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Conn. Man Accused of Leading Police on Wild Chase Through Several Mass.Towns

The pursuit ran through Randolph, Brockton and West Bridgewater

A Connecticut man was arrested Tuesday after he allegedly led several police departments on a wild, high-speed car chase through several Massachusetts towns.

Manuel Vidal, 45, of Bridgeport, was arrested after officers were able to put an end to the pursuit.

Police in West Bridgewater, Massachusetts said the trouble began early Tuesday when a dark-colored