Sean Jackman, a resident of Howland Street in Stoughton, was charged with motor vehicle homicide, OUI liquor, negligent speeding, and marked lanes violation.

The accident occurred near the intersection of Bolivar Street and Waterfall Drive, just past the railroad bridge on Friday, May 10, at 11:51 p.m. Bard, a student at Curry College, was pronounced dead at the scene. Jackman was extricated by firefighters using the Jaws of Life and was transported to Boston Medical Center by ambulance for head injuries.

Once released from the hospital, he will be held on $500,000 bail pending a probable cause hearing on June 10.

Deputy Police Chief Helena Findlen said Jackman would be prosecuted by the Suffolk County district attorney’s office instead of the Norfolk County office to avoid a potential conflict of interest. Jackman had interned in the Norfolk County DA’s office and a family member had previously worked for the department.

Jackman was driving westbound on Bolivar Street when the vehicle, a Toyota Corolla, struck a wall and a tree. Bard, a junior at Curry College, was riding in the front passenger seat. Flowers and memorial wishes were left at the scene in the days following the accident. A speed-limit sign of 20 miles per hour was posted yards away from the scene of the accident.

Bard, a junior nursing major, was also a cheerleader at Curry College. Both Jackman and Bard had attended a wedding of a friend earlier that Friday night.

According to a statement released by Curry College over the weekend, “The Curry College community is deeply saddened by the loss of our student Evan Bard. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Evan’s family and friends; our hearts are with them at this difficult time. As we grieve as a community for Evan and struggle to comprehend the loss of such a young life, the college is continuing to provide support services to our students, faculty and staff.”

Firefighters rescue 2 men from capsized canoe

Canton firefighters rescued two men from a capsized canoe on Reservoir Pond on Saturday, May 11, around 7:45 p.m. One man was taken to an area hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening conditions and the other refused medical treatment. Fire Lt. Brian Marshall said the Fire Department used two boats each from stations 1 and 2. Ten firefighters responded and cleared the scene within an hour.

Police probe attempted burglary on Farm St.

An alleged intruder forced open a door at a Farm Street residence on Sunday, May 12, around 10 p.m., but fled after realizing the homeowners were upstairs asleep. Deputy Police Chief Helena Findlen said the residents went downstairs after hearing the noise and found the door forced open and damaged. Findlen said nothing was taken and no one, including the neighbors, saw anyone fleeing from the home or any suspicious vehicles. Detectives are checking for any prints left at the scene.

Separate crashes force Pleasant St. detours

Two separate motor vehicle accidents on Pleasant Street forced police to detour traffic for portions of the day on Saturday and Sunday while utility crews replaced utility poles. On Saturday morning at 3:30 a.m., firefighters and police officers responded to a single-car accident at 953 Pleasant Street. Fire Lt. Brian Marshall said there were no injuries to the three occupants inside the vehicle. The pole was broken and traffic was detoured for most of Saturday around Will Drive.

The second accident occurred shortly after 9 p.m. on Sunday around 1200 Pleasant Street. One passenger was transported to Boston Medical Center for treatment. Marshall said the utility pole was broken and wires were left hanging. Detours and repairs were conducted Sunday night into Monday morning. Deputy Police Chief Helena Findlen said operator error appeared to be the cause of the accidents.

The Canton Fire Department responded to a transformer fire on Washington Street near Wildewood Drive on Sunday night, May 5, around 10 p.m. The primary electrical wire was on the ground. Engine 6 secured the scene until the power company repaired the line. (Tim O’Connor photo)

Dry weather causes brush fires

The recent stretch of very dry days last week caused three brushfires to sprout up in Canton — including one that caused damage to a shed on Concord Avenue on Wednesday, May 1. Firefighters were able to quickly extinguish the shed fire, which caused damage to the exterior of the structure, according to Fire Lt. Brian Marshall. Firefighters were also called to extinguish brush fires in the woods behind Morton Street on Friday evening and behind Shawmut Road (near the railroad tracks) on Saturday night.

Veteran firefighter Rodney Cleveland to retire

The firefighters’ union will host a retirement party for Lt. Rodney Cleveland, who will retire from the Canton Fire Department on June 30 after 33 years of service. The event is scheduled for May 31 at 7 p.m. at the American Legion Hall. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at fire headquarters on Revere Street.

