Whatever sentence Jesse Gainer expected this week, he probably didn't think he would choose it. So Gainer was as surprised as anyone when Judge Charles Groce presented him with a choice: six months in jail or 2 years of drug-free probation.

These were the most read stories on MassLive.com yesterday. If you missed any of them, click on the links below to read them now. One of yesterday's most viewed items was the photo gallery that accompanied the Pet Project post, above.

1) Walmart closings: Massachusetts stores spared as company plans to shutter 269 locations worldwide [Jim Kinney]

2) Macy's departure from Eastfield Mall seen as opportunity for 'something innovative' [Elizabeth Roman]

3) Self-serve justice: Judge lets Palmer man choose 6 months in jail or 2 years of drug-free probation [Jack Flynn]

4) Agawam man arrested for armed robbery after allegedly stealing 1,000 oxycodone pills from pharmacy [Rebecca Everett]

5) Northampton police find marijuana grow operation inside former restaurateur's home while investigating Ronald McDonald statue theft [Laura Newberry]

Ralph Damico, the Agawam man accused of telling a Walgreens cashier he had a gun and making off with at least ten bottles of oxycodone, was arraigned in Westfield District Court Friday.

Ralph Damico, the Agawam man accused of telling a Walgreens cashier he had a gun and making off with at least 10 bottles of oxycodone, was arraigned in Westfield District Court Friday.

Agawam police reported the incident Friday morning but had not identified the suspect pending his arraignment. Damico, 62, was charged with armed robbery, larceny of narcotics and trafficking in a class b drug.

"He got away with 10 or 11 bottles with 100 pills in each," Agawam Police Lt. Edward McGovern told MassLive Friday morning.

Police responded to the Springfield St. Walgreens at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday for a report of an armed robbery. Surveillance video and witness reports gave officers a description of the suspect and his vehicle, according to a report by Agawam Police Officer Mark Pfau.

An hour and twenty minutes later, Pfau located what he believed to be a matching vehicle -- directly next to the scene of the crime. The van was parked next to a trailer in a mobile home complex adjacent to the Walgreens, according to the report.

Surveillance video allegedly showed the van leaving the Walgreens parking lot and pulling into the complex, the report said.

Officers interviewed Damico in his home and obtained a search warrant, after a witness said he was "70 percent" sure that Damico was the man who robbed the store.

Officers allegedly found a glassine bag with 80 oxycodone pills in dresser, as well as a Walgreens bag with 10 bottles in the van's storage compartment.

According to the police report, Damico told the pharmacist "I have a gun and I need oxys" while holding his hand in his coat. No firearm was found in the search and Damico allegedly told a police officer that he did not have a gun but implied that he was armed to the pharmacist.

Damico was held on $50,000 bail and is due back in court on Feb. 12.

The alleged incident took place at 10:21 p.m. on Route 5. The woman told police that the vehicle turned on a red strobe light as well as a bright white light to initiate the traffic stop.

ST. JOHNSBURY, VT - Police are cautioning drivers to beware of a possible police impersonator on state highways after a woman reported she was pulled over by a man in a Buick she suspected was not really an officer.

"Police were called by a concerned citizen who reported being pulled over by someone dressed in all dark clothing. The citizen advised the male approached her vehicle with dark clothing pulled over their face and a hat pulled down. The citizen advised the male walked up to her vehicle and told her she had a taillight out and asked her to roll down her window," Vermont State Police said in an announcement today.

The alleged incident took place Thursday at 10:21 p.m. on Route 5. The woman told police that the vehicle turned on a red strobe light as well as a bright white light to initiate the traffic stop. She called 911 rather than concede to rolling down her window.

"We would like to remind the public that if you are being pulled over by a vehicle failing to show emergency blue lights or clear strobes, that you suspect is not a law enforcement vehicle, we encourage you to dial 911 and confirm with dispatch that an actual member of law enforcement is attempting to pull you over and/or drive to the nearest Police Department or state police barracks," the announcement said.

They encourage anyone with information on the vehicle or driver to call the state police barracks in Saint Johnsbury at 802-748-3111.

Corey Norris' guilty plea comes on the heels of a similar federal prosecution in Western Massachusetts.

