On Tuesday, April 21st, 2020 at approximately 2:37 pm, Freetown Police assisted MA State Police with a pursuit of a stolen car occupied by 3 suspects into the Assonet Village. During the pursuit, the suspect vehicle lost control at the South Main St / High St intersection causing damages to multiple street signs. The suspect vehicle regained control and came to a stop after striking the last house on The Lane.
Freetown Officer Ryan Pereira detained 2 passengers at the crash scene while a State Trooper pursued the suspected operator on foot into a wooded area. Multiple Freetown Officers and State Troopers developed a security perimeter of the area. Multiple K-9 units were deployed as well as the MA State Police helicopter.
A local citizen who was visiting the Assonet Burial Ground was later approached by the suspected operator who requested a ride away from the scene. After the citizen refused the request, the citizen notified police, provided a description, and observed the the suspect flee back into the woods. Law enforcement officials later located the suspect hiding in a tree. The individual was finally placed into custody.
Joint efforts by multiple law enforcement agencies as well as smart actions by a civilian were critical components of a successful resolution.