Canton Rotary Club to honor former Chief Fitzpatrick

The Canton Rotary Club will honor former Fire Chief Jim Fitzpatrick with the “Service Above Self” Award June 11 at the Blue Hill Country Club. The award is part of the club’s 75^th anniversary celebration and recognizes Fitzpatrick’s “tireless efforts” over many years of service to the community, including his 34 years with the Fire Department. He currently serves as a member of the Conservation Commission, Council on Aging, and Canton Historical Society.

CFD to host EMT classes

Beginning May 21, the Fire Department will host EMT classes that run through August. The course will be taught by Ann Healey of Norwood Hospital, and a discount will be offered to Canton residents. Upon completion of the course, students will be eligible to take the state EMT exam and become certified. The cost of the course and materials is $600. For more information, contact Chief Doody at 781-575-6654.

Legislature approves over $1.15M in road funding for Canton

Senator Brian A. Joyce joined his colleagues in the Senate to pass a $300 million Chapter 90 bill that provides funding directly to local municipalities for infrastructure repairs and improvements. For Canton, the $1,158,755 represents an additional $386,252 over the previous year.

“This investment in state road, bridge, and rail transportation projects is important for our continued commercial vitality, and the Chapter 90 funds will provide for much needed infrastructure repairs throughout the district,” said Joyce. “These funds will go directly to the repair and maintenance of the streets and bridges we drive on every day.”

The bill already passed the House and will now head to the governor for his signature.

The town of Canton is part of a law enforcement continuum called the Metropolitan Law Enforcement Council. It is made up of 50 towns that surround Boston. Currently I am the first vice president and I am also the chief of their Tactical Motorcycle Division.

Canton Police Chief Ken Berkowitz (center) with CPD Officer Brian Wanless (right) and Stoughton Police Officer Brian Smith

We were activated within a half hour of the bombing. I reported to Boston Police Headquarters where I helped to coordinate and plan the response of 100 specially trained local police officers. We were immediately deployed to every major hotel and hospital to protect against any further attacks. Throughout the week we continued this assignment 24 hours a day. We worked 12-hour shifts on with 12 hours off. We also conducted high visibility patrols of the downtown area, ending Saturday afternoon at Fenway Park.

* Canton motorcycle officers Donald Wolffe, Brian Wanless, Glen Piro, Mike Lank and Glen Nix took part in these patrols. Officers Wolffe, Wanless and I helped with the escort and security for the president and first lady and also responded to Watertown to help set up a perimeter and search for the suspect.

* SWAT Officer Scott Brown responded initially and all week in Boston and was also involved in the Watertown search.

* Canton Police K9 Bosco was involved daily with Officer Brown in Boston and assisted with the search in Watertown.

* Detective Paul Gallagher helped with interviews through the DEA Task Force.

* Deputy Chief Helena Findlen and Lt. Tom Keleher relieved me in the Tactical Operation Center in Boston. Lt. Patty Sherrill was on her way into Boston just after the Watertown shootout but was reassigned to oversee the daily operations of the Canton Police Department while I responded to Watertown.

* Every Canton police officer volunteered to do whatever was necessary, either at home or in Boston. The entire Canton Police Department was involved as we continued our mission to protect the town of Canton and help with the search for the suspects.

The resident, about to enter her driveway, saw the man on her porch and went to a neighbor’s house to call police. Police responded and arrested James Verdone Jr., 36, with breaking and entering in the daytime for felony, putting a person in fear, and malicious destruction of property over $250.

Lt. Patty Sherrill said the suspect first approached the homeowner and asked if she lived there, to which she replied “no” and drove away. Sherrill said the suspect had left his bike in the driveway and entered the home through a broken window in the basement. Sherrill said nothing appeared to have been taken from the home. She said the homeowner “did the smart thing — left the area and called police.”

Suspicious bag at Rocky’s Hardware found to be harmless

Canton Police are asking residents to use extra caution when loading and unloading items from their car so as not to leave any suspicious-looking bags or packages behind in light of the events that occurred in Boston on Marathon Monday.