BOSTON - A Dorchester man was sentenced Friday to 15 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to his role in a cross-country sex trafficking scheme.

Corey Norris, aka "Case," pleaded guilty in September to carting two 17-year-old girls around to various states for prostitution jobs between 2008 and 2014. Their routes included stops in Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Maryland, Nevada, Georgia, Florida, and California, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

Norris, 26, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to sex traffic minors by force, fraud and coercion; sex trafficking and attempted sex trafficking of a minor; sex trafficking and attempted sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion; transportation of a minor to engage in criminal sexual activity; and conspiracy to transport a minor to engage in criminal sexual activity.

U.S. District Judge Denise J. Casper described Norris's crimes as "horrific," noting that the victims were "targeted specifically because of their vulnerability." Casper added that the fact that "prostitution still finds paying customers" does not detract from the women's status as victims.

Norris' defense lawyer argued that his client was essentially abandoned when his mother died of a heroin overdose when he was 12 years old. Attorney Thomas Iovieno wrote in a pre-sentencing memo that Norris was subsequently raised in a series of abusive foster care settings and abruptly cut loose by the state when he was 18.

"Inner city young black males are confronted with this dilemma at an early age and generally, as in this case, lack the parental guidance, education, psychological make up and common sense necessary to avoid the pitfalls of such decisions and are drawn to the easy life of criminal activity because they feel they have no chance at success otherwise," the attorney wrote.

He also argued the girls were "duped" rather than forced into prostitution.

Norris' guilty plea comes on the heels of a similar federal prosecution in Western Massachusetts. Milford and Tiana Lewis, a married couple from Springfield, were charged in December with human trafficking after several women came forward to say they were recruited as hookers for "Sinful Innocence," a business allegedly founded by the Lewises.

Some of those women told investigators they were threatened, beaten and sometimes worked without pay. Both Lewises are being held behind bars pending trial in U.S. District Court.

As part of the harassment, James Connor, of Pennsylvania, set a quota of weekly sexually explicit photos with specific demands and insisted that the woman break up with her boyfriend.

BOSTON - A Pennsylvania man pleaded guilty in federal court this week to the "sextortion" of a Boston-area college student he met online.

James F. Connor V, 20, of West Chester, Penn., pleaded guilty to one count of cyberstalking and one count of extortion.

According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, the two met via social media in 2012 and developed an online romance. During the course of the relationship, the victim sent Connor naked pictures of herself through Snapchat and engaged in sexually explicit video chats with him using FaceTime. Connor saved many of these images, according to a news release by federal prosecutors.

When the dialogue fizzled, Connor didn't handle it well.

"Connor attempted to continue communications with the victim and initiated a campaign of harassment and intimidation. He threatened to harm her physically and harm her reputation by publicly disseminating the sexually explicit images," prosecutors said.

He also threatened suicide and sent the woman pictures of himself with a knife to his throat with blood - later determined to be fake - dripping down his neck.

"In September 2015, Connor escalated his campaign of harassment when he began blackmailing the victim and threatening to send the sexually explicit images to her parents and Twitter followers if she did not send additional naked pictures and engage in sexually explicit video chats with him," the release said.

As part of the harassment, Connor set a quota of weekly sexually explicit photos with specific demands and insisted that the woman break up with her boyfriend. He also "spoofed" the victim through text messages and phone calls. The application allows users to adopt other phone numbers to conceal their calling identity.

Connor was arrested and charged in 2015 after the victim reported the pattern of harassment to law enforcement officials.

He faces up to five years in prison at his sentencing, set for April 7 in U.S. District Court in Boston.

Obama has signed an emergency declaration that would open the door for federal aid to deal with Flint's water crisis.

President Obama signed an emergency declaration Saturday for Flint water. (AP Photo, File) 

FLINT, MICHIGAN - President Barack Obama has signed an emergency declaration following a request from Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder that would open the door for federal aid to deal with Flint's water crisis.

"The President's action authorizes the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to coordinate all disaster relief efforts which have the purpose of alleviating the hardship and suffering caused by the emergency on the local population, and to provide appropriate assistance for required emergency measures, authorized under Title V of the Stafford Act, to save lives and to protect property and public health and safety, and to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe in Genesee County," reads a statement from FEMA.

