Cohasset Police Charge Man with Third OUI Following Crash

jgprstaff Press Releases

Chief William Quigley reports that the Cohasset Police Department charged a man with his third OUI following a motor vehicle accident that took place Thursday on Chief Justice Cushing Highway.

ROBERT REILLY, AGE 51, of MARSHFIELD was charged with:

  • Operating Under the Influence of Liquor (Third Offense)
  • Negligent Operation of a Motor Vehicle
  • State Highway Traffic Violation (Following Too Closely)

At approximately 3:50 p.m. on Thursday, April 7, Cohasset Police responded to the area of 739 Chief Justice Cushing Highway for a report of a motor vehicle crash. Upon arrival, Cohasset Police observed a red 2021 Ram 1500 with rear-end damage and a black 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLS550 with heavy front-end damage. Neither driver reported injuries as a result of the crash.

A subsequent investigation revealed that a vehicle traveling in front of the Ram 1500 had stopped abruptly, resulting in the driver of the Mercedes-Benz CLS550 traveling behind the Ram 1500, later identified as REILLY, to brake quickly as well. While attempting to brake, REILLY could not stop in time and allegedly rear-ended the Ram 1500.

Officers on scene noticed that REILLY allegedly had slurred speech and a strong odor of alcohol coming from him. REILLY subsequently submitted to and ultimately failed multiple field sobriety tests

REILLY was taken into custody at the scene. He is expected to be arraigned today in Quincy District Court.

These are allegations. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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Town of Cohasset Shares Important Safety Tips and Information Ahead of This Weekend’s Expected Winter Storm

jgprstaff Community Alerts, News, Press Releases

COHASSET — Town Manager Christopher Senior, Police Chief William Quigley, and Fire Chief Robert Silvia would like to share the following safety precautions ahead of this weekend’s expected storm.

At this time, the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Blizzard Warning for Norfolk County, including the Town of Cohasset, for Saturday, Jan. 29. Snow accumulations of as many as 24-30 inches or more are possible, with wind gusts potentially approaching 60 miles per hour.

Travel conditions are expected to be very difficult to impossible, and strong winds could cause tree and property damage. Strong winds may also lead to power outages.

Visit weather.gov to see the forecast for the region as the storm approaches. Residents are reminded that the forecast can change quickly and at any point, and they should monitor the local forecast throughout the coming days.

The Town of Cohasset wishes to share with residents the following winter weather safety tips and other important information:

For Town Residents

  • As of Friday, Jan. 28, Select Board Chair Keri Thompson has declared a snow emergency in town. All on-street parking is prohibited.
  • The Cohasset Public Library and Recreation Department will be closed Saturday and Sunday. The Recycling Transfer Facility (RTF) will be closed Saturday so that DPW workers can assist in snow removal efforts.
  • In the event of a large-scale power failure, the Town is prepared to open a warming and charging center at Willcutt Commons on Sohier Street.
  • Residents are encouraged to download the National Grid mobile app from the app store to receive information on outages and restoration times.
  • Residents are urged to monitor the official Town of Cohasset social media pages and the Town website for situational updates.
  • The Regional COVID test clinic located at 335 Lincoln St. in Hingham will be closed on Saturday. The vendor will be contacting those who had appointments for that day. 
  • Residents are reminded to call 911 in the case of an emergency or if they require immediate assistance.

Safety Reminders

The Town would like to provide residents with the following safety information and tips relating to winter storms:

Before a Winter Storm

  • Check your emergency kit and replenish any items missing or in short supply, especially medications and medical supplies. Keep it nearby.
  • Be sure you have ample heating fuel. If you have alternative heating sources, such as fireplaces, wood- or coal-burning stoves, or space heaters, be sure they are clean and in working order.
  • Review generator safety: Never run a generator in an enclosed space.
  • Make sure your carbon monoxide detector is working correctly and that the outside vent is clear of leaves and debris. During or after the storm, make sure it is cleared of snow.

During a Winter Storm

  • Stay indoors and wear warm clothes. Layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing will keep you warmer than a bulky sweater. If you feel too warm, remove layers to avoid sweating; if you feel chilled, add layers.
  • Bring your companion animals inside before the storm begins. Move other animals to sheltered areas with a supply of non-frozen water. Most animal deaths in winter storms are caused by dehydration.
  • Check on relatives, neighbors, and friends, particularly if they are elderly or if they live alone.
  • The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has the following tips on food and water safety during power outages and floods.

After a Winter Storm

  • Stay informed and pay attention to the information provided by local authorities.
  • Avoid driving and other travel until conditions have improved. Black ice is patchy ice on roadways that cannot easily be seen. Even if roadways have been cleared of snow following a storm, any water left on the roadways may freeze, resulting in a clear sheet of ice, also known as black ice.
  • Residents are also asked to assist firefighters by clearing snow away from fire hydrants during and after the storm. Snow should be cleared 3-5 feet all around the hydrant so firefighters have enough room to connect a hose. 

