Four Suspects Arrested for Firearm and Drug Offenses
On May 1, just before 1 AM, the Topsfield Police Department located a suspicious motor vehicle idling in the driveway of English Commons off Boston Street. The motor vehicle was occupied by four (4) BENZ, Evan, LEIGH, Sierra, SYLVIA, Jasmir, and CARTER-HAWKINS, Daason. While speaking to BENZ, Evan, Officers observed narcotic contraband and an open container of alcohol in the cupholder which resulted in an exit order for all 4 occupants. Officers recovered a Palmetto 9mm handgun, Ammunition, High-Capacity Magazines, 28 grams of Fentanyl, and 8 grams of Psilocybin Mushrooms. All 4 suspects were placed into custody and were eventually transferred to Ipswich District Court pending arraignment for the following charges:
BENZ, Evan
1. Unlawful Possession of a Large Capacity Firearm
2. Unlawful Possession of a Large Capacity Feeding Device
3. Firearm Storage Improper
4. Drug Possession Class A
CARTER-HAWKINS, Daason
1. Trafficking Fentanyl
2. Unlawful Possession of ammunition without a Firearms Identification Card
SYLVIA, Jasmir
1. Drug Possession Class A
2. Drug Possession Class C
3. Unlawful Possession of ammunition without a Firearms Identification Card
LEIGH, Sierra
1. LEIGH, Sierra
Firearms Safety Course Sign Up
North Shore House Break Suspect in Custody
On Tuesday, February 21, 2023, CUPPERNELL, Eric of Haverhill was placed into custody by Massachusetts Parole Officers, the Topsfield Police Department, and the Lowell Police Department. CUPPERNELL had an active parole violation warrant and additional warrants from Topsfield and West Newbury Police Departments for Breaking and Entering in the Daytime and Vandalizing Property. The search of CUPPERNELL began when the West Newbury Police Department issued a press release with photographs from a residential break-in in West Newbury. CUPPERNELL was identified as the suspect as a result of the press release. The investigation led our criminal investigation division to Lowell, where CUPPERNELL was placed into custody.
The Topsfield Police Department would like to thank the Massachusetts Parole Officers, the Lowell Police Department, and the West Newbury Police Department for their assistance to identify and locate CUPPERNELL. CUPPERNELL will be arraigned in Ipswich District Court in Newburyport for the following charges:
Breaking and Entering in the Daytime
Vandalize Property
Detective Sergeant Gahagan and K9 Aster Receive Explosive Detection Certification
On November 3rd, 2022, Topsfield Detective Sergeant Brendan Gahagan and K9 Aster graduated from the Massachusetts State Police Explosive Ordinance Detection (EOD) school, an intensive 12-week program, where the K9 is trained in the detection of multiple explosive materials, firearms, and ammunition. Explosives detection K9s and their handlers bring value to any community as they can “sweep” large public events prior to and during high profile public gatherings such as sporting events, parades and festivals as well as investigate unattended and suspicious packages.
This was an extra special achievement for Sgt. Gahagan as he is following in the footsteps of his father, Trooper Eric Gahagan, of the Massachusetts State Police, who was specialized as an EOD Technician and K9 handler for seventeen (17) years before his retirement. The Topsfield Police Department is extremely pleased that it could be part of helping Sgt. Gahagan achieve this lifelong career goal and continue the family legacy.
This K9 program brings many benefits to the Topsfield Police Department, the Regional School District and Essex County as K9 Aster is now cross trained as both a Comfort and EOD K9. Over the last few weeks alone, the services of our new K9 team have been invaluable in changing the day in a positive way for the children within the Tri-Town. Congratulations to both Sgt. Gahagan and K9 Aster.
Topsfield Police Introduce First K9, K9 Aster
The Topsfield Police Department would like to introduce the first K9 in the history of the department, K9 Aster. Aster is a one-year-old female Labrador Retriever and will serve as the department's Comfort Dog. Aster will be a great asset to our department as well as the Topsfield community.
