WEYMOUTH, MA — A Brockton man faces multiple charges after allegedly fleeing from police in a stolen vehicle.
James L. Widener Jr., 50, of Brockton, was arrested at approximately 11:57 a.m. June 16 near 39 Washington Street.
Members of the Weymouth Police Department’s Narcotics Unit received a FLOCK License Plate Reader alert at approximately 10:11 a.m. indicating that a red 2008 Chevrolet Equinox, reported stolen out of Salisbury, had entered Weymouth via Thicket Street.
Detectives located the vehicle traveling on Route 18 and attempted to conduct a motor vehicle stop.
The operator refused to stop and fled, entering Route 3 North.
The operator continued to operate recklessly, passing other vehicles in an unsafe manner and creating a significant hazard to motorists, police said.
Detectives observed the vehicle pull off to the side of the road near the Braintree exit and attempt to enter a wooded area.
The operator then abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot.
A coordinated search was immediately initiated involving the Weymouth Police Department, Braintree Police Department and Massachusetts State Police.
Officers utilized drones and the Massachusetts State Police K-9 unit, searching wooded areas and nearby residential neighborhoods.
The suspect was located and taken into custody without incident.
Widener was charged with receiving a stolen motor vehicle, subsequent offense; fail to stop for police; possession of Class B substance; operating a motor vehicle with a revoked license as habitual traffic offender; negligent operation of a motor vehicle; and passing violation.
Widener is being held pending a decision on bail.