Snyder asked on Jan. 14 for Obama to declare a federal emergency, after a state of emergency was declared by the governor on Jan. 5 in Genesee County.

FEMA is authorized to provide equipment and resources to "alleviate the impacts of the emergency," according to the statement."Emergency protective measures, limited to direct federal assistance, will be provided at 75 percent federal funding," reads the statement. "This emergency assistance is to provide water, water filters, water filter cartridges, water test kits, and other necessary related items for a period of no more than 90 days."

W. Craig Fugate, Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Department of Homeland Security, has named David G. Samaniego as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the Flint area.

U.S. Rep. Dan Kildee, D-Flint Township, said he welcomed the president's announcement. 

"The residents and children of Flint deserve every resource available to make sure that they have safe water and are able to recover from this terrible man-made disaster created by the state," Kildee said.

A winter storm may have dampened the streets, but not the spirits of the thousands of enthusiasts who turned out for the 2016 Motorcycle Show on Saturday at the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, Massachusetts.

WEST SPRINGFIELD — A winter storm may have dampened the streets, but not the spirits of the thousands of enthusiasts who turned out for the 2016 Springfield Motorcycle Show on Saturday at the Eastern States Exposition.

Indeed, it was a festive air inside the Young Building, where Harleys, Indians, Victorys and more filled the floor. Bikes of many varieties, from factory to custom, drew crowds to West Springfield, where they were treated to a motorcycle paradise. The show continues on Sunday.

Choppers, trikes and quads earned admiring stares from visitors young and old, male and female, both riders and wannabes. For many, it was a great reason to bring the whole family to see some of the best rides in the Northeast.

Those looking for bargains found great deals on parts such as mirrors, kick stands, saddlebags and more, as well as leather jackets and other riding gear. Several dealers are offering deals on leftover 2015 bikes as well as some 2016 models.

A special guest of the show was daredevil Doug Danger, who broke Evel Knievel's record by jumping over 22 cars this past August.

There also was live music from the band Shovelhead, a 2016 Bike Competition and custom machines by featured builder Jake Cutler, of Barnstorm Cycles of Spencer.

On Sunday, the show will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $15 for adults, $5 for children 6 to 12 and free for children 5 and under. The Eastern State Exposition is located at 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield.

For more information, visit the official website here.

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady hit Rob Gronkowski for an eight-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter to give his team a 7-0 lead over the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL divisional playoffs.

FOXBOROUGH -- New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady hit tight end Rob Gronkowski with an eight-yard touchdown pass on 3rd-and-7 to help his team to an early 7-0 lead over the Kansas City Chiefs in Saturday's NFL divisional playoff game.

Rob Gronkowski touchdown. pic.twitter.com/N2UxQDLSUK

— MarcusD (@_MarcusD_) January 16, 2016

The touchdown was Gronkowski's seventh postseason touchdown reception, tying him for the most all time by a tight end with Dave Casper and Vernon Davis. It also ties him for the most touchdown receptions all time by a New England Patriot with David Givens.

Gronkowski's catch capped off an 11-play, 80-yard drive for the Patriots that lasted 4:37. All 11 of the plays were passing plays, and Gronkowski had three receptions for 43 yards on the drive.

Follow more of MassLive's live coverage of the game here.

A public forum will be scheduled shortly to review the survey.

WESTFIELD - The School Department has launched a community survey on professional qualities and characteristics its new superintendent should possess.

The four-page survey can be found at the department website at www.schoolsofwestfield.org. The survey will also be subject of a public forum planned for later this month or early February.

The survey does not ask for personal information of the participant but it does ask for your occupation.

It asks participants to list the five "most significant" current or future issues that the new superintendent will need to address. Suggestions range from 'educational leadership skills' to 'curriculum development and instruction' and 'college and career readiness'

Participants are also asked to identify the "top five" skills and abilities of candidates most important to Westfield. Suggestions range from 'development and implementation of budget' to 'experience in curriculum development' and knowledge t develop both short and long-term district goals and strategic plans'.

Participants are also asked to state what they see as the vision of the district over the next three years; what challenges the new superintendent will face and what question should be asked of the candidates for the job.

