Georgetown Police Arrest Alleged Drug Dealer Earlier This Week After Chase Through Several Communities

For Immediate Release
Saturday, Dec. 6, 2014

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Georgetown Police Arrest Alleged Drug Dealer Earlier This Week After Chase Through Several Communities

GEORGETOWN — Police Chief Donald Cudmore reports that the Georgetown Police Department arrested an alleged drug dealer after he led police on a pursue through several communities.

JORGE WILFREDO GONZALEZ, AGE 23, OF LAWRENCE, was arrested around noontime on Tuesday after running into Georgetown, attempting to flee police on foot through the woods off of Route 133 in Boxford after he crashed his car into a utility pole just south of Pine Plain Road, following a high-speed pursuit through three communities.

GONZALEZ was charged with:

• Failure to Stop for Police
• Operating As To Endanger
• Left of Way
• Speeding
• Operating with a Suspended License
• Possession of Class A, B, and D substances with Intent to Distribute 

GONZALEZ allegedly sped recklessly through the communities of Haverhill, Groveland and Georgetown in his 2014 Ford Taurus after an attempted traffic stop in Haverhill. His run came to an end, however, when he began driving into Boxford along Route 133 and crashed into a utility pole.

Police confirmed the substances possessed by GONZALEZ as heroin, cocaine, and marijuana, respectively.

The suspect was first transferred to Lawrence General Hospital for the treatment of minor injuries and released back into the custody of the GPD a few hours later. He was arraigned at Haverhill District Court on Wednesday, Dec. 3. Questions about future court dates should be directed to the Essex District Attorney’s Office.

Georgetown Police Officer Derek Jones initially attempted to pursue GONZALEZ after spotting his vehicle along Route 133, but broke off due to the driver’s erratic operation. Officer Jones witnessed the crash moments later and, upon approaching the vehicle, saw GONZALEZ attempt to escape on foot into the nearby woods. He chased after GONZALEZ and was able to subdue him following a brief struggle.

Neither GONZALEZ nor Officer Jones sustained any injuries during the confrontation.

Chief Cudmore praised the actions of Officer Jones for both breaking off when the chase may have put innocent people at risk and for later taking the suspect into custody.

“Officer Jones was able to take the individual into custody without incident and without anyone being injured,” Chief Cudmore said. “Clearly this was a dangerous situation, with an individual who showed he was willing to put innocent people in harm’s way.”

Route 133 had to be temporarily closed for the cleanup and repair of the damaged pole.

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