Press Releases

Press Release- suspect arrested in burglary

On Friday August 20, a New Ludlow Rd resident reported that a subject had broken into his home, threatened him, and had stolen money from him. The suspect was identified and a warrant was obtained. Daniel J. Powers, 30, of Cove Island Rd was arrested by the South Hadley Police a t his residence later that day on the warrant. Powers was held on $10,000 cash bail on charges of Armed burglary, unarmed robbery, and assault and battery.

press release - ATV accident

Jeremy Lashway,33, of 25 New Ludlow Rd Granby will be summonsed to court for operating under the influence of alcohol (2cnd offense) ,failure to stay within marked lanes, and operating an unregistered and uninsured motor vehicle, after an ATV he was operating on the roadway struck a M/C head on. The M/C was operated by Michiel Labonte,46, of Truby Street, Granby,. was trav westbound on New Ludlow Rd when Lashway, operating eastbound on his ATV, crossed onto the wrong side of the road. Lashway was taken to Baystate Hospital. Labonte was taken to Holyoke Hospital. The accident occurred on 8/20, at 10:41 pm.

Suspect arrested in MV breaks

Officers responding to a report of a possible breaking and entering into cars at Dufresne Park, arrested STANLEE ANDRUKUNIS, 25, of 64 Taylor Street, on two counts of brekaing and entering into a MV and, 2 counts of larceny of a credit card, and 1 count of larceny under $250. Andrukunis will br earraigned in Eastern Hampshire District Court on Friday 8/13. He was arrested by Ptl. Mike Ulmer and Ptl Jeff Reed

two suspects arrested in House Break

On 8/3/10 at 10:24 AM Officers responding to a report of a house break arrested two suspects who were fleeing the scene in a MV. MICHAEL MORIN, of 16 America Street, Chicopee, 26 years of age, and GREGORY DONNELY, 15 Booth Rd, Enfield CT, also age 26 were stopped and arrested by Ptl. James Laflamme after they were observed operating a vehicle matching the description of one which fled the scene from a house break minutes earlier. Ptl. Laflamme was assisted by lt. Allan Wishart and ptl. James White. The residence on School was occupied at the time of the break by two females. One suspect was found in a bedroom rifling a drawer by one of the occupants. Both were charged with breaking and entering into a dwelling with the intent to commit a felony, placing a person in fear. In adition, Donnely was charged with operating after revocation of license. Both subjects were transported to Eastern Hampshire District Court for arraignment.

Rape arrest

On Sunday 7/11, the Department arrested KYLE J. THERIAULT, 22, of 8 Philip Circle, Granby on 1 count of Rape, 2 counts of assault and battery, 1 count of intimidation of a witness and related sexual assault charges. He was held on $25,000 cash bail. He was arrested by Ptl. Kurt Carpenter and Sean Gallagher as well as officers from Northampton PD. The investigation was conducted by Detective Barbara Fenn. Incident occurred approximately 2 years ago in Granby. Suspect was arrested at his place of employment in Northampton.

DARE Summer Programs

There are still openings in the following DARE sponsored summer programs for local youth:

Basketball Camp July 12-16 grades 6 & up, Basketball Camp July 19-23 Grades 3-6. Cheer Camp, Grades 3 and up July 28 July 30.

Soccer Camp, Grades 6 & up July 26 - July 30, Grades 3-6 August 2-August 6. Limited enrollment - frist come /first serve

All camps $40 each ( discounts for multiple children in the same family). Grades are as on 9/10/10. All camps are at Granby HS and all area youth are welcome. Applicatons/times are available at the Police web Site http://www.granbypd.org or at the Police Station. Note- station is re-locating July 14 to 259 E State Street. Soccer and Cheer Camp applications are available at the basketball camp also.

