March 18, 2019 by Chief Peter Bartlett

Dracut Police Respond to Fatal Single-Car Crash

DRACUT– Chief Peter Bartlett reports that the Dracut Police Department responded to a fatal single-car crash Sunday night.

At approximately 10:35 p.m. on Sunday, March 17, police responded to a report of a motor vehicle that had crashed into a utility pole on Lakeview Avenue. Upon arrival, police found a man trapped inside a grey Lexus.

First responders extricated the man from the vehicle and began providing emergency aid. He was transported by ambulance to Lowell General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The victim’s identity is not being released pending notification of his next of kin.

The crash remains under investigation by the Massachusetts State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section.

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January 25, 2019 by Chief Peter Bartlett

Dracut “Stranger” Incident Found to be Fabricated by Juvenile

DRACUT — Deputy Chief of Police Stephen D. Chaput reports that an investigation determined a Wednesday afternoon report of a stranger approaching a juvenile as he was getting off the school bus was unfounded and fabricated by the reporting party.

On Wednesday, Jan. 23 at 2:30, Dracut Police responded to Clement Road after a 13-year-old juvenile reported to his mother that when he had gotten off the school bus and was walking home, he was approached by a a man driving a pickup truck. The report indicated that the driver asked the boy to get into the truck, but the boy ran home and reported the interaction to his mother. The report generated several news media inquiries and drew significant attention on social media.

As the investigation unfolded, the reporting party admitted to officers that he made up the story and that no such interaction took place.

The Dracut Police Department considers the matter resolved at this time.

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October 8, 2018 by Chief Peter Bartlett

Press Advisory: Internal Affairs Investigation

Dracut Ma. Chief Peter Bartlett of the Dracut Police Department has confirmed the investigation of a Dracut Police Supervisor regarding discrepancies of that supervisor putting in for overtime as compensatory time not substantiated or warranted.

In March of this year, Chief Bartlett had requested a Dracut Police Supervisor explain a decision to remain past their shift end time when two supervisors had come in to relieve that supervisor from their duties. A preliminary review of the Supervisors earning of overtime and submittal of those hours as compensatory time to be used later, was done and an internal affairs investigation was ordered.

After an extensive internal investigation and review of compensatory time accruals on many occasions, department shift rosters and of department payroll records, charges relating to the Supervisor’s false submissions for compensatory time, are Substantiated.

“The Dracut Police Department is committed to ensuring the public trust and when it is determined that a member has betrayed that trust it will be investigated fully, rooted out and dealt with accordingly,” Chief Bartlett said. “We are looking at this situation as an anomaly; however we are in the process of reviewing all practices and records to ensure the systems integrity. This department is made up of dedicated, professional public servants and this is in no way a reflection of those who come to work every day proudly to do their job,” said Chief Bartlett

Click here for a Lowell Sun report on this situation.

Click here for the report that was released to the media.

September 11, 2018 by Chief Peter Bartlett

Dracut Police to Present Teen With Donation from Cops For Kids With Cancer

For Immediate Release

Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2018

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

Dracut Police to Present Teen With Donation from Cops For Kids With Cancer

DRACUT — Chief Peter Bartlett reports that the Dracut Police Department will welcome a Dracut High School student to the police station and present him with a donation to help in his fight against cancer.

WHO:

Dracut teenager Sean Teneriello
Chief Peter Bartlett and the Dracut Police Department
Sharon Crowley of the NEMLEC Foundation

WHEN:

TOMORROW, Wednesday, Sept. 12, at 2 p.m.

WHERE:

Dracut Police Department, 110 Loon Hill Road

WHAT:

The Dracut Police Department will welcome Sean and his family to the police station to formally present them with a $5,000 donation from Cops For Kids With Cancer, which is meant to help cover the expenses associated with his ongoing battle with cancer. Sean was diagnosed on June 19, 2018 with Burketts Lymphoma.

An application for support from Cops For Kids With Cancer was submitted on Sean’s behalf by the Northeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council (NEMLEC) Foundation. The NEMLEC Foundation will present a donation of its own to Cops For Kids With Cancer at tomorrow’s event.

“We’re excited to welcome Sean and his family to show our support for him in this fight,” Chief Bartlett said. “My hope is that we can help ease the burden to allow the Teneriello family to focus on Sean and his recovery process. I want to sincerely thank Cops For Kids With Cancer and the NEMLEC Foundation for making this possible.”

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October 30, 2017 by Chief Peter Bartlett

Update on Storm Damage in Dracut

The Town of Dracut is aware that several thousand homes and businesses are currently without power.

Please use the police business line 978-957-2123 and/or National Grid 800-322-3223 to report down lines or trees.

As we work with National Grid to ensure public safety, down lines are a priority. We understand some people may need assistance, and we will work to address all calls for service as they come into our dispatch centers. Because of the continued high winds and extent of the damage, National Grid believes the power outage will be for an extended period, up to 72 hours to restore power in some areas of the Merrimack Valley.

Cell phone charging stations in the Central Fire Station and Police Department are available. We will continue to update you as information is received.