NORTHBOROUGH, Mass. – Law enforcement officers engaged in a high-speed pursuit on Monday afternoon involving a stolen vehicle across multiple highways in Massachusetts. State Police spokesperson Dave Procopio disclosed that the pursuit began after the stolen 2022 Lexus IS was spotted in Ashland by the Massachusetts State Police Air Wing. The vehicle, which had evaded capture by other police departments previously, was tracked as it raced through Route 9 in Southborough and Westborough before entering Interstate 495 northbound.
Observers witnessed the white Lexus barreling through traffic at dangerously high speeds, with noticeable damage to the vehicle such as a missing tire and a flapping rear bumper. After a series of erratic maneuvers, including driving in the wrong direction and striking a tire deflation device on I-290, the pursuit culminated in a dramatic crash on I-290 near Green Street in Northborough.
The owner of the stolen Lexus expressed distress over the incident, revealing that the vehicle was taken from his home in Peabody overnight. Despite the emotional setback of seeing his cherished possession severely damaged, he expressed gratitude that no serious injuries occurred during the pursuit. Three suspects were apprehended at the scene, with two individuals requiring medical treatment for unspecified injuries.
Former Boston Police Commissioner William Evans weighed in on the pursuit, emphasizing the importance of considering the severity of the crime and potential dangers when deciding to engage in high-speed chases. He underscored the need to prioritize public safety and minimize risks to innocent bystanders when pursuing suspects. Notably, the Massachusetts State Police maintains a stringent pursuit policy, overseen by commissioned officers who assess and control pursuits in real-time based on various factors like speed, traffic conditions, and surrounding population density.
As details of the pursuit and capture unfolded, it became apparent that the stolen vehicle’s escapade involved stops in Rhode Island communities before its dramatic encounter with law enforcement in Massachusetts. The incident serves as a reminder of the complexities and risks involved in law enforcement pursuits, prompting discussions on the balance between apprehending suspects and safeguarding public well-being.