WESTFIELD – A driver who had allegedly stolen a vehicle, failed to stop for police and escaped into the woods in September was finally arraigned in court last week.
Saul J. Santiago-McLeod, 21, of Springfield, was arraigned in Westfield District Court on eight counts: two counts of marked lanes violation (unsafe lane change), negligent operation of motor vehicle/operating to endanger, leaving the scene of property damage, speeding, unlicensed operation of motor vehicle, failing to stop for police and receiving stolen motor vehicle.
He was held in lieu of $3,000 cash bail.
At approximately 9:30 p.m. on September 22, a Westfield police officer witnessed a 2012 Toyota Prius exit McDonald’s and make an unsafe lane change which caused the driver of the other vehicle to slam on its brakes and honk its horn, Westfield Police Capt. Michael McCabe said.
When the officer tried to pull the car over, the driver failed to stop. Meanwhile, police ran the plate and found it was coming back as stolen out of Springfield, according to police logs.
The chase continued for approximately eight miles across Western Avenue onto General Knox Road, according to court records. When the pursuit crossed into Russell, State Police became involved, McCabe said.
The vehicle drove into the woods and crashed into a tree on Route 23 where the driver took off into the woods, according to court documents.
Police were able to apprehend the passenger, Shari O’Brien, 22, of East Longmeadow, after she had also attempted to escape by running into the woods.
Santiago-McLeod was charged via criminal complaint and is due back in court on March 2.
Staff Writer Christine Charnosky can be reached at [email protected]
