HARTFORD RESIDENT ARRESTED AFTER SERIES OF SMASH AND GRABS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 2ND 2026

MILFORD – On Friday, August 28, 2026, at approximately 8:37 PM, the Milford Public Safety Communications Center received a call from Planet Fitness, located at 146 South Main Street, reporting a motor vehicle break-in. The caller reported that a window of their vehicle had been smashed and a purse containing personal belongings had been stolen.

As members of the Milford Police Detective Bureau and Patrol Division investigated the incident, a second victim notified officers that a window of their vehicle had also been smashed and personal belongings had been stolen.

Utilizing surveillance footage, detectives were able to identify a white Volkswagen Tiguan as the suspect’s vehicle. With the assistance of modern police technology, officers subsequently located the vehicle on Main Street.

After being parked on Main Street, a male suspect was observed exiting the vehicle carrying what appeared to be a satchel or purse. The suspect walked down Central Street and reappeared several minutes later without the bag.

At approximately 10:40 PM, members of the Milford Police Department located the suspect vehicle behind the 7-Eleven located at 127 Main Street. The operator was identified as Jonathan Jamal Walker, 35, of Hartford, Connecticut. An NCIC query showed active warrant for his arrest.

At approximately 11:02 PM, Milford Police K-9 Ozzy was deployed in the area where Walker had previously been observed carrying the suspected stolen property. Shortly after deployment, several of the stolen items were located inside a dumpster on Central Street.

“I’m extremely proud of the men and women of our agency for their coordinated efforts in identifying and apprehending this suspect,” said Milford Chief of Police Robert Tusino. “Those who come into our community to prey on our residents and steal their property should know that we will use every resource available to identify them, locate them and hold them accountable.”

As a result of the investigation, Jonathan Walker was arrested and charged with the following crimes:

B&E VEHICLE/BOAT NIGHTTIME FOR FELONY (x2)

MALICIOUS DAMAGE TO A MOTOR VEHICLE (x2)

NUMBER PLATE VIOLATION TO CONCEAL ID

LARCENY UNDER $1200 (x2)

POSSESSION OF BURLARIOUS INSTRUMENT

WARRANT ARREST

CONTACT JCOVINO@MILFORDPOLICE.ORG FOR ANY ADDITIONAL INQUIRES All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

NORFOLK MAN ARRESTED ON MULTIPLE ASSAULT CHARGES

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FRIDAY AUGUST 28TH 2026

MILFORD – On Wednesday August 26, 2026, The Milford Public Safety Communications Center received a call from Milford Hospital requesting assistance for a male creating a disturbance by yelling vulgarities and throwing items at staff.

On arrival members of the Milford Police Detective Bureau and Patrol Division encountered a male in the parking lot matching the description given by the caller. The suspect, later identified as Raymond Hilaire Jr, 26, of Norfolk, refused to cooperate with officer’s commands and attempted to flee before being placed under arrest.

As a result of the incident, Hilaire was charged with the following:

ASSAULT W/DANGEROUS WEAPON

DISTURBING THE PEACE

DISORDERLY CONDUCT

RESIST ARREST

CONTACT JCOVINO@MILFORDPOLICE.ORG FOR ANY ADDITIONAL INQUIRES All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

SAFE DRIVING TIPS FOR A SAFE SCHOOL YEAR

On Wednesday August 26, 2026, a new school year for Milford students and faculty begins. With a new school year comes renewed motor-vehicle, pedestrian and bicyclist traffic. Our School Resource Officers and Special Operations Unit will be back in schools keeping everyone safe. While our patrol division will be enforcing traffic safety, as we did with “Operation Safe School Zone” last school year.

The Milford Police Department would like to take a moment to reinforce some safe practices for our commuters. Whether you are a parent driving your student to school, a student driver, a work commuter or a student that takes a bike to school, it is critical that you follow the rules of the road.

• Obey local speed limits

• Always be aware of pedestrians

• Watch for new traffic patterns

• Drive patiently

• If you are operating a bicycle or e-bike stay off the sidewalks

• Only cross the street when safe or in designated crosswalks

The Milford Police Department thanks all of our residents and visitors for helping keep everyone safe this upcoming school year.