Superintendent of Schools Suzanne Scallion announced in December she will retire at the close of the current school year.

The School Committee plans to use the survey comments in its search and interview of candidates for the position. The committee also plans to appoint a 10-member committee to assist in the screening of candidates and the committee itself is expected to conduct the interview and appointment process.

WESTFIELD - The Whip City will observe Martin Luther King Jr. holiday Monday by closing City Hall and all non-emergency municipal departments. Trash collection for Monday will also be delayed until Tuesday causing a one-day delay through Friday. Friday's collection will be on Saturday. Recycling is on the "B" week schedule. City Hall and all municipal departments will reopen Tuesday...

WESTFIELD - The Whip City will observe Martin Luther King Jr. holiday Monday by closing City Hall and all non-emergency municipal departments.

Trash collection for Monday will also be delayed until Tuesday causing a one-day delay through Friday. Friday's collection will be on Saturday.

Recycling is on the "B" week schedule.

City Hall and all municipal departments will reopen Tuesday morning.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said the landmark deal reduces the threat of nuclear weapons.

VIENNA -- Western economic sanctions in place for years against Iran were lifted after the U.N. nuclear agency certified Saturday that Iran has met all of its commitments under last summer's landmark nuclear deal.

The move crowns years of U.S.-led efforts to crimp Iran's ability to make atomic weapons.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said the landmark deal reduces the threat of nuclear weapons. The steps Iran has taken have fundamentally altered Iran's nuclear program, he said.

Removing the sanctions unlocks iran's access to $100 billion in frozen assets and unleashes new opportunities for its battered economy.

"The multinational economic and financial sanctions related to Iran's nuclear program are lifted," Federica Mogherini, the European Union's foreign policy chief, said in a joint statement also read in Farsi by Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Jawad Zarif.

President Barack Obama signed executive orders lifting economic sanctions on Iran and Mogherini said the EU had lifted its nuclear-related sanctions as well.

"This historic deal is both strong and fair, and it meets the requirements of all," Mogherini declared, saying it serves to "improve regional and international peace, security and stability."

Kerry, who led the last years of negotiations with Zarif that culminated in the July 14 deal, confirmed that the U.N.'s International Atomic Energy could verify that "Iran has fully implemented its required commitments."

"Relations between Iran and the IAEA now enter a new phase," said IAEA director general Yukiya Amano. "It is an important day for the international community."

Progress also came Saturday on another area of Iran-U.S. tensions: U.S. and Iranian officials announced that Iran was releasing four detained Iranian-Americans in exchange for seven Iranians held or charged in the United States.

4 US prisoners freed by Iran in swap, including journalist Jason Rezaian

U.S. officials said the four -- Washington Post reporter Jason Rezaian, former U.S. Marine Amir Hekmati, pastor Saeed Abedini and Nosratollah Khosravi-Roodsari -- were to be flown from Iran to Switzerland on a Swiss plane and then brought to a U.S. military hospital in Landstuhl, Germany, for medical treatment.

In return, the U.S. will either pardon or drop charges against seven Iranians -- six of them dual citizens -- accused or convicted of violating U.S. sanctions. The U.S. will also drop Interpol "red notices" -- essentially arrest warrants -- on a handful of Iranian fugitives it has sought.

Rezaian is a dual Iran-U.S. citizen convicted of espionage by Iran in a closed-door trial in 2015. The Post and the U.S. government have denied the accusations, as has Rezaian.

The publisher of The Washington Post says he "couldn't be happier" to hear that Rezaian had been released from Iran's Evin Prison on Saturday. Publisher Frederick J. Ryan Jr. said more information would be available once he can confirm Rezaian has safely left Iran. Rezaian had been held more than 543 days on espionage and related charges.

U.S. officials say a fifth American detained in Iran, a student, has been released in a move unrelated to a prisoner swap earlier between the two countries. They said the student, identified as Matthew Trevithick, was released independently of the exchange and already was on his way home.

The landmark Iran nuclear agreement, struck after decades of hostility, defused the likelihood of U.S. or Israeli military action against Iran, something Zarif alluded to.

"Our region has been freed from shadow of an unnecessary conflict that could have caused concerns for the region," he said. "Today is also a good day for the world. Today will prove that we can solve important problems through diplomacy."

