For Immediate Release

Friday, Jan. 27, 2017

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

Methuen Police Charge Juvenile After Pursuit of Stolen Vehicle Through Multiple Communities

METHUEN — Mayor Stephen Zanni and Chief Joseph Solomon report that the Methuen Police Department arrested and charged a teenager after he allegedly led police in multiple communities on a pursuit with a stolen vehicle. Police are now seeking a second suspect, believed to be a juvenile female, who was driving a second stolen vehicle and was part of the chase.

A JUVENILE MALE, AGE 17, OF LAWRENCE will be arraigned in Essex County Juvenile Court on the following charges:

• Operation of a Motor Vehicle without a License
• Failure to Stop for Police
• Leaving the Scene After an Accident with Property Damage
• Reckless Operation of a Motor Vehicle
• Failure to Obey Pavement Markers
• Speeding
• Receiving Stolen Property (Motor Vehicle)
• Disorderly Conduct
• Resisting Arrest

On Thursday at 2:10 p.m., Methuen Police were notified by Dracut Police that they had just terminated a pursuit with two stolen motor vehicles at the Methuen-Dracut line. Officers were told to be on the lookout for a white Toyota Sienna minivan and a white Lexus IS-250. Both motor vehicles had been reported stolen out of Lowell.

Methuen Police soon located the vehicles, which were traveling together, and officers attempted to affect a traffic stop. The drivers refused to stop, and led police on a pursuit that lasted approximately two minutes before officers deployed the Stop Stick brand tire deflation device, which was effective in slowing both vehicles.

The male suspect, operating the Lexus, exited the vehicle near 212 Haverhill St. and tried to run away but was quickly taken into custody by police. The driver of the Toyota, a young female, fled the area. Police are now searching for her.

These are allegations. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty.

###