North Reading Police Department

09/02/2026

**TRAINING ALERT**

The North Reading Police Drone Unit, along with partner agencies from the Northeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council (NEMLEC) will be conducting a training exercise in the area of Ipswich River Park on Wednesday September 2nd from 8 a.m. until approximately 3 p.m. During this time, area residents and park visitors may notice drones flying over the area as well as police vehicles from agencies outside of North Reading.

09/01/2026

September is Su***de Prevention Month.

This month is a reminder that we never really know what someone is carrying beneath the surface. A person can be struggling deeply and still show up, laugh, work, love, and tell you they are fine. So, check in. Stay a little longer. Ask the harder question. Listen without trying to immediately fix what someone is feeling. Let people know they do not have to have the right words, or have everything figured out, to deserve support.

Sometimes, one conversation can be the reason someone feels less alone. Simply knowing someone cares can help someone hold on.

If you or someone you know would like to connect to mental health or substance related resources, please reach out to Laura Miranda at [email protected] or 978-357-5038. You are not alone.

09/01/2026

**Traffic Detour today (9/1/26) Park @ Central Street**

Eastbound traffic on park street will be detoured onto chestnut street and out to Haverhill Street.

Central Street is shut down at Chestnut Street but access to IRP is allowed.

Southbound traffic on Central Street can’t turn east on Park street- they will have to continue south on central street or go west on park street.

08/26/2026

The Town of North Reading and its contractor, Sealcoating, Inc. (dba Indus), are beginning to complete the following work starting Thursday, August 27, 2026:

Lowering Structures within the roadway (2-3 days)
Cold in-Place Recycling of the roadway on North St from Lowell Rd to Moose Hill and Lowell Rd from Main St to the Wilmington Town Line (3-4 days)
Adjust structures to final grade (3-4 days)

Please note this work is weather dependent. Upon completion of the above schedule, D&R General Contracting will begin final paving of the roadway with a 1.5” surface course after the surface has cured. Estimated timeframe for final paving is mid-September.

Please be advised that no street parking is allowed during this work. All vehicles must be removed from the road for the duration of the work.

Work hours will vary from nights (9PM – 5AM) and days (7AM to 4PM) Sunday to Friday.

Residents should expect delays and full detours traveling on these streets and is suggested to find alternate routes during construction.

DPW, NRPD and the Contractor will work to get each resident in and out of their driveways as needed during construction. Emergency vehicles and school buses will be allowed passage and police officers will be present during work hours.

Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.

08/23/2026

Man Charged in Connection with Fatal Crash in North Reading: Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and North Reading Chief of Police Mark Zimmerman have confirmed that Matthew Sweeney, 21, of Paxton has been charged with felony motor vehicle homicide, operating under the influence and operating to endanger in connection with a fatal crash that occurred last night in North Reading.

https://nrpd.org/man-charged-in-connection-with-fatal-crash-in-north-reading/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=facebook

08/18/2026

Help keep our community safe! The North Reading Police Department is seeking Crossing Guards. The position pays $20 per hour. For more information, please visit:
https://northreadingma.gov/458/Job-Opportunities

08/18/2026

Todays (8/18/26) traffic plan due to the work being done at Park/Central is as follows:

Vehicles travelling westbound (towards Main St) will flow through the intersection of Park St & Central St as normal. They may turn left or right onto Central St.

Vehicles travelling eastbound (towards the center of town) will be detoured to Chestnut St past Moynihan Lumber to Haverhill St. Detour signs are in place on Chestnut St at New St and at Haverhill St. Central St at the intersection of Chestnut.

Vehicles traveling southbound on Central St from the Spruce Rd area will use the intersection of Park St & Central St as normal. They may travel straight towards IRP, turn left or right onto Park St.

Central St is closed except to local traffic and vehicles accessing IRP.

Ipswich River Park is open as normal.

08/17/2026

The North Reading Police Department is highlighting a recent arrest made by law enforcement partners based on information provided by North Reading Police.

Daniel Murphy, 50, of Merrimack, N.H., is charged with coercion and enticement of a minor in U.S. District Court as a result of an investigation launched as a result of information obtained by North Reading Police.

North Reading Police informed federal and New Hampshire law enforcement partners, and the subsequent joint investigation led to Murphy’s arrest.

For more information on the arrest and allegations, please review this press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/pr/new-hampshire-man-arrested-coercion-and-enticement-minor?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=facebook

“This arrest was the result of a lengthy and thorough investigation conducted by the North Reading Police Department in close collaboration with our New Hampshire and federal law enforcement partners. It reflects our shared commitment to protecting children and other vulnerable members of our communities,” said Chief Mark Zimmerman. “Throughout this investigation, law enforcement personnel worked together with diligence, skill and determination. Those who seek to exploit or harm children should know that these crimes will be thoroughly investigated, those responsible will be identified, and, when supported by the evidence, they will be brought before the courts to answer for their actions. The North Reading Police Department will continue to work collaboratively with all of our law enforcement partners and use every lawful investigative resource available to protect children and keep our communities safe.”

BOSTON – A New Hampshire man has been arrested and charged in connection with the coercion and enticement of a minor.

08/17/2026

North Reading Police Highlight Recent Arrest in Connection with Coercion and Enticement of a Minor: The North Reading Police Department is highlighting a recent arrest made by law enforcement partners based on information provided by North Reading Police.

https://nrpd.org/north-reading-police-highlight-recent-arrest-in-connection-with-coercion-and-enticement-of-a-minor/

08/17/2026

**Detour today (8/17/26) Park St @ Central St**

All eastbound traffic on Park St will be detoured to Chestnut St past Moynihan Lumber when you then take a left onto Central St, they will continue up Central St all the way up to the Park/ Central intersection and then be directed to turn right back onto Park St Eastbound.

All Westbound traffic on Park St will travel through the Park/Central intersection as normal.

Traffic coming southbound on Central St (from spruce area) will be directed to turn either right or left onto Park St, they will not be able to travel straight through the intersection towards IRP. IRP can be accessed from Chestnut St.