Iran insists all of its nuclear activities are peaceful. But under the July 14 deal, it agreed to crimp programs which could be used to make nuclear weapons in return for an end to sanctions. The agreement puts Iran's various nuclear activities under IAEA watch for up to 15 years, with an option to re-impose sanctions should Tehran break its commitments.

U.S. Rep. Richard Neal, D-Springfield, and around 40 local supporters of Hillary Clinton's Democratic presidential bid traveled to New Hampshire Saturday to go door-to-door to promote the former secretary of state's campaign.

KEENE, N.H. ‒ U.S. Rep. Richard Neal, D-Springfield, and around 40 local supporters of Hillary Clinton's Democratic presidential bid traveled to New Hampshire Saturday to go door-to-door to promote the former secretary of state's campaign.

Neal, who has said he believes the former first lady would make a "terrific president," chartered a busload of Clinton supporters from the Springfield-area to Keene, where they knocked on more than 800 doors with New Hampshire state Rep. Will Pearson.

The canvass, which came just weeks before New Hampshire voters head to the polls for the first-in-the-nation primary, was one of several events Massachusetts lawmakers participated in to spread the Democratic presidential hopeful's message Saturday.

Neal, who alone knocked on more than 20 doors, stressed the important role canvassing plays in New Hampshire politics.

"It's still a great slice of Americana. When you consider that you can knock on 23 doors, actually engage people - it kind of negates the argument that it's all about TV. So I think in that sense, it was very positive," he said in an interview. "If you consider that we've talked to 20 people or made 20 stops, and then if you think that 35 people they do 20, you do almost 700 people. It will have an impact."

The congressman added that while such campaigning may not work in places like California, it does in New England.

"It's still the old argument - once you identify your supporters you have to get them to the polls. And, I think that in that sense that still is the game plan in a place like New Hampshire," he said. "The other argument always in New Hampshire is the argument over expectations: then that becomes a national news media story, but I think that - not to miss the point - the terrain becomes more favorable as you move forward."

Mary Gail Cokkinias, of Longmeadow, who has been canvassing in New Hampshire since 1988, including for Clinton's 2008 campaign, joined supporters in going door-to-door for the former secretary of state.

Stressing that she's willing to work hard for Clinton, who she called the "best possible candidate for the presidency," Cokkinias said she has already knocked on doors for the Democrat in Keene, Manchester, Concord and Portsmouth.

"I really think it's very important that Hillary be elected first and foremost. She has the knowledge, she has the expertise and skills, she's right on the issues that I'm concerned about," Cokkinias, a member of the Democratic State Committee, said in an interview.

Angela Thorpe, clerk of the East Longmeadow Board of Selectmen said while the canvass was the first time she's gone door-to-door for a presidential candidate in New Hampshire, she would do it again.

"I found that people were open and welcoming, even if they weren't in support of Hillary," she said in an interview, adding that her group was successful in swaying some voters and getting them to sign commitment cards.

Thorpe attributed her decision to participate in her first presidential campaign canvass to her belief that it's important to stand by candidates she supports.

"Hillary is the candidate for me, I like some of the things that she stands for. I think she will continue some of the things that President Obama has done and I'm out there trying to get the vote out for her," she said.

Clinton remains largely neck-and-neck with Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders in New Hampshire, according to recent polls. Her campaign, meanwhile, has seen its lead drop nationally in recent weeks, something which Clinton said wasn't too surprising due to the "early" numbers used in previous polls during a recent "Tonight Show" interview.

Neal also said he's not too surprised by the apparent closeness of the race between Clinton and Sanders.

"I think that, again, in Iowa it's getting your people to the caucuses, in New Hampshire it's getting people to the polls, but I think that it is a bit of an extra advantage Sen. Sanders has," he said, acknowledging the Vermont senator's New England ties. "Again, I think the most important thing to understand is this is going to be played out over four quarters and that's a really important metaphor."

Neal said he expects the race to enter a "very decisive period" after the South Carolina primary and in the run up to so-called "Super Tuesday," when voters in Massachusetts and several other states head to the polls.

