Several Drug-Related Arrests

Officers from the Amherst Police Department recently made three drug-related arrests stemming from two separate motor vehicle stops.

The first arrest occurred on September 29, 2010, at approximately 4:19 pm. An officer attempted to stop a motor vehicle travelling at a high rate of speed on East Hadley Road. After a short motor vehicle pursuit, the operator was arrested at the Boulders apartment complex and found to have narcotics packaged for sale.

He is:
Somrathonak J. Som, Age 17
296 Daniel Shays Highway
Pelham, MA

Charges:
Failure to Stop for a Police Officer
Possession Class D Substance (marijuana) with Intent to Distribute
Possession Class B (cocaine) Substance with Intent to Distribute School Zone Violation

Som was held at the Hampshire County House of Corrections and is expected to be arraigned this morning at the Eastern Hampshire District Court.

A separate motor vehicle stop that occurred on September 30, 2010, at approximately 2:42 am netted two additional narcotics arrests. This incident also occurred on East Hadley Road when the vehicle was stopped for failure to meet annual inspection, and packaged marijuana was located inside of the vehicle.

Two people were arrested:
Caleb Y. Satterfield, Age 17
63 Dyce’s Head
Castine, ME

Charges:
Possession with Intent to Distribute a Class D Substance (marijuana)
Possession of a Class B Substance (Oxycodone and Ritalin)

Jack M. Ryan-Ackerman, Age 18
151 Rolling Ridge Rd.
Amherst, MA

Charges:
Possession with Intent to Distribute Class D Substance (marijuana)

Ryan-Ackerman and Satterfield are expected to be arraigned at the Eastern Hampshire District Court later this morning.

None of the arrested parties are affiliated as student in the Five College community.

Texting While Driving is Against the Law

Effective September 30, 2010, a new law will begin to be enforced which bans sending, typing or reading electronic messages to or from handheld devices while operating a motor vehicle. This also includes the use of the Internet and text messaging.

In addition, the new law bans ALL handheld electronic device use by those operating a motor vehicle with a Junior Operator’s License (JOL). The only exception for cell phone use while driving on a JOL is if the individual is reporting an emergency. However, drivers are encouraged to pull over and stop before reporting the emergency.

Those found violating any of the above mentioned laws may be subject to a $100.00 assessment for first-time violations.

For a full list of violations and assessments under The Safe Driving Law, please see the Mass DOT website.

Free Gun Lock Distribution

As we are committed to the safety of our community, and especially our children, the Amherst Police Department will provide free gun locks to any community member who does not have them. With the hunting season rapidly approaching, gun owners are reminded that Massachusetts General Law requires all firearms to be locked when not under the owner’s immediate control. By providing the free distribution of gun locks to the community, we hope to encourage gun owners to practice safe and responsible gun ownership and storage. Community members may come by the Amherst Police Department, at any time, to obtain a free cable-style gun lock.

Questions regarding this program may be forwarded to Sgt. Brian Daly at 413-259-3000 or via email.

First Annual "Have a Heart" Initiative

On September 10, 2010, from 8 pm until 2 am, Officers from the Amherst Police Department, the UMass Police Department, members of the Alpha Delta Phi fraternity, and the Sunset Neighborhood Association participated in the first annual "Have a Heart" initiative. The purpose of the initiative was to educate transient student traffic about the impact their behavior can have on the peace and tranquility of the neighborhoods they pass through.

During the initiative, members of each of the represented groups were paired up and they targeted specific areas of the Fearing Street corridor to remind students about proper behavior while out and about in Amherst, alternate routes, and personal safety.

During this initiative, it was estimated that nearly 1,000 students were made aware of our program's goals.

The following participants should be recognized for their efforts and participation: UMPD, UMass Office of Greek Affairs, UMass Dining Services, UMass Office of External Relations, Alpha Delta Phi fraternity, and the Sunset Neighborhood Association.

Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant

The Amherst Police Department has been awarded a $10,190 grant from the United States Bureau of Justice. The grant program, Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG), provides funding to law enforcement agencies to improve law enforcement programs and technology. The police department intends to utilize this grant funding to upgrade technology.

Chief Livingstone stated, “Obtaining grant funding is becoming more and more competitive, but we continue to aggressively pursue alternative funding sources to support the Amherst Police Department and Amherst community. This funding will be put to very good use.”

Citizens who wish to comment on this funding opportunity may contact Captain Jennifer Gundersen either via email or by telephone at 413-259-3012. For additional information on the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Formula Program, please visit the United States Bureau of Justice website.

Community Meeting TONIGHT

The Amherst Police Department will be holding a meeting tonight to discuss the recent rash of residential burglaries. The house burglaries, which are mostly happening at night when residents are at home sleeping, have been on the rise for the last 30-45 days. The meeting will be held tonight, Monday, September 13, 2010, at 7:00 pm at the Crocker Farm Elementary School. For more information on the meeting, contact Officer Bill Laramee.

Amherst Police Investigate House Breaks

Attention Amherst Residents: In recent weeks, the Amherst Police Department has been investigating an increased number of house breaks. In many of these cases, the suspect(s) entered residences through unlocked doors and windows. The suspect(s) then proceeded to take various items that were in plain view.

As these breaking and enterings are often viewed as “crimes of opportunity,” Amherst residents are encouraged to take a few precautionary measures to assure that they do not fall victim to these crimes.

Here at the Amherst Police Department, we ask that Amherst residents ensure that doors and windows, vehicles included, remain locked if possible. Simply locking your doors and windows may prevent you from becoming a victim.

Additional precautionary measures should be taken to shield items of high value, such as purses, laptop computers, and other electronics, from areas that can be easily viewed from the exterior of your residence.

The Amherst Police Department encourages you to keep a watchful eye and immediately report any type of suspicious activity in your neighborhood. With your help, the Amherst Police Department can deter potential thieves and hopefully bring these criminals to justice.

Persons with any information are encouraged to contact the Amherst Police Department at 413-259-3000. If you would like to remain anonymous, please use the Amherst Police “Tip Line” at 413-259-3344.

For a list of crimes that have occurred in your neighborhood, please view our Crime Reports Crime Mapping page.