Nathan LeBlanc
WESTFIELD – Two men are being held after giving police and residents a scare when they evaded police in a stolen car.
The officers drew their weapons as they approached the vehicle that had been evading police first in Southwick and then in Westfield on January 16.
Westfield Police Capt. Michael McCabe said, “After chasing two males all over in a stolen motor vehicle, you have no idea what might happen when you pull the car over.”
“The officers needed to protect themselves,” McCabe said about the officers approaching the vehicle with their sidearms drawn.
Neighbors were a little shaken up watching the traffic stop unfold.
Westfield police became involved in the pursuit at 4:15 p.m. Saturday afternoon to assist Southwick police stop a driver and passenger in a stolen vehicle.
Officers took over the pursuit from Southwick police when the suspects entered Westfield via Route 10 and 202 (Southwick Road), according to court logs.
The grey Toyota Scion, which come back with a status of “active/stolen,” was stopped on Route 187 (Little River Road) shortly before 4:30 p.m.
The passenger, Richard R. Adams, 19, of 524 Armory St., Springfield, was arrested on an outstanding warrant and receiving a stolen motor vehicle.
During his arrest, Adams told police he was aware that the vehicle he was in had been stolen, according to court logs.
The driver, Nathan P. LeBlanc, 20, of 300 E. Main St., Chicopee, was arrested on an outstanding warrant and the following 10 charges: receiving stolen motor vehicle, speeding, failing to stop for police, red light violation, stop sign violation, failing to use turn signal, marked lanes violation, operating to endanger, unlicensed operation of motor vehicle and possession to distribute counterfeit drug (Class B – LSD), according to police logs and court records.
LeBlanc allegedly told police, “anyone would have done the same thing (eluding to try to escape the police) if they were in the same predicament as I am, having a stolen motor vehicle and warrants,” according to Officer Jason Williams’ statement of facts.
While LeBlanc was being booked, police found 18 does of tinfoil packages which appeared to be LSD acid in the insole of LeBlanc’s shoe.
LeBlanc said they were “fake acid,” and the drugs tested negative for LSD acid, so he was charged with possession to distribute counterfeit drug (Class B – LSD), according to police logs.
Adams was held in lieu of $500 cash bail while LeBlanc was held in lieu of $2,000 cash bail after they were arraigned in Westfield District Court on Tuesday, January 19.
The two defendants are due back in court on February 24.
Staff Writer Christine Charnosky can be reached at [email protected]
