14-year-old in Mass. leads police on cross-state car chase

Dec 10, 2024 at 10:55 PM
Local News often brings us unexpected and thrilling events. One such incident occurred when a teen led police on a high-speed chase that traversed Vermont, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts. This chase involved not just one but five different police departments, highlighting the complexity and scale of the situation.

Unprecedented Police Chase Across States

Initial Contact and the "Mental Health Emergency"

Just after 7 a.m., police in Hinsdale, New Hampshire, reached out to their counterparts in Brattleboro, Vermont, seeking assistance with a 14-year-old facing a "mental health emergency." This initial contact set in motion a series of events that would lead to a dramatic chase. The fact that a young person was in such a state and took to the roads in a stolen vehicle was a cause for concern.The juvenile's actions not only endangered their own life but also put the lives of law enforcement officers at risk. As police arrived at the teen's house in Hindsdale, the situation quickly escalated.

The Chase Begins and Road Block Attempts

When the juvenile allegedly stole a family member's vehicle and drove off, police immediately set up road blocks along Route 119 at the state line. Their aim was to stop the suspect and prevent further danger. However, the teen showed remarkable determination and managed to drive through a road block. This act demonstrated their willingness to evade capture and continue on their dangerous path.As the chase continued, the teen drove south on Canal Street, with Brattleboro police in hot pursuit. The situation became increasingly tense as the police tried to contain the situation and keep the public safe.

Spike Strips and Property Damage

Police in Bernardston, Massachusetts, were notified of the incident and quickly deployed spike strips on the vehicle. This strategic move was aimed at disabling the car and bringing the chase to an end. The spike strips were successful in impairing the car, but the suspect showed no signs of slowing down.Instead, the teen intentionally caused "significant property damage" while in a parking lot. The images from the chase posted by Bernardston police show the extent of the damage, with tire tracks through grass and a destroyed light fixture. This act of vandalism added another layer of complexity to an already dangerous situation.

Capture and the Involvement of Multiple Departments

Finally, Bernandston police were able to take the teen into custody. This was a relief for the community and the law enforcement agencies involved. Brattleboro police stated that five different police departments were involved in the chase, including the Hinsdale, Brattleboro, Bernardston, Gill, and Greenfield departments. This collaborative effort demonstrated the importance of teamwork in such situations and the commitment of multiple agencies to ensure public safety.An investigation into the pursuit is still ongoing, and the details of what led to the teen's actions are yet to be fully understood. However, this incident serves as a reminder of the challenges that law enforcement faces on a daily basis and the need for continued efforts to address mental health issues and prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.