WESTFIELD – A driver of a stolen vehicle cut off a car, failed to stop for police, and was able to escape from law enforcement after crashing into the woods in Russell, according to Westfield police.
At approximately 9:30 p.m. Tuesday night, 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 10 miles, McCabe said, across Western Avenue onto General Knox Road and when the pursuit crossed into Russell, State Police became involved.
The vehicle drove into the woods and crashed into a tree on General Knox Road near Route 23, Blandford Road, where the driver took off into the woods.
At this point, police requested a K-9 unit and the assistance of a state police helicopter, which was unable to respond.
Police were able to apprehend the passenger, listed in the police logs as Shari O’Brien, 22, of East Longmeadow.
Police logs list the operator of the stolen vehicle as 21-year-old Saul J. Santiago-McLeod of Springfield.
McCable said the vehicle’s operator will be charged via a criminal complaint on a slew of charges including receiving a stolen motor vehicle, receiving stolen property (property in the car), speeding, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, leaving the scene of property damage (the vehicle), failing to stop for police, lane violation and unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle.
Interstate Towing provided a crane to remove the Prius from the woods before it could be towed from the scene.
Staff Writer Christine Charnosky can be reached at [email protected]