A huge thank you to New England Biolabs for their amazing donation to support K9 Aster's expenses.
We look forward to introducing Aster to the community. Be sure to follow her account on Instagram @K9_Aster for a closer look at her impact in the community.
#CommunityPolicing#comfortdog#communityresourcedog
Mountain Bike Patrol Unit
The Topsfield Police Department is excited to announce a new Mountain Bike Patrol Unit. Congratulations to Detective Slattery and Officer Levasseur for successfully completing 3 days of rigorous mountain bike training. The new Mountain Bike Patrol Unit will begin July 1st.
Good Morning Topsfield, Residents! As we approach the Spring and Summer months, we wanted to take a moment to remind everyone to please remember to practice safe driving habits. Throughout the next few months, we will be rolling out a comprehensive traffic plan designed to promote safe driving, enforce violations, and educate motorists on repercussions of poor driving habits. The goal of The Topsfield Police Traffic Division is to create a safe driving environment within our town through proactive traffic action and community involvement. The Traffic Division is compromised of Officer Joe Levasseur, Officer Chris Lippi, and Sergeant Eric Giordano.
We are proud to announce we will be implementing a number of new devices the department has received through federal grants. These devices include pole mounted radars, speed data collection devices, speed trailers and portable radar units.
As the warm weather approaches and school letting out, please remember to have a conversation with any young drivers in your homes about safe driving and the dangers of texting while driving.
Any questions, comments, concerns or complaints should be directed to traffic@topsfieldpolice.com
We look forward to hearing from you, and your continued support and participation.
Community Impact Unit
We are excited to announce the formalization of a Community Impact Unit, created to focus on community involvement and engagement. Please see the flyer with some of the many things we have to offer.
We look forward to your call!
Topsfield Police Arrest Three Suspects in Grandchild in Jail Scam
On Wednesday, December 1, 2021, Topsfield Police Officers intercepted a grandchild in jail scam that resulted in the arrests of CYNTHIA ARROYO, 41, of Framingham, WASCAR CASTILLO, 38, of Roxbury, and ALIXON ROA ROMERO, 34, of Roxbury.
Shortly after 1200PM, Topsfield Police Officers were made aware of a grandchild in jail scam, in which a victim was called by his “grandson in jail” who said he needed $7,000 cash for bail. Suspects told the victim to get $7,000 in cash for the bail and a courier would come by and pick up the cash in an envelope. ARROYO arrived and met the victim in his driveway. ARROYO took the envelope from the victim and left the scene in a vehicle. ARROYO was stopped by plain clothes and uniformed Topsfield Police Officers and was placed into custody after she attempted to escape. CASTILLO and ROMERO were in the vehicle and were also placed into custody. Officers conducted a search of the vehicle which resulted in the discovery of 80 grams of fentanyl and over $13,000 in cash.
ARROYO was charged with:
Fentanyl, Trafficking more than 10 grams
Assault with a Dangerous Weapon
Attempted Larceny from +60/disabled
Attempted Larceny by Single Scheme
Two counts of Conspiracy
CASTILLO was charged with:
Fentanyl, Trafficking more than 10 grams
Attempted Larceny from +60/disabled
Attempted Larceny by Single Scheme
Two counts of Conspiracy to commit Larceny
ROMERO was charged with:
Fentanyl, Trafficking more than 10 grams
Attempted Larceny from +60/disabled
Attempted Larceny by Single Scheme
Two counts of Conspiracy to commit Larceny
Opioid Prevention Campaign
The Topsfield Police Department is a partner of the Opioid Prevention Campaign, which is focused on sharing information and support to prevent opioid and other substance use by adolescents, particularly during the stress and uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic. Please visit the website to learn more and to help spread awareness.
Click here for weekly updates and videos for the opioid prevention campaign to help spread awareness.