dens. A caller from Wayside Road reported hearing a coyote close by early Tuesday morning. Also, a caller from Patricia Drive, reported what she believed to be a rabid fox on Tuesday, around 11 a.m.