Chief reports resolution on JFK fire investigation

Police Chief Ken Berkowitz reported a resolution in the joint Police/Fire Department investigation into the suspicious fires reported on the grounds of the Kennedy Elementary School on Sunday morning, September 25. Firefighters had initially responded to a dumpster fire around 8 a.m. and then were called back at 9 a.m. for a second fire behind the school near the playground.

Berkowitz said investigators were able to identify several Canton juveniles that were involved in lighting the dumpster on fire at the Kennedy School. After a lengthy investigation, Berkowitz said police are confident that they were “not trying to burn the school down, rather it was an ill-conceived plan to keep warm.”

“Although their actions and decisions were wrong, their intent was not malicious,” he said.

Berkowitz said the juveniles were summoned to juvenile court. “We are hopeful that this will be an educational experience for those involved, as well as an example for other students and parents on how things can go wrong in a hurry,” he said. “The CPD and the CFD will be requesting that involved students participate in a formal fire setters program, as well as make restitution for any damage.”

Heroin found during shoplifting arrest

Police were called to make a shoplifting arrest at the Marshalls department store at the Village Shoppes last week, and during a search of the suspect’s personal inventory, they found a small amount of heroin. The incident occurred on Tuesday, October 18, around 7:45 p.m. Steven DeGeorge, 52, of Norton, was charged with shoplifting by concealing merchandise, possession of burglarious tools, and possession of heroin …

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Posted by Mike Berger on Oct 28 2016. Filed under News, Police & Fire, Schools. Both comments and pings are currently closed.