In addition to Neal's Keene event, Boston Mayor Marty Walsh and New Hampshire State Sen. Donna Soucy kicked-off a Clinton campaign canvass in Manchester on Saturday morning. Massachusetts Treasurer Deb Goldberg, meanwhile, led an afternoon canvassing effort for the Democratic presidential front-runner in Salem, N.H.

Other Massachusetts officials, meanwhile, will travel to the Granite State in the coming days to stump for Clinton's White House bid, including former state Attorney General Martha Coakley on Sunday, Congressman Jim McGovern, D-Worcester, on Jan. 23 and U.S. Rep. Bill Keating, D-Bourne, on Jan. 30.

Neal said he plans to be back in New Hampshire to campaign for Clinton in early February.

Shaughnessy worked tirelessly for a new senior center and implemented many programs.

NORTHAMPTON -- Northampton Senior Services director Patricia Shaughnessy is set to retire in July after nearly four decades as a city employee, reports the Daily Hampshire Gazette.

Shaughnessy, 64, worked in the Registrar of Voters office for 23 years before being appointed senior services chief in 2001 by former mayor Mary Clare Higgins. Shaughnessy during her tenure ushered in the Northampton Senior Center on Conz Street. The $3.9 million energy efficient building opened on Sept. 30, 2007. The center offers exercise equipment, a community meeting room, regional benefits counseling, and numerous programs and recreational activities.

The Council on Aging recently raised $65,000 through a "Kick the Tires" campaign to buy a new wheelchair van to serve the city's seniors. A second van will be purchased through the city's capital improvements budget. The vans are due to be operational this spring. Currently the center does not have a van.

Shaughnessy oversees five staffers and more than 100 volunteers at the center. She is also the city's designated Americans with Disabilities Act coordinator.

Narkewicz told the Gazette he will meet with the Council on Aging to discuss launching a search for Shaughnessy's replacement.

The Holyoke mayor took office in his first term in 2012 when he was 22.

HOLYOKE -- Hundreds danced and celebrated Saturday at Mayor Alex B. Morse's Inaugural Ball at the Log Cabin Banquet and Meeting House, 500 Easthampton Road.

The event featured a cocktail hour, five-course dinner and music provided by DJ Lori B of Martini Productions.

Tessa Murphy-Romboletti, development specialist with the city Department of Planning and Economic Development and a friend of Morse's, was master of ceremonies.

The ball, a traditional political celebration, comes more than two months after Morse won reelection. He defeated Fran O'Connell, owner of the business O'Connell Care at Home, on Election Day Nov. 3 with 5,429 votes, or 53 percent, to O'Connell's 4,855 votes, or 47 percent.

Morse first took office in January 2012 when he was 22.

The ball was the third such event for Morse, 26, who was sworn into office for his third term with other elected officials Jan. 4. He turns 27 on Jan. 29.

Tickets for the ball were $75 for individuals and $650 for a table of 10 people.

On Jan. 29, the Alex Morse for Mayor Committee will pay for a party of his supporters from 7 p.m. to midnight at Gateway City Arts, 92 Race St., in an an event that also will celebrate Morse's 27th birthday. DJ Lori B will provide music and there will be hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar, according to a Facebook page.

HOLYOKE— The driver of a car that slid on wet pavement, flipped onto its top and crashed into a utility pole, walked away from the crash unhurt, Holyoke police said. Scene commander Sgt. Stephen Loftus said according to the description supplied by the driver, it appears that the Mazda Protoge was traveling northbound on Main Street in Holyoke at about...

HOLYOKE— The driver of a car that slid on wet pavement, flipped onto its top and crashed into a utility pole, walked away from the crash unhurt, Holyoke police said.

Scene commander Sgt. Stephen Loftus said according to the description supplied by the driver, it appears that the Mazda Protoge was traveling northbound on Main Street in Holyoke at about 10 p.m. just a little north of Providence Hospital. The driver said when he tried to bear right to follow the lower road into South Holyoke, the car began to slide on the wet pavement. The car hit the curbing and a utility pole and ended up on its roof.

The Fire Department was called to extricate the driver, who was alone in the car at the time of the accident, but first responders found him out of the car and walking around.

Loftus said the driver passed a series of field sobriety tests and will not be cited for the crash.

A man in his seventies was robbed at gunpoint in his home Friday night.

