Merrimac

Two Seacoast region towns say solicitation for a fundraiser called "Citizens Behind the Badge" is a scam, and does not benefit their respective departments.

Merrimac Police Chief Eric M. Shears said the 65-year-old woman received a warning about a scam alert and was instructed to call a specific phone number.

After speaking to her grandson's "lawyer" someone came to her house to collect her grandson's "bail" money.

The fire started around 7:30 a.m. at the two-story house on Church Street, as arriving firefighters in below freezing temperatures found fire hydrants frozen.

Investigators were able to make an arrest based on DNA from a cigarette and a can of beer he used during the July assault in her home.

The GoFundMe page has a goal of $100,000 to help Allison Russell and her family with temporary housing and basic needs while insurance is getting sorted out.

One firefighter was hospitalized for a heat-related emergency while fighting the fire in 90+ degree heat and humidity Sunday afternoon.

The man offered the teen money and a ride before driving off.

Pentucket Regional School District Superintendent Justin Bartholomew said the teacher is no longer a substitute teacher in the district.

One firefighter was taken to a hospital while battling the fire on High Street early Saturday morning.