NORWOOD – A routine traffic enforcement stop early Saturday morning exploded into a sprawling, multi-jurisdictional pursuit involving seven juveniles, two stolen vehicles, and a trail of chaos stretching from Dedham to Foxboro.
The incident, described by Norwood Police Chief Christopher Padden with the adage “Nothing good happens after midnight,” began at approximately 1:50 AM on Route 1 North near Dean Street.
A Norwood Police Officer was conducting stationary traffic enforcement when he observed two vehicles exit the Mobil gas station. The drivers pulled into the southbound lane only to make illegal U-turns at the Dean Street intersection to head north.
When this officer activated his emergency lights to initiate a stop, both vehicles refused to yield, fleeing at high speeds.
Another officer, positioned further north, quickly intercepted the vehicles. A license plate check revealed that one vehicle, an Infiniti SUV, was stolen. Almost simultaneously, dispatch received a report that the second vehicle, a red Lincoln, had just been stolen from Pleasant Street in Norwood. Police also learned both vehicles had been involved in a shoplifting incident at the Mobil station moments prior.
The pursuit intensified as the suspects sped northbound through Westwood and into Dedham. Dedham Police assumed primary control of the chase, allowing Norwood units to fall back.
The chase for the Infiniti SUV ended abruptly when it crashed at the intersection of Boston-Providence Highway and Washington Street in Dedham. Three occupants fled on foot where two juvenile females were located near Lowe’s Home Improvement store. A third passenger was detained at the crash scene with injuries, however the driver of the SUV managed to escape and remains at large.
While authorities were securing the crash site in Dedham, the stolen red Lincoln reappeared, heading southbound on Route 1. A Westwood officer initiated a pursuit back toward Norwood but lost visual contact.
A Norwood Officer, monitoring the situation from Pendergast Circle, spotted the Lincoln traveling at a high rate of speed on the nearly empty highway. He maintained visual contact until the vehicle crossed the Walpole–Foxboro line.
Foxboro Police took a static position and successfully deployed spike strips (a pursuit intervention technique) several miles south on Route 1. The Lincoln continued briefly on deflated tires before crashing into a guardrail.
Norwood officers responded to the scene where all occupants were detained. The juvenile occupants of this vehicle were transported to Sturdy Memorial Hospital for evaluation. Following medical clearance, the driver was transported to the Norwood Police Department for booking.
The identity of the suspects will not be released since they’re juveniles. However, it’s important to note their ages ranged from 13 to 15 years old; four were females and three were males; and all but one are residents of Boston (the other being from Worcester).
Norwood Police Chief Chris Padden issued a statement highlighting the danger of the overnight shift during the holiday weekend and praising the “exceptional cooperation” of regional partners.
“Their coordinated response, communication, and willingness to step in at critical moments were instrumental in safely apprehending all suspects and protecting the public.”
The Norwood Police Department extended formal thanks to the Dedham, Westwood, Walpole, and Foxboro Police Departments, as well as the Massachusetts State Police, for their assistance in bringing the chaotic night to a safe conclusion. -RD