MILFORD MAN CHARGED WITH FOURTH OFFENSE OUI

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MONDAY AUGUST 10TH 2026

MILFORD – On Saturday, August 8, 2026, at approximately 9:59PM, the Milford Public Safety Communications Center received a 911 call reporting a grey Hyundai Elantra operating erratically near the Tyler Street area of Purchase Street.

At approximately 10:03PM, members of the Milford Police Patrol division conducted a motor vehicle stop of the suspect vehicle after observing several marked lanes violations. During the stop officers observed two young juvenile passengers in the vehicle. “This arrest is especially troubling given the presence of two young children inside the vehicle,” said Milford Chief of Police Robert Tusino.

“Driving under the influence puts everyone at risk, but allegedly doing so with children in the vehicle shows a disturbing disregard for their safety. I am grateful to the concerned motorist who called 911 and to our officers for intervening before this situation resulted in a tragedy.”

As a result of the on-scene investigation, Max Melendez Escobar, 38, of Milford, was arrested and charged with the following.

OPERATING UNDER THE INFLUENCE (4TH OFFENSE)

NEGLIGENT OPERATION OF A MOTOR VEHICLE

CHILD ENDANDGERMENT WHILE OUI

MARKED LANES VIOLATION

CONTACT JCOVINO@MILFORDPOLICE.ORG FOR ANY ADDITIONAL INQUIRES All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

JOINT OPERATION LEADS TO CHILD PORNOGRAPHY ARREST

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MONDAY AUGUST 10TH 2026

MILFORD – On Wednesday, August 5, 2026, the Milford Police Department, in collaboration with the Massachusetts State Police Cyber Crime Unit, conducted an investigation into the alleged production and possession of child sexual abuse material in Milford.

The investigation intensified after a CyberTip from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children provided information that led investigators to believe that images allegedly possessed by the suspect depicted the recent sexual abuse of a child.

At approximately 9:52 p.m., Milford Police detectives located the suspect, Manuel Dafonte, 37, of Milford, operating a white Nissan Frontier on Medway Road. Detectives subsequently conducted a motor vehicle stop at the Mobil gas station on Medway Road.

At approximately the same time, members of the Massachusetts State Police STOP Team, Massachusetts State Police Cyber Crime Unit, and Milford Police Patrol Division executed a search warrant at Dafonte’s residence on Taft Street in Milford.

“I’d like to thank the Massachusetts State Police for their collaboration on this arrest.” Said Milford Chief of Police Robert Tusino. “Crimes against children are among the most heinous offenses we encounter. To know that this individual was previously charged with possession of child pornography and is now accused of similar conduct involving the exploitation of a child is deeply disturbing.”

As a result of the investigation and execution of the search warrant, Manuel Dafonte was arrested and charged with the following offenses:

POSSESSION OF CHILD PORNOGRAPHY – SECOND OFFENSE

INDECENT ASSAULT & BATTERY ON A CHILD UNDER 14

POSING/EXHIBITING A CHILD IN A NUDE OR LASCIVIOUS POSE

PHOTOGRAPHING THE SEXUAL OR INTIMATE PARTS OF A CHILD

CONTACT JCOVINO@MILFORDPOLICE.ORG FOR ANY ADDITIONAL INQUIRES All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

SEARCH WARRANT LEADS TO MULTIPLE DRUG CHARGES

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MONDAY AUGUST 1ST 2026

MILFORD – On Thursday, July 30, 2026, the Milford Police Department concluded an extensive investigation into the distribution of cocaine in Milford by executing a search warrant at a residence on Prospect Heights.

At approximately 5:52 PM, members of the Milford Police Detective Bureau, Patrol Division, K-9 Unit, and Special Operations Team executed the search warrant. As officers approached the residence, the target of the investigation, Davi De Oliveira Silva, 24, of Milford, attempted to flee but was quickly apprehended with support from the K-9 unit and members of the patrol division.