Such an incident occurred on Friday afternoon, April 19, at Rocky’s Ace Hardware on Washington Street, where police received calls for a suspicious duffle bag left on top of mulch bags outside the store.

Police and fire officials responded to the scene and ultimately decided to call the State Police Bomb Squad and evacuate the plaza. Because of the busy activity in Boston and Watertown, Fire Lt. Brian Marshall said a unit from the Navy explosive ordnance team came in and determined that the bag was harmless.

Lt. Patty Sherrill said the owner of the duffle bag later called police and said he had inadvertently left it behind while loading the mulch in the car.

Canton man arrested on drug charges

A major narcotics investigation lasting several months and involving multiple law enforcement agencies, including Canton Police, resulted in the arrest of a Canton man last Tuesday, April 16. Jonathan Lindor, 25, of 80 Walnut Street, Apt. 109, was stopped on Dedham Street and charged with possession of a class B substance (pills) and possession of a class D substance (marijuana) with intent to distribute. He was held pending his arraignment.

CPD awarded underage alcohol enforcement grant

The Canton Police Department has been awarded a $2,500 state grant to help with the enforcement of underage alcohol regulations. Police Lt. Patty Sherrill said the grant will be used in enforcement efforts this spring and summer as the department steps up “zero tolerance of underage alcohol procurement.”

The fires did not need involvement from the Fire Department but apparently were set, according to Findlen. The first fire was in a trash barrel and the second fire involved an item on the front porch that was lit but burned out. “We are zeroing in on a suspect,” said Findlen. “There was no substantial damage, but these were intentional acts.”

Firefighters assist in Sharon garage cleanup

The Canton Fire Department responded to a mutual aid call for a garage fire at a Sharon residence on Tuesday, April 9, around 6 p.m. The department sent four firefighters to the scene and they assisted in overhaul operations.

Registration continues for Citizens Fire Academy

Spots are still open for the Canton Fire Department’s Citizens Academy starting Wednesday, May 1, and continuing for four weeks from 7-9 p.m. at CFD headquarters on Revere Street. The last class will be held on Saturday, May 25, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The course is free and covers all Fire Department operations. For more information, call Lt. Brian Marshall at 781-575-6654, ext. 114.

Carlos Santiago (CPD photo)

Carlos Omar Santiago was arrested without incident at his Manor Drive residence within hours of the alleged robbery, which occurred around midnight on Friday.

Canton Deputy Police Chief Helena Findlen said in a news release that the suspect had a gun and demanded money from the store clerk. The clerk, according to the release, attempted to explain that he had no access to the money when the suspect “came around the counter and again confronted him with the gun demanding the money.” A struggle then ensued and the clerk was able to chase the suspect out of the store. No monies or other items were taken.

The clerk, who sustained a minor injury during the struggle and was “visibly shaken” when officers arrived, described the suspect as a “light skin or white male” who was wearing a “red shirt, shorts, dark-colored baseball cap and a mask.”

The ensuing investigation and critical leads from witnesses and the store video surveillance system led officers to Santiago, who was arrested and charged with assault to rob – armed, assault and battery, and attempt to commit a crime.

Santiago was due to be arraigned in Stoughton District Court on Friday, March 29.

Firefighters extinguish trash container fire

Firefighters were called to put out a trash container fire at the Dunkin Donuts on Washington Street near the Blue Hills area on March 27 around 9 a.m. The fire was extinguished in 30 minutes, and damage was contained to the trash compartment area. Fire Lt. Brian Marshall said the cause of the fire is unknown.

Fire Dept. to hold Citizens Fire Academy

The Canton Fire Department will offer a Citizens Fire Academy beginning Wednesday evening, May 1, and continuing for four additional sessions: May 8, 15, 22, and Saturday, May 25. The Wednesday classes will be held from 7-9 p.m. and the Saturday, May 25, session will run from 9-11 a.m. The free classes will be held at the Fire Department headquarters on Revere Street.

Topics include fire operations, equipment, EMS and CPR, home safety, hazmat operations, and arson investigation. For information, call Lt. Brian Marshall at 781-575-6654, ext. 14.

