Southbridge Police Department

06/15/2026

Congratulations to Sgt. Ryan Roettger!
Please join us in congratulating Sgt. Ryan Roettger on being honored with the 2026 Excellence in Case Management/Public Service Award from SCENSOB.

This prestigious recognition reflects Sgt. Roettger’s unwavering dedication to public service, his commitment to building stronger community relationships, and his tireless efforts to improve interactions between law enforcement and individuals with autism.

For the past 13 years, Sgt. Roettger has served as an instructor with the Autism & Law Enforcement Education Coalition (ALEC), educating law enforcement officers across the United States on how to recognize, understand, and appropriately respond to calls involving autistic individuals. His work has helped countless officers develop the knowledge and skills necessary to ensure safer, more effective, and more compassionate interactions.

Sgt. Roettger’s passion for education, advocacy, and service has made a lasting impact not only within the law enforcement profession but also within the autism community and the families it serves.

We are honored and proud to have Sgt. Roettger as one of our very own police officers. His dedication, leadership, and commitment to making a difference embody the very best of our profession and our community.
Congratulations, Sgt. Roettger, on this well-deserved achievement and thank you for your outstanding service!

SCENSOB Staffing & Consulting
Human Services Leadership Awards 2026

06/12/2026

Apply by 6/15/26

Get career opportunity! - Come Join Our team!!! Per Diem & Full Time Position Available.

06/11/2026

Found dog, looking for owner - call police station with info.

Found on Mechanic and Worcester St area this morning.

06/10/2026

We would like to inform our community that we will be implementing a Flock Safety camera system in the near future.

We believe in being transparent with our residents and we want to be clear that there are no secrets surrounding this project. Due to inaccurate information recently being circulated on social media, the purpose of this post is to provide facts and answer questions before the system becomes operational.

The first year of the program is being provided at no cost to taxpayers. Funding for this trial period has been made possible through generous donations from a local business organization and a local bank.

These donations were publicly presented and discussed during two meetings of the Protection of Persons and Property (PPP) held on 09/30/25 and 10/28/25. They were again discussed at Town Council meetings on 10/06/25 & 11/03/25.

During the PPP meetings, it was clearly stated that the donated funds would be used to support the implementation of a camera system. We also advised the public that the topic would be brought forward again before the cameras become operational.

To date, this project has been discussed during four public meetings, with at least one additional public discussion planned before the system goes live. We remain committed to keeping the community informed throughout the process.

Flock cameras are designed to assist law enforcement with investigations involving stolen vehicles, missing persons, wanted suspects and other serious criminal incidents. The cameras do not monitor speed, issue tickets or conduct facial recognition.

As we move closer to implementation, we will share additional information about the system, its policies and how it will be used. We encourage residents to attend upcoming public meetings, ask questions and learn more about the program.

Thank you for your continued support and engagement as we work to enhance public safety while maintaining transparency and accountability.

06/07/2026

The Tarentino Strong Car Show is happening today from 11:00 AM -2:00 PM at the Auburn Elks, 754 Southbridge Street, Auburn!
Come out and enjoy an afternoon of incredible cars, great people, and community spirit while supporting the mission of the Officer Ronald Tarentino Jr. Charitable Fund.
Whether you're bringing a vehicle or just coming to check out the amazing lineup, we'd love to see you there. Bring your family, invite your friends, and help us make this another great year.

06/04/2026

Come Join us !!

06/03/2026

NARCOTICS INVESTIGATION RESULTS IN CO***NE TRAFFICKING ARREST

On June 1, 2026, members of the Detective Division were conducting undercover narcotics enforcement operations in our community at locations that have been the focus of numerous narcotics investigations over the past eight months. These investigations have resulted in multiple search warrants, arrests, and the seizure of significant quantities of illegal narcotics, fi****ms, and ammunition.

During this time, detectives observed behavior and activity they recognized, based on their training and experience, as being consistent with possible narcotics-related activity. Detectives subsequently observed a male, later identified as Gerard SHONBECK, enter a convenience store before briefly entering a parked vehicle and then quickly departing the area on foot.

Based on their observations, detectives requested assistance from patrol officers to make contact with SHONBECK. Officers located him on a nearby walking trail and attempted to conduct an investigation. During the encounter, SHONBECK became combative and non-compliant with officers' commands.

As a result of the investigation, approximately 22 grams of suspected co***ne packaged for distribution, an amount of suspected crack co***ne packaged for distribution, multiple denominations of U.S. currency separated into individual stacks and other items commonly used for packaging narcotics
were covered.

38 year old Gerard SHONBECK of 16 Dean Street apt in Southbridge, MA was placed under arrest and transported to police headquarters for booking.

SHONBECK was charged with possession with intent to distribute class B crack co***ne (subsequent offense from a previous conviction) and with trafficking in co***ne (18 Grams to 36 Grams).

SHONBECK was held pending his arraignment in court or his release on bail.

All suspects are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

06/01/2026

Get career opportunity! - Come Join Our team!!! Per Diem & Full Time Position Available.

06/01/2026

Looking for owner please share! Call police department for more info.