Fiery crash results in drunk driving arrest

On Friday June 4, 2010 at approximately 01:56 Granby Police Department and Granby Fire Department personnel were dispatched to the area of 169 Chicopee St. for a report of people talking outside and a vehicle on fire at the bottom of the driveway. Upon arrival officers found the vehicle fully engulfed in flames, up against a tree. The operator of the vehicle was outside and approached officers as they exited their cars. The operator informed officers he was the sole occupant of the vehicle. The operator, Mr. Richard W. Guenette Jr., age 48, of Ludlow, was placed under arrest for operating under the influence of alcohol, and a marked lanes violation. He was also transported to Holyoke Hospital for minor injuries.

dirt bike accident

At approximately 4pm, the Police Department received a call concerning a dirt bike accident on Turkey Hill, near the Belchertown line. Police and Fire units responded and found that CRAIG AMELISKO, age 20, of Dressel Ave Belchertown, had apparently lost control of his dirt bike and had struck a rock. He was removed from the scene by Granby Fire and Police Personnel in the Fire Department Kubota, and was transferred to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The Environemntal Police were called to the scene . The incident was investigated by Ptl Gary Poehler and Ptl Kurt Carpenter

House fire

On March 19^th at approximately 8:30 PM Granby Police and Fire personnel responded to an E911 call reporting an active structure fire at 8 Ken Lane. Personnel from South Hadley Fire District 2 also responded to the residence to assist. The caller reported that flames were visible at the back of the residence. Police personnel arrived and found that neighbors had begun fighting the fire with fire extinguishers. Fire personnel arrived, cleared the residence and extinguished the fire. The residence was unoccupied at the time of the incident. It was later learned that children in the area heard the audible smoke alarm and noticed smoke coming from the back of the residence. The children alerted adults and one called 911 to request help.

The Fire Marshall’s Office was notified of the incident and responded to the scene to assist in the investigation. It is currently believed that the fire began on the outside of the residence. The damage from the fire was contained to the cellar and to an area at the rear of the residence which covered an estimated 150 square feet. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

The quick actions of the children who alerted adults and public safety, as well as the efforts of the adults who began fighting the fire, is believed to have saved the residence from more significant damage.

Fatal M/C accident

On Wednesday March 17, 2010 at approximately 8:20 p.m.,Granby Police and Granby Fire Department personnel were dispatched to the area of 39 Carver St. for a reported crash between a motor vehicle and a motorcycle. Upon arrival officers discovered passerbys that had stopped to assist, attending to the motorcycle operator. The operator of the motorcycle, whose name is being withheld pending notification to his next of kin, was pronounced dead at the scene. The operator of the motor vehicle, Mr. Kirk Pisani of Belchertown, was not injured in the crash. The Massachusetts State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section, as well as the Massachusetts State Police Investigative Unit, attached to the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office, were requested to assist with the investigation. Sergeant Kevin O’Grady, Officer Jeffrey Reed, and Officer Sean Gallagher are continuing to investigate the crash for the Granby Police Department.

Mail truck strikes residence

Granby Police Department

Press Release

January 9, 2010

On January 9, 2010 at approximately 6:06 AM Granby Police responded to the area of 202 School Street for an E911 call reporting that a truck had struck a residence. Police arrived and found that a white 1997 International box truck collided with the front of the residence at # 202. Neither the driver nor any of the residents were injured. The accident investigation showed that the truck was traveling northbound and came to a stop off the edge of the road. The truck then crossed the road and collided with the front of the residence. Witnesses told police that the operator of the vehicle attempted to move the truck away from the house and in doing so struck the house again. The operator of the vehicle Darrel Lamson was charged with operating after license suspension and failure to stay within marked lanes

Scam Alert

The Police Deparmtnet has received a few complaints concerning the fact that someone is soliciting donations claiming to be from the Granby Police Association.

The Granby PD IS NOT and DOES NOT solicit donations via the telephone.

Click it or ticket campaign continues

Press Release

The Granby Police Department announced today that officers will be out in full force over the next few weeks in a continued effort to increase seat belt use, in support of the Fall 2009 Click It or Ticket Mobilization. The increased patrols have been funded by a grant from the Massachusetts Highway Safety Division. The focus of the increased patrols is to combine extra traffic enforcement, provide public information, and community outreach to reduce motor vehicle-related fatalities, injuries and economic loss. The Granby Police Department wishes everyone a safe and happy holiday season and reminds everyone to celebrate the holidays responsibly.

