EASTHAM — A local man was arrested Friday after leading police on a high-speed chase and threatening officers with a knife during a two-hour standoff at his residence.
James Souza of Eastham was clocked driving 98 mph on Route 6 near Kingsbury Beach Road at approximately 11:50 a.m., according to the Eastham Police Department.
Officer Stephen Brown recognized the gray Chevrolet pickup truck and knew Souza did not have an active driver’s license due to previous encounters with police for operating with a suspended license.
When Brown attempted to stop the vehicle, Souza turned onto Salt Pond Road and continued at high speed.
Brown discontinued the pursuit after a short distance for safety reasons.
Officers later responded to Souza’s residence and located the pickup truck in the driveway.
While officers were examining the vehicle and arranging for it to be towed, Souza exited his home armed with a knife and threatened the officers and tow truck operators before retreating inside.
Police established a perimeter around the residence and called in command staff and the Cape Cod Regional SWAT Team.
Officers communicated with Souza through an open window, eventually joined by a crisis negotiator from the Cape Cod Regional Law Enforcement Council.
After nearly two hours of negotiations, Souza exited the residence unarmed and was taken into custody without further incident.
Souza faces charges including five counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, speeding, operating after suspension, failure to stop for police, reckless operation of a motor vehicle and other motor vehicle-related charges.
The Orleans and Wellfleet police departments and Eastham Fire Department assisted at the scene.
