Blackstone Police Charge Teen for Shooting and Killing Cat with Arrow

August 4, 2019 by John Guilfoil

BLACKSTONE — Acting Chief Gregory Gilmore reports that the Blackstone Police Department is charging a juvenile for allegedly shooting and killing a cat with an arrow.

A 17-YEAR-OLD MALE, OF BLACKSTONE, is charged with:

Kill/Maim/Poison an Animal (Felony)
Damaging Personal Property (Felony)
Discharging a Firearm within 500 Feet of a Dwelling (Misdemeanor)
Discharging a Firearm Near a Highway (Misdemeanor)

He will be summonsed to Milford Juvenile Court at a later date.

On Aug. 1, Blackstone Police learned that a cat had been shot by an arrow on Old Mendon Street. It later died due to its injuries.

To help identify the suspect, Blackstone Police partnered with an individual, who wishes to remain anonymous, to provide a $500 cash reward to anyone who could help police identify and apprehend the person responsible.

At about 10 a.m. today, after receiving several tips from residents, Blackstone Police executed a search warrant at the 17-YEAR-OLD MALE’S home, which is located not far from where the incident occurred. Police discovered a bow and several arrows matching the one that killed the cat.

“I want to commend Blackstone Police and the Blackstone Valley Drug & Anti Crime Task Force for their dedication to this case,” Chief Gilmore said. “Through the public’s assistance, we were able to identify, locate and bring this individual to justice.”

###

Blackstone Police Department Reminds Residents That Fireworks Are Illegal Statewide

As the Fourth of July holiday approaches quickly, we would like to remind residents that the recreational use of fireworks is illegal in Massachusetts.

According to the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services, there have been more than 550 fires and explosions involving illegal fireworks in Massachusetts in the past five years. Six firefighters were injured in these incidents, and damages were estimated at nearly $1 million.

Between 2019 and 2023, Massachusetts medical facilities treated more than 200 people for burns and other injuries associated with fireworks. Two dozen people were treated for severe burn injuries that covered 5% or more of the victim’s body.

The possession, use and sale of fireworks without a professional license is against the law in Massachusetts and punishable by confiscation, fine or imprisonment. Fines range from $100 to $1,000, and some violations could carry a one-year prison sentence.

Please leave fireworks to the professionals!

Blackstone Police Department Shares Safety Tips for National Water Safety Month

May is National Water Safety Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about boating and swimming safety. According to the American Red Cross, about 4,000 people die from unintentional drowning each year, which is an average of 11 deaths per day. During 2023, the American Coast Guard reported 3,844 boating accidents that resulted in 564 deaths and 2,126 […]

Blackstone Police Department Commemorates National Police Week

National Police Week, which occurs this year between May 11 and 17, honors law enforcement officers who have given their lives in the line of duty. It is a time to recognize and pay homage to the sacrifices made to keep communities safe and an opportunity to support the colleagues and families of officers who have given their lives.

The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund reported that since the first recorded police death in 1786, there have been over 24,000 police officers killed in the line of duty. With over 800,000 law enforcement officers currently serving in the United States, there are plenty of people to thank for protecting our communities.

During this week, please extend your appreciation to local police officers by thanking them for their duty, or show gratitude to those who lost their lives in service by attending a local memorial service.

In partnership with our community, the Blackstone Police Department strives to provide the highest quality of protection, safety and well being for all of our residents, businesses and visitors. In furtherance of this goal, our Department implements a proactive approach in the prevention, detection and investigation of criminal activity. The most vital tool available to us is the assistance, involvement and interaction of the citizens we have pledged to serve. It is our hope that this webpage may serve as a bridge between the community and the police department, allowing a free exchange of information, ideas, and feedback, in order to create safer neighborhoods and foster public trust in our department.

Latest News