Cop In Fatal Shooting Made $242K On Leave: Patch PM
It's Wednesday, Oct. 14. Here's what Patch has been covering in Middlesex County and across Massachusetts today.
Cop Pleads Not Guilty To Manslaughter Charge
A Reading police officer who shot and killed an unarmed man in 2018 has pleaded not guilty to a charge of manslaughter. Officer Erik Drauschke was indicted by a grand jury last month in the death of 43-year-old Alan Greenough.
Prosecutors say Drauschke did not wait for backup to arrive before opening the door of Greenough's car, shooting Greenough twice as he rushed out of the car with his hands in his sweatshirt pocket, yelling, "Shoot me, shoot me!"
The 14-year veteran of the Reading Police Department was placed on unpaid administrative leave after the indictment was handed down. He had been on paid leave since the February 2018 shooting, making about $242,000 over 2 1/2 years.
Elsewhere In Middlesex County
Middlesex DA Won't Criminalize Abortion If Roe V. Wade Overturned
Middlesex County District Attorney Marian Ryan is among five elected prosecutors in Massachusetts who have joined a nationwide pledge not to criminalize abortion. The pledge comes amid confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett, whose addition to the Court has Democrats concerned over the future of Roe v. Wade.
Contractor On Malden Construction Project Cited For Unfair Pay
A contractor awarded a public construction project by the Malden Housing Authority did not pay its employees fair wages, Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey said. Machados Construction Services Inc. was one of three construction companies cited a total of $636,796 for prevailing wage and records violations.
Employee Of Somerville Restaurant Tests Positive For COVID-19
An employee of a pizzeria and wine bar in Davis Square has tested positive for COVID-19. Posto Somerville will close Wednesday evening to be cleaned and sanitized, and every staff member will take a coronavirus test.
Melrose Orchestra Launches Fundraiser To Share Mental Health Victories
The world's only known classical music group created specifically for people with mental illnesses and those who support them is based right here in Massachusetts. The Me2 orchestra was founded in 2011 by conductor Ronald Braunstein and his wife Caroline Whiddon, a French horn player.
Burlington Big Dog Sculpture Named For Havoc, Retired Police Dog
Burlington's new Big Dog sculpture has been named Havoc, after the retired Burlington police dog, the Burlington Sculpture Park Committee announced Wednesday. Havoc was named through a community vote. Burlington resident Sean McDonald submitted the name, one of over 200 submissions.
Across Massachusetts
Eversource Buys Columbia Gas For $1.1 Billion
The sale of Columbia Gas is part of a federal settlement over the company's role in the 2018 Merrimack Valley gas explosions.
Gloucester Student Said Teacher Criticized Him For Supporting Trump
The middle school is now facilitating training for its staff after the teacher apologized to the 12-year-old boy.
RI Man That Led Police On Chase In Foxborough Pleads Guilty
Dong Lee, 50, admitted to robbing banks in Andover, Boston, Braintree, Avon and Brockton and being involved in a police chase in Foxborough.
Weymouth School Superintendent Leaving District
Superintendent Jennifer Curtis-Whipple spent her entire 25-year education career in the district, beginning as a kindergarten teacher.
Worcester Shuts Down Reservoir Amid Drought
Even after nearly 2-1/2 inches of rain on Tuesday, Worcester remains in a stage 1 drought.
This article originally appeared on the Reading Patch
