On April 14, 2008 at 2:30 PM, Holden Police responded to a fight on Sunnyside Avenue, which is adjacent to Wachusett Regional High School.

Upon arrival, officers encountered a large group of youths mingling in the roadway. Officers were told that there was a minor disagreement an that all the involved parties had left the scene.

Approximately 1 hour later Holden Police came into possession of a cell phone video which showed that a vicious beating had occured.

As a result of the investigation, one juvenile arrest has been made and more arrests are expected. The two juvenile victims were treated for their injuries.

Police officials and school administration officials have been in communication wit the Worcester County District Attorney's Office in relation to this matter.

On January 10, 2008 at 9:35 PM, the Holden Police Department received a call of an accidental shooting at a private residence in the Jefferson section of Holden. Upon arrival, police found a 23 year old male with a head wound. He was treated by Holden Fire Department paramedics and AMR paramedics, who then transported him to UMass Lake Ave campus, where he is undergoing treatment.

An initial investigation revealed that a friend of the victim, a 21 year old male, was holding a Crossman .177 caliber air rifle when it discharged, striking the victim in the back of the head. At the present time, it appears to be an accidental shooting, but is still under investigation.

Both parties involved are presently serving in the U.S. Military and are expected to be deployed overseas in the next few months. We are therefore stressing that in this situation, a serious injury occurred from a weapon being handled by two individuals who have had extensive training with firearms, and we encourage all to be cognisant of the dangers involved with these weapons.

This matter is being investigated by Ofc. Robert P. Himmer and Detective Albert R. Bourget of the Holden Police Department.

The Holden Fire Department responded to a report of a structure fire at 700 Main Street at 10:00 PM Saturday night. The first arriving officers observed fire along the foundation in the back of the building that appeared to be caused by a flammable liquid. The State Fire Marshal's office was called to the scene and their accelerant dog was able to detect accelerants in the area.

The fire was contained to the rear basement area but heat and smoke caused extensive damage to the rest of the building. The building housed the former Shamrock's Restaurant but has been vacant since last March when that business closed.

In addition to 34 Holden firefighters and all Holden fire apparatus, one West Boylston engine responded to the scene, a Paxton engine provided a RIT team at he scene, and Rutland covered the headquarters station.

One Holden firefighter was taken by ambulance to St. Vincent's Hospital for an ankle injury and was treated and released Saturday night.

The fire is considered indendiary and is under further investigation. The Fire Marshal's office has offered up to $5,000.00 reward for information leading to the arrest of the person or persons responsible for this fire. Anyone with information can call the Arson Hot Line at 1-800-682-9229 or contact the Holden Fire Chief at 508-829-0266.