Dave Canton | dcanton@repub.com 

Springfield Police Sgt. Daniel Reigner said detectives are investigating the 9:45 p.m. incident, and details are few at this time.

The victim, in his seventies, was alone at the time of the incident.

Officers at the scene broadcast a description of the suspect, saying he is a slender black male in his late 20s or early 30s, wearing all black clothing. The victim said the robber waved a black handgun.

The victim was not injured in the robbery.

The suspect fled the scene on foot.
.

CHESTER— Large parts of the western Hampden County town of Chester remain in the dark after a tree fall knocked out electrical power to the town. An Eversource spokesperson said a tree fell across power transmission lines near the Becket/Chester town line just before 5:30 p.m., Western Mass News, our broadcast partner, reported. Large parts of Chester and some...

Dave Canton | dcanton@repub.com 

An Eversource spokesperson said a tree fell across power transmission lines near the Becket/Chester town line just before 5:30 p.m., Western Mass News, our broadcast partner, reported. Large parts of Chester and some customers in Becket were affected.

The Massachusetts State Police at the Russell barracks said just before 1 a.m that parts of the town remain without power as crews work to restore service.

Police used a round of bean bag ammunition to subdue a woman authorities said charged at officers while armed with a knife Saturday.

ARLINGTON - Police used a round of bean bag ammunition to subdue a woman authorities said charged at officers while armed with a knife Saturday.

Authorities said the woman, who was not identified by police, potentially tried to commit suicide by cop Saturday after officers responded to a Grove Street residence to conduct a well-being check.

Arlington Police Department 

The 32-year-old woman's father called police Saturday and asked officers to check on her, according to Arlington Police. Officers arrived at the home around 11:15 a.m.

"Upon arrival, officers found that the 32-year-old woman had barricaded herself inside the apartment and was shouting remarks indicating she was planning to kill herself," police said. "Facing an exigent situation, officers forced their way into the apartment, and at that time, the woman charged at officers, swinging the large knife violently."

Officer Michael Hogen fired a bean bag round at the woman and was able to disarm her. She was taken to an area hospital to be evaluated.

"Our officers responded to a call and immediately found themselves in a dangerous situation, facing an armed subject who was clearly distraught," Chief Frederick Ryan said. "Thankfully, the officers, including Officer Hogan, fell back on their training and were able to resolve this situation without the loss of life and without serious injury to either the subject or the responding officers."

The incident remains under investigation. Police said charges are likely to be filed.

The carjacking took place on Saturday afternoon.

Dave Canton | dcanton@repub.com 

The Hartford Courant is reporting that the victim was stopped at a red light at the corner of Hillside Avenue and Hamilton Street around 3:15 p.m. when five men in black hooded sweatshirts and ski masks approached the car.

The men allegedly opened the vehicle and dragged the victim out of the car before hitting him several times and driving off in the victim's vehicle, the newspaper reports.

Police said there are no suspects at this time and no witnesses at the scene. A search of the area and a K-9 sweep did not provide any leads.

The victim was treated for minor injuries.

The man had a red strobe light and bright white light on his car.

File photo 

Saint Johnsbury, Vt. — Vermont State Police are searching for a man using bright red and white lights to pull vehicles off the road.

Police received a call on Thursday night around 10:20 p.m. from a woman who said she was pulled over by a man dressed in dark clothing with a red strobe light and bright white light on his vehicle.

After seeing the lights the woman pulled over and was approached by a man wearing a hat and dark clothing which covered his face.

Through the closed window the man told the woman she had a taillight out and asked her to roll down her window. She said the man never identified himself as a law enforcement officer or a member of the armed forces, police said.

The woman did not roll down her window and instead drove away and contacted police with a description of the vehicle, a dark colored Buick sedan with no rear license plate.

The man is described as approximately 6 feet tall with a medium build.

Police released this statement:

"We would like to remind the public that if you are being pulled over by a vehicle failing to show emergency blue lights or clear strobes, that you suspect is not a law enforcement vehicle, we encourage you to dial 911 and confirm with dispatch that an actual member of law enforcement is attempting to pull you over and/or drive to the nearest Police Department or VSP Barracks, in a safe manner, for further assistance."