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Cohasset Police Department to Seek Summons for Homeowner Under Social Host Law

Tom Zuppa News, Press Releases

Police Chief William Quigley reports the Cohasset Police Department will seek a summons for a local woman following a party in her home where underage drinking occurred.

A 55-YEAR-OLD WOMAN, FROM COHASSET, will be charged with:

  • Furnishing Alcohol to Persons Under 21
  • Keeping a Noisy and Disorderly House

Cohasset Police received a report at about 12:30 a.m. Sunday of a fight involving a number of people in the area of Atlantic Avenue. Upon initial investigation of the fight report, Cohasset Police Officers learned that a large party was being held at a home on Sheldon Road where alcohol was present.

During a subsequent investigation, Cohasset Police received information that the homeowner was aware of the party and that alcohol was present, and that attendees were under the legal drinking age.

State law makes it illegal for adults to furnish alcohol by serving it to those under the age of 21, or by permitting minors to consume alcohol on any property under the adult’s control. The law was passed following a 1996 incident in which a Marshfield teen drank at a Cohasset graduation party, then died in a car crash after leaving the party.

“Homeowners and parents have a duty to ensure that all minors in their care are safe. Any party where minors and alcohol are present has the potential for dangerous and tragic consequences,” Chief Quigley said. “The social host law is designed to hold those who provide alcohol to minors accountable.”

The investigation is active and ongoing.

The homeowner will summonsed to Quincy District Court at a later date.

These are allegations. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Cohasset Police Department Investigating Following String of Overnight U.S. Mail Package Thefts

jgprstaff Press Releases

COHASSET — Police Chief William Quigley reports that Cohasset Police officers and detectives are working this morning collecting hundreds of letters, postcards and packages that were removed unlawfully from mailboxes and front porches overnight.

Mail and packages are being found in the roadways and in yards throughout town. Police believe that a suspect or suspects committed these crimes on Jerusalem Road between Hull Street and Forest Avenue, and again on Forest Avenue and on all side streets off of Forest Avenue overnight Nov. 25 into Nov. 26.

There are more than 40 victims who have been identified by police so far. Police have notified the U.S. Postal Service. The United States Postal Inspection Service is actively working with Cohasset police to both identify the perpetrator(s) and return mail and packages to the intended recipients.

Chief Quigley is asking residents who find stray mail or packages to please return them to the Cohasset Police station at 62 Elm St. An officer has been detailed to the station to collect these items and log them. Chief Quigley further encourages residents who are expecting important mail and packages to contact the sender or track the package using online tools that are provided by delivery companies.

Cohasset Police wish to share the following tips from the National Neighborhood Watch to further help prevent package theft:

  • Consider getting a P.O. box at your local post office or having packages delivered to your office
  • Set up notifications to track your packages
  • Install a security camera in the area(s) outside your home where packages may be delivered
  • Require a signature upon delivery to ensure packages never are left unattended
  • Reschedule delivery or ask for a package hold when on vacation
  • Research potential home security technology and locking device options to protect and monitor packages
  • Ask your neighbors to grab your packages for safekeeping until you return home
  • If you find your package has been stolen, immediately report it to police
  • Sign up for the USPS “Informed Delivery” service, where you can get a daily email with a picture/scan of the mail you will receive that day. To sign up, click here.

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*VIDEO* Cohasset Police Department, Safe Harbor Cohasset Share Summer Safety Tips for Residents and Visitors

jgprstaff Press Releases

COHASSET — Police Chief William Quigley and Safe Harbor Cohasset Coalition Program Director Nicole Balaschi are pleased to share that the CPD and Safe Harbor Cohasset have produced a video highlighting ways residents and visitors can stay safe this summer.

“We know this is going to be a great summer and we’re excited to work with the Police Department to keep everyone safe,” Director Balaschi said.

In addition to Chief Quigley and Director Balaschi, the video features Cohasset Police officers Mark Jenkins and Brendan Skerry, as well as School Resource Officer Gregory Taylor. Each offers important safety tips for people to keep in mind, including:

Water Safety

  • Before heading out, make sure to check the weather forecast and let someone know where you’re going and when you’ll be back.
  • Keep your life jacket on; You don’t want to scramble to find one if something bad happens.
  • Don’t drink and boat. Boating under the influence is not just a serious offense, it’s also extremely dangerous. Pick someone to be the designated operator for your trip.

Bridge Safety

  • Jumping off the Border Street Bridge (Mill Bridge) — or any other bridge — is illegal and dangerous. You don’t know what’s under the water, how deep it is or how fast it’s moving.

Other Tips

  • Don’t forget, you need a parking permit for Sandy Beach, Wadleigh Park, Government Island and Parker Avenue. Do not block sidewalks, hydrants or driveways.
  • If you’re riding your bike, always wear your helmet. There are bike racks around town to park your bike. Do not leave bikes in the street or blocking sidewalks.

“Keeping everyone who comes to Cohasset safe is our top priority, and we’re looking forward to a busy and fun summer,” Chief Quigley said.

To learn more about Safe Harbor Cohasset, click here. 

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