Woman abducted in Springfield, escapes captors in Granby

Granby Police Department

Press Release

October 24, 2009

On October 24, 2009 at approximately 3:00 AM, Granby Police responded to an area of Chicopee Street for a report of a women in distress. Police arrived and spoke with the female who stated that she had been kidnapped by two men in Springfield and driven to Granby. The victim stated that while she was in the vehicle the assailants held her at knife point. The victim relayed to investigators that at one point during the drive the vehicle began to slow down and she was able to break free from the assailants and jump out of the vehicle. The victim ran to a local residence and requested help. The residents notified police. The incident is currently being investigated by both Granby and Springfield Police.

Suspicous package prompts HAZ-MAT response

Press release

Granby PD

October 23, 2009

The Police Department received a call from a resident that they had received a suspicious package in the mail.

When the package was opened by the he home owner they found it had been apparently been tampered with and a bottle containing an unknown liquid had been placed inside. Police and Fire units responded to the scene.

HAZ Mat units were called to the scene and the Mass State Police Bomb Squad also responded. The HAZ-MAT Team determined that the liquid was not Hazardous. South Street was blocked from approximately 10:20 AM until approx Noon.

The State Police Crime Lab responded and the incident is under investigation.

Lost Hikers Located

At approximately 6:45 p.m. Granby Police received a 911 phone call from a party stating that she and two of her friends had gone hiking from the Notch Visitor’s Center, in Amherst, and were now lost in the woods. GPS coordinates from the calling party’s cell phone, as well as the trail markers that the caller was reporting, indicated the parties were in Granby. At that time, Granby Fire Department Personnel and Lieutenant Peter Michaels, of the Massachusetts Division of Conservation and Recreation, were notified and responded to the established command post on Batchelor St. with Granby Police Department Personnel. A collaborative effort between the agencies brought Ms. Katie Jones, Ms. Katherine Coakley, both of Northampton and Ms. Mercedes Drazewski, of South Hadley, out of the woods at approximately 8:00 p.m.. The females reported they entered the woods at approximately 4:30 p.m. and got turned around on the trails when it became dark. All three were in good spirits and reportedly uninjured.

Head - on crash on Pleasant Street

At 9:39 Am, officers responded to a report of a head on accident in the vicinity of 86 Pleasant Street Granby MA.

Upon arrival officers found that a 2003 Dodge Dakota pick-up truck operated by LORI POLVERINI, age 45, of Pleasant Street Granby, was travelling south on Pleasant street and had crossed the center line and struck a 2003 2004 Ford Econoline van travelling northbound on Pleasant Street, operated by a GLENN KEEEDY, age 45, of Windham Drive E Longmeadow MA.

Keedy had serious injuries and was taken to Baystate Medical Center. Polverini was transported to Holyoke Hospital with unknown injuries.

Polverini was cited for failure to stay with-in marked lanes and operating to endanger. It is believed she may have been text messaging just prior to the accident.

Ptl. Wade Dubois, Ptl. Jason Richards, Ptl. James White and Det. Barbara Fenn investigated the accident. Ambulances responded from Granby and S Hadley

Added Patrols for Holiday Weekend

The Granby Police Department is partnering with the state police and other local police departments to conduct extra traffic enforcement focused on arresting impaired drivers as part of the Drunk Driving: Over the limit, Under arrest campaign. The extra patrols will occur between Aug. 23- Sept. 7.

The extra patrols are being funded through a federal grant provided by the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security.

Worker rescued from cell tower

On June 3, 2009 at approximately 10:25 PM, Granby Police Department and Granby Fire Department Personnel were dispatched to 143 West State St. to assist a utility worker that was stranded approximately 75 feet in the air, in an electric lift, on the side of a cell phone tower. The utility worker, John Stouffer (43), of Soudertown, Pa, an employee of Sitecom of Quakertown, Pa. was working from the lift, when the motor failed to lower the lift to the ground. After assessing the situation the South Hadley Electric Light Department was notified and provided assistance. Mr. Stouffer was safely brought to the ground without incident at approximately 11:45 PM

Click it or Ticket Campaign continues

The Granby Police Department announced today that officers will be out in full force over the next few weeks in a continued effort to increase seat belt use, in support of the Spring 2009 Click It or Ticket Mobilization. The increased patrols have been funded by a grant from the Massachusetts Highway Safety Division. The focus of the increased patrols is to combine extra traffic enforcement, provide public information, and community outreach to reduce motor vehicle-related fatalities, injuries and economic loss. The Granby Police Department wishes everyone a safe and happy vacation season and reminds everyone to celebrate the upcoming holiday weekend responsibly.