Safety fair planned for May 31

The Police and Fire departments will be coordinating efforts with the Board of Health on a Safety Day at Pequitside Farm on Friday, May 31, beginning at 5 p.m.

Fire Lt. Brian Marshall said the Fire Department will utilize its safety trailer, which has sample kitchen and bedroom layouts to demonstrate home hazard situations.

Hazmat units respond to vapor leak at water treatment plant

Town Administrator Bill Friel said all safety protocols worked when traces of ammonia vapor from a 110-pound container escaped from the water treatment plant on Pecunit Street on Tuesday, March 19, around 11 a.m. The leak triggered an alarm system, and the Fire Department’s hazmat unit responded along with a state hazmat unit. Friel said no injuries were reported and there was no risk to the water. Firefighters vented the entire plant, and all responders left the scene by 12:30 p.m.

CFD to hold sports injury clinic

The Canton Fire Department, in conjunction with Brockton Hospital, will host a sports injury clinic on Thursday, April 4, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. in the community room of the Canton Public Library. All youth coaches and parents are urged to attend. Dr. Dan Muse and Dr. Ken Lawson will present information on concussions and sports-related muscle and bone injuries, as well as CPR and AED defibrillator training. The clinic is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Fire Chief Charlie Doody at 781-575-6654.

Selectmen OK funds to aid Eagle Scout project

Selectmen voted at its March 19 meeting to spend up to $1,500 from the Stoughton Mitigation Fund in support of an Eagle Scout who plans to upgrade the pump control house located at the Reservoir Pond dam on Pleasant Street. Christopher D’Amico of Old Coach Road and 10 Boy Scouts will be renovating the house the weekend of May 11 and perhaps an additional weekend depending on the weather. D’Amico said the project took on new value to him now that the dam repairs are complete and now that the dam is under full control of the town. D’Amico said the house, which is located where canoes are launched on the pond, has been vandalized and damaged from Hurricane Sandy. D’Amico will make improvements to the roof and siding along with other aesthetic upgrades. Selectmen were enthusiastic in their support of the project.

Police have not disclosed the identity or age of the victim, who was released from Boston Medical Center late last week after treatment for non-life-threatening injuries. The assailant used a .45 caliber semiautomatic gun, and while the victim lost a lot of blood, the bullet only grazed his neck and did not cause any further serious injuries.

At 2:11 a.m. police received a 911 call from a woman on Chapman Street indicating that someone had come to her front door and shot her boyfriend in the neck with a firearm. The woman and her two children, who were also home at the time of the shooting, were not injured.

Police and firefighters first called EMTs and then called for a Medflight helicopter, which landed in the parking lot of the Canton Junction train station around 3 a.m. and transported the victim to Boston Medical Center.

Police secured the scene and detectives continue to investigate and are following up on all leads.

“The case is still fluid,” Police Chief Ken Berkowitz said, “and therefore we are not releasing any possible descriptions of suspects or definitive motives for this crime. Initial information obtained, however, does highlight the fact that this was not a random attack.”

This was the first shooting in the town of Canton since December 2005, according to Berkowitz.

Motor vehicle accident knocks down utility poles

A Middleboro man is facing OUI and motor vehicle charges following a single-car accident that knocked down two telephone poles at the intersection of Pleasant Street and Pleasant Circle just before 10 p.m. on Saturday, March 2. Police and fire officials said the driver and two passengers in the vehicle did not need medical treatment at the scene. Police arrested Dylan A. Storch, 26, and charged him with OUI liquor, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, and marked lanes violation.

Canton Police Association telephone fundraiser underway

The Canton Police Association’s telephone fundraising drive is underway and will continue until March 8. TCI America is conducting the drive and is the same organization used by the Canton Firefighters Association. Police Association President Officer Scott Connor said they decided to use the telephone rather than the mail because of escalating postal costs. Connor said this is an annual drive that benefits various local groups, including the Mass. Hospital School, Canton Food Pantry, and local youth sports teams, as well as groups such as the American Heart Association and American Cancer Society. Connor said 90 percent of the dispursements are made to Canton organizations. Anyone with any questions is welcome to call Officer Connor at 781-821-5090, ext. 507.