Fatal crash; new Caribbean variety store: Top 5 stories in the Brockton area last week

Kathy Bossa, The Enterprise
·4 min read

BROCKTON − A 42-year-old city man died in a car crash after his car struck a utility pole at the intersection of Pleasant Street and Nye Avenue, the same spot where, 10 weeks prior, a pedestrian was killed in a multi-vehicle chain-reaction crash.

In East Bridgewater, the peewee football team won the division three Old Colony Youth Football League super bowl 52-12 versus Silver Lake at East Bridgewater Junior/Senior High School, and opening day was held at the East Coast Eagles' new training facility, 738 North Bedford St.

A 33-year-old former Taunton man who attempted to break into two homes, including one in Easton, before pulling a look alike pellet gun on police in an apparent attempt to commit "suicide by cop" was convicted of a litany of crimes last week and sentenced to serve up to a decade in prison.

In case you missed it, here are five stories from the past week throughout the Brockton area that resonated with our readers.

'You will be missed': Brockton man dies in fatal crash on Pleasant Street

A 42-year-old city man died in a car crash after his car struck a utility pole at the intersection of Pleasant Street and Nye Avenue, the same spot where, 10 weeks prior, a pedestrian was killed in a multi-vehicle chain-reaction crash. Florentino Ruidiaz, also known as "Junior" to his family, was the driver of the vehicle. At around 2:03 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 6, Brockton and State Police responded to reports of a motor vehicle crash in the vicinity of 262 Pleasant St., per a written statement from the Plymouth County district attorney's office.

'You will be missed':'You will be missed': Brockton man dies in crash on Pleasant Street

For the first time in 15 years, Oliver Ames girls soccer is bound for state-title game

Year-in and year-out, the Oliver Ames High girls soccer team has found itself battling the state’s best for postseason supremacy. However the last time it qualified for the championship game was 2007. Until now, that is. The top-seeded Tigers (16-3-1) escaped the state semifinals with a double-overtime, 1-0, win over No. 5 Grafton (16-1-2) Tuesday night to earn a date with No. 10 Silver Lake (11-3-8) in the Div. 2 state title game on Saturday.

Girls soccer bound for state-title:For the first time in 15 years, Oliver Ames girls soccer is bound for state-title game

Game photos:PHOTOS: MIAA Division 2 semifinal - Oliver Ames vs. Grafton high school girls soccer

Oliver Ames players celebrate at the conclusion of their double overtime division two state semi-final game versus Grafton at Mansfield High School on Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2022.
Oliver Ames players celebrate at the conclusion of their double overtime division two state semi-final game versus Grafton at Mansfield High School on Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2022.

Taunton man shot in apparent Easton 'suicide by cop' attempt sentenced in 'crime spree'

A 33-year-old former Taunton man who attempted to break into two homes before pulling a look alike pellet gun on police in an apparent attempt to commit "suicide by cop" was convicted of a litany of crimes last week and sentenced to serve up to a decade in prison, Bristol County District Attorney Thomas Quinn said. Serge Andre, 33, was convicted in Fall River Superior Court of assault and battery on a police officer with attempt to disarm, assault with a dangerous weapon, leaving the scene of an accident, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, and two counts of attempted breaking and entering, Quinn said in a written statement.

'Suicide by cop':Taunton man shot in apparent Easton 'suicide by cop' attempt sentenced in 'crime spree'

Dangerousness hearing set:Dangerousness hearing set for man charged in Easton police-involved shooting

New Caribbean variety store brings 'taste of home' to Brockton

Two siblings are on a mission to bring treasured childhood snacks and products to America.With just an idea and money to invest, their dreams of opening a Caribbean variety store in Brockton, C & J Mini Mart, came true. Cean Mowatt, 40, and her little brother Jaime Mowatt, 39, walked the beautiful beaches and rivers of Bluefields, Jamaica exploring ways to make money and living the simple island life as children. Cean realized a "big need" for a store like this in the city, and together the duo opened the mini-mart in September 2022.

'Taste of home':New Caribbean variety store brings 'taste of home' to Brockton

Photos inside market:A look inside Brockton's new Caribbean variety store

Going to bat at new baseball training center in East Bridgewater

Principal owner Mike Bruemmel was all smiles during opening day at East Coast Eagles new training facility located 738 North Bedford St. in East Bridgewater. The facility has batting cages and weightlifting equipment and offers lesson for baseball and softball players. Baseball and softball games can also be played inside.

New baseball training center:Going to bat at new baseball training center in East Bridgewater

From left, Gavin Gillpatrick and Jayden Murphy looks over new baseball bats before trying them out during opening day at East Coast Eagles' new training facility, 738 North Bedford St., East Bridgewater on Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2022.
From left, Gavin Gillpatrick and Jayden Murphy looks over new baseball bats before trying them out during opening day at East Coast Eagles' new training facility, 738 North Bedford St., East Bridgewater on Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2022.

Staff writer Kathy Bossa can be reached by email at kbossa@enterprisenews.com. Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Enterprise today. 

This article originally appeared on The Enterprise: Brockton-area top 5 stories: Fatal crash; new Caribbean variety store