House Break Suspect arrested

Granby Police Department

Press Release

 Lt. Al Wishart

On May 8, 2009 at approximately 11:00 AM a Truby Street resident called the Granby Police Department to report that a strange male was banging on her windows and doors and trying to get into her house. The caller stayed on the line with police while officers were in route to the residence. The caller described the male, who was later identified as 33 year Robert Vitalli from Connecticut, as having a mustache, wearing glasses, a blue jacket and carrying a backpack. The caller also stated that she believed the male had ridden up to the house on a bicycle. At one point during the call the caller stated that she believed the male had gained entry into the house. It was about the same time that a family member of the caller pulled into the driveway and observed the male in the house. The male exited the house and began to bang on the windows of the family member’s car. Detective Barbara Fenn and Patrolman Thomas Yvon arrived and stopped Vitalli as he attempted to leave on his bicycle. After speaking with the witnesses, Vitalli was arrested and brought to the station for booking. Police found gloves, a hat, a knife and screwdrivers in Vitalli’s possession. Vitalli was charged with breaking and entering in the daytime with the intent to commit a felony and placing an occupant in fear, carrying a dangerous weapon and possession of burglarious tools. Vitalli was processed and transported to the Hampshire District Court in Belchertown for arraignment.

Cops in Shops Program

The Granby Police Department is continuing to work in cooperation with local liquor establishments to curb the sale of alcohol that comes into the hands of minors. Police officers working in plain clothes will be stationed at local package stores in an attempt to prevent alcohol purchases by minors. These officers will also be attempting to stop adults who are purchasing alcohol and providing it to minors. These enforcement activities have been funded by a grant from the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security. The enforcement will be scheduled at varying times and will take place at varying locations. Police officers will be enforcing several laws associated with alcohol sales to minors, possession or transportation of alcohol by minors, procuring alcohol for minors and also the use or possession of fake or false identification. These activities have been ongoing since January and police have found people violating the law. In those instances people have been charged. These planned enforcement activities will continue for the next couple of months. Anyone caught violating these laws will be prosecuted.

Tractor Trailer stikes Town Landmark

At approximately 1:58 AM, a Tractor Trailer truck driven by Joseph S. Lemire of Columbia Ct. struck the Historic Aldrich Mill on Aldrich Street. The truck was attempting to deliver a load of sod to the Orchards when the driver took a wrong turn.

The top the the Trailer unit, owned by Hirschbach and Son of South Sioux City Nebraska, got caught on the upper wall of the unit while trying to cross the bridge over Batchelor Brook, causing damage to the wall and roof. Cost to repair is unknown. TYhe accident was investigated vy Sgt. Kevin O'Grady and Ptl. Bob Ash.

The Mill is featured on the Town seal.

Click-it or Ticket

Officers will be out in full force over the next few weeks in a continued effort to increase seat belt use, reduce speeding and aggressive driving, as well as other traffic infractions in support of the Spring 2009 Road Respect Mobilization. The increased patrols have been funded by a grant from the Masssachusetts Highway Safety Divison. The focus of the increased patrols is to combine extra traffic enforcement, provide public information, and community outreach to reduce motor vehicle related fatlities, injuries, and economic loss.

Safe taken in house break

On February 26th, a homeowner reported that his apartment on Pleasant Street had been broken into sometime during the night and that a safe was missing. Entry was gained by prying open a door. The safe contained an undisclosed amount of cash.

Rape arrest

On Wednesday February 18th, TODD MOREHOUSE of 51 Kendall Street, Granby , age 42, was arrested on a warrant issued earlier that date for two counts of rape and one count of witness interference. Morehouse was held at the Hampshire House of Correction in lieu of $10,000 bail. The warrant was arrested by Ptl. Kurt Carpenter after an investigation conducted by Det. Barbara Fenn.

