For Immediate Release

Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2018

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

Tyngsborough Police Arrest Woman who Allegedly Stole Vehicle and Tried to Escape from Police Custody

TYNGSBOROUGH — Chief Richard D. Howe reports that the Tyngsborough Police Department arrested a woman who allegedly stole a vehicle from outside a residence and later tried to escape from policy custody.

KATIE GAGNE, AGE 29, of NASHUA, N.H. faces the following charges:

• Larceny of a Motor Vehicle (A Felony)
• Resisting Arrest
• Furnishing a False Name or Social Security Number to a Law Enforcement Officer or Official
• Escape from a Municipal Police Lockup

At 12:54 a.m. today, Tyngsborough Police responded to an address on Danforth Road for a report of a stolen vehicle. Officers were advised that a resident noticed that his 2012 Kia Sorento SUV had been stolen and that, since it had been blocked in the driveway by other vehicles, the thief drove over the front lawn to escape.

A responding officer came upon the vehicle on Thorndike Street. Officers conducted a felony stop. An officer approached and saw a woman, later identified as GAGNE behind the wheel. He ordered her to unlock the door, and she refused. GAGNE then allegedly tried to start the vehicle and put it into gear. One of the officers noticed this and alerted the others to the danger, as one of the officers was standing directly in front of the vehicle. Another officer deployed his baton and smashed the passenger window and, with their service weapons drawn, officers ordered GAGNE to keep her hands visible.

GAGNE refused to step out the vehicle and was removed by officers. During this time, she continuously resisted arrest. While detained, officers asked her name and she, at two different times, gave false names to officers.

GAGNE was wearing multiple jackets, men’s jeans, and sneakers on the wrong feet. When officers talked to the owner of the vehicle, he noted that the clothes and the keys to the Kia were located in a truck that was also parked in the same driveway the Kia was taken from.

GAGNE was transported to the Tyngsborough Police Department for booking. Officers were still unaware of her true identity. One false name was given with a Nashua, N.H. address. When Tyngsborough Police attempted to verify GAGNE’S identity, they were informed of a similar encounter with GAGNE last week in that city.

At 9 a.m. GAGNE was being prepared for transport to court and was sitting on a police department bench putting on shoes when she suddenly ran out of the police station. A Tyngsborough Police sergeant gave chase on foot and quickly located and detained her near Westford Road, resulting in the addition of the fourth charge.

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

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