BURLINGTON – Deputy Chief Bob Kirchner reports that the Burlington Police Department responded to a report Monday of a potentially armed man seen running through a yard in the area of the Mill Pond Reservoir.
At approximately 1:15 p.m., Burlington Police were notified by Woburn Police that a Woburn resident reported seeing a suspicious male who possibly had a firearm running through a back yard in the area of the reservoir and the Burlington town line.
Burlington Police responded to the area immediately and began a search with law enforcement partners from Woburn and the Northeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council.
Out of an abundance of caution, Burlington Police also sent officers to the Marshall Simonds Middle School and Memorial Elementary School, and had officers follow school bus routes through the area while the search was ongoing.
“We took extra precautions and sent officers to two nearby schools due to the time of day when this occurred, but at no time was the safety of students or staff in those schools believed to be at risk,” said Deputy Chief Bob Kirchner.
While Burlington Police and their mutual aid partners continued to search for the individual, Burlington Police also learned of an alleged theft that occurred in the same area.
In that incident, an individual from out of town met with two men he communicated with via Facebook regarding the possible sale of a dirt bike. One of the potential buyers said he wanted to take the dirt bike for a test drive, but never returned, and the other individual also fled.
The description of one of the men involved in the dirt bike theft was similar to the description of the man seen running through a yard. There was no assault, no threats of violence and no firearms known to be involved in the dirt bike theft.
Burlington Police continue to actively investigate both incidents with mutual aid partners from Woburn and Wilmington. The ongoing investigation has determined the suspects have left the area.
An investigation into whether the two incidents were connected remains ongoing.
Burlington Police would like to recommend all residents take safety precautions anytime they attempt to sell items online.
- If you’re selling, don’t photograph the item with your house easily identifiable in the photo, especially if you’re selling high-value items.
- Never meet someone alone – bring a friend with you.
- Tell a friend or family member where you are going.
- Take your cell phone with you.
- Always arrange to meet in a well-lit public place. The police station lobby is a public area and the public is welcome to make the transaction there.
- Avoid having strangers come to your house, and avoiding going to a stranger’s house.
- Be suspicious if the buyer/seller refuses to meet at a public place or changes the agreed-upon meeting place.
- Don’t accept personal checks or money orders.
- Trust your instincts – If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.