"Every successful narcotics investigation represents an opportunity to prevent addiction, violence, and other crimes often associated with illegal drug distribution," said Milford Chief of Police Robert Tusino.

"This investigation is a testament to the dedication of our detectives and supporting officers who work tirelessly to identify those responsible for bringing these dangerous drugs into Milford. We remain committed to aggressively pursuing anyone who chooses to profit from the sale of illegal narcotics in our town."

As a result of the investigation and execution of the search warrant, De Oliveira Silva was arrested and charged with the following:

POSESSION TO DISTRIBUTE (COCAINE)

CLASS B DRUG POSSESSION

VIOLATION OF DRUG LAWS NEAR A SCHOOL OR PARK

RESISTING ARREST

CONTACT JCOVINO@MILFORDPOLICE.ORG FOR ANY ADDITIONAL INQUIRES All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

NOW HIRING A FULL-TIME DISPATCHER

The Milford Police Department is currently seeking highly motivated, qualified candidates to join our team as a full-time Public Safety Telecommunicator.

Reporting directly to the Communications Supervisor, the selected candidate will become part of a professional, team-oriented Communications Center dedicated to providing exceptional emergency communications and public safety services to the Milford community. The successful candidate will be responsible for answering emergency and non-emergency calls, dispatching police, fire, and EMS personnel, operating advanced public safety communications systems, and providing critical support during emergency incidents.

Candidates who possess NexGen 911, Total Response EMD, and APCO PST1 Public Safety Telecommunicator certifications are encouraged to apply. Applicants who do not currently hold these certifications will be required to attend department-paid training to obtain them. Additional in-house and off-site training opportunities are also provided throughout employment.

Preferred Qualifications • Ability to remain calm and perform effectively in a fast-paced, high-stress environment. • Strong work ethic and commitment to public service. • Excellent multitasking and communication skills. • High school diploma or equivalent. • Typing proficiency of at least 30 words per minute. • Knowledge of the geography of the Town of Milford is preferred. • Previous public safety communications or related experience is desirable. • Availability to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed.

What We Offer • Competitive pay. • Comprehensive benefits package. • Overtime opportunities. • Department-paid certification and continuing education. • A supportive team environment committed to professionalism and employee development.

Interested candidates should submit a completed employment application, resume, and letter of interest via email to jcovino@milfordpolice.org or deliver them in person to:

Milford Police Department Attn: Communications Supervisor Jason Covino 250 Main Street Milford, MA 01757

MILFORD POLICE URGE PEOPLE TO AVOID QUARRIES AFTER FALL VICTIM RESCUED

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE TUESDSAY JULY 21ST 2026

MILFORD – On Sunday July 19, 2026, at approximately 7:03PM, the Milford Public Safety Communications Center received a 911 call from the Shadowbrook Quarries, reporting an 18-year-old female had fallen from a rock ledge onto jagged rocks approximately 12 feet below. Milford Police and Fire Department, along with Coastal EMS were quickly dispatched to the area.

Milford Police officers were the first to arrive on scene and were escorted to the patient by witnesses, who reported that she had briefly lost consciousness following the fall. After climbing down to the patient, officers found her conscious but bleeding from several areas while lying among broken bottles and leaves. The patient had no memory of the fall.

As Milford Fire Department and Coastal EMS personnel arrived, paramedics lowered rescue equipment to the patient and safely lifted her back to the surface where she was transported by UTV to a waiting ambulance.

"We're grateful for the outstanding teamwork displayed by our police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and communications officers for bringing this patient to safety," said Milford Chief of Police Robert Tusino.

Following the rescue, the patient was transported by Lifeflight to UMass Memorial Medical Center for treatment.

"While we're thankful this incident did not have an even more tragic outcome, it serves as an important reminder that the Quarries are not a safe place for recreation. We continue to strongly discourage anyone from entering the property or swimming in the quarries. The steep rock faces, unstable terrain, and limited access for emergency responders create an extremely dangerous environment where a single misstep can have life-altering consequences for civilians and responders."

CONTACT JCOVINO@MILFORDPOLICE.ORG FOR ANY ADDITIONAL INQUIRES