Suspect arrested after leaving the scene

At 2:08 AM, Officers responded to a report of a motor vehicle off the road near the intersection of South and New Ludlow Rd. When the officer arrived a suspect fled on foot into the woods. Additional officers were called to the scene. Granby's K-9 unit tracked the individual to the area of the Westover Golf Course. Officers from Granby, South Hadley, Ludlow, and The Massachusetts State Police searched the area of the Westover Golf Course. During the search the suspects wallet was found. Due to a minor injury to Granby's K-9 a second K-9 from the State Police was also deployed. At 6:30 AM the suspect, Anthony G. Champagne of 85 Hitchcock Street, Holyoke, age 23, was located and arrested. He has been charged with Operating Under the influence of alcohol, Leaving the scene of a property damage accident, failure to submit to a police officer, and failure to stay within marked lanes. He was transported to Holyoke Hospital to be treated for exposure. Sgt. Kevin O'Grady, Ptl. James White, Ptl. Steve Marion, and Ptl. Kurt Carpenter and his K-9 Ralph, participated in the incident.

Pedestrian struck by MV

At approximately 4:20 AM on Thursday January 15, Wayne Clark, age 78, of Batchelor St. Granby was struck by a motor vehilce driven by Hugh Connolly, Amherst Rd Belchertown. The accident occurred on School Street in Granby in the vicinity of Forge Pond. Clark, who was delivering newspapers, had exited his vehicle which was parked on the south bound side of the road, headed North. Connollly came around the corner, tried to avoid the Clark vehicle, and struck Clark. Clark was transported to Baystate Medical with a broken leg and shoulder injury. The accident was investigated by Ptl. Steve Marion and Ptl. Bob Ash. It is still under investigation.

GRANBY MAN ARRESTED ON CHILD RAPE CHARGES

Robert D. Griswold, 195 Taylor Street, Granby, was arrested in Holyoke on Friday December 5, on a warrant issued out of the Eastern Hampshire District court in Belchertown. Griswold, age 51, was arrested by Sergeant Al Wishart, Ptl Kurt Carpenter of the Granby Police Department, and officers from the Holyoke Police Department. Griswold was charged with one count of Rape of a Child. He was later released on $10,000 cash bail. He is also going to be charged with Enticement of a person under age 16, and two counts of having an unsecured firearm. The incident occurred last summer and involves an underage male victim. The investigation was conducted by Det. Barbara Fenn and other officers from the Granby PD. The investigation is continuing.

Child Rape suspect faces additional charges

Robert D. Griswold of 195 Taylor Street was arraigned today in Belchertown District Court on additonal charges. Griswold was charged with Forcible rape of a child, Indecent Assault and battery on a child under age 14, and dissemination of material harmful to minors. Griswold was out on bail on charges of rape of a child, enticement of a child, and firearms charges.

Hit And Run Accident on East Street

Sometime before 11:45pm on Wednesday 11/19, a vehicle struck a pole on East Street. The vehicle is believed to be a grey or silver GMC product. Anyone with any information can ccall the Police Department at 467-9222.

Granby Resident Arrested on Rape Charges

Granby resident arrested on Rape Charges On November 9 the Granby Police Department received a report of an indecent A&B and Rape that had occurred the night before. The incident was investigated by Detective Barbara Fenn and Sergeant Al Wishart, as well as other members of the Department, throughout the day. At approximately 8:20 pm, Officers executed an arrest warrant and a search warrant at 130 Amherst Street where the incident reportedly occurred. Subsequently, GARY STONE, age 47, of that address, was arrested on charges of indecent assault and battery on a person age 14 or over, and rape. He was held without bail for appearance this morning in Eastern Hampshire District Court

Pleasant Street Accident

At approximately 10 pm on 11/3/2008, a vehicle operated by KAREN PENNELL 6 Maple Street S. Hadley MA was northbound on Pleasant St near the intersection of Barton. Vehicle travelled into the Southbound lane and struck a vehicle head –on operated by CHARLES MILLROY, 44 Crescent drive Ludlow MA.

Millroy received serious bodily injury and was transported to Baystate Medical Center. Pennell was also transported to Baystate Medical Center with minor injuries.

The Mass State Police re-construction team assisted Ptl. Gary Poehler, Ptl Jeff Reed and other Granby Officers at the accident scene.

Pennell has been charged with Operating Under the influence of alcohol- causing serious bodily injury, failure to stay within marked lanes and speeding.