A suspect was arrested in Lynnfield following a high-speed chase that began with a suspected break-in attempt at a Billerica storage facility, according to a press release from the Massachusetts State Police.
State troopers apprehended Alexander Encarnacion, 29, of Providence, R.I., after a pursuit that lasted more than an hour.
The incident began at around 10:30 p.m. last Monday, when the Billerica Police Department alerted State Police about a 2008 Ford Econoline U-Haul van being pursued from local roads onto Route 3 South. The van’s occupant and accomplices in a sedan were allegedly involved in an attempted break-in at the storage facility, the facility’s manager said.
Billerica Police initiated the pursuit, with the van and sedan speeding away. According to State Police, the sedan was not pursued.
As the suspect in the U-Haul van fled, Billerica and State Police cruisers gave chase, eventually reaching Interstate 95 North. The pursuing trooper noted that the van’s rear license plate was covered and the suspect was wearing an orange ski mask. State Police said that despite efforts to stop the vehicle using a tire-deflation device, the suspect continued to flee.
At approximately 10:45 p.m., the suspect vehicle exited I-95 North at Exit 59 in Lynnfield, colliding with an unoccupied Lynnfield Police cruiser near Summer Street. The suspect fled on foot, prompting a search by State Police troopers and Lynnfield Police.
At around 11:45 p.m., State Police K9 Unit Trooper Christina Cavagnaro and her assigned K9, Thor, apprehended Encarnacion on Lincoln Avenue in Lynnfield.
Encarnacion was transported to Lahey Hospital and Medical Center in Peabody for treatment of bite injuries sustained when he was apprehended by the K9. Following his release from the hospital, he was booked at the State Police Danvers Barracks on multiple charges, including negligent operation of a motor vehicle, leaving the scene of a crash, resisting arrest, disorderly conduct, failure to stop for police, marked lanes violation, speeding, and improper operation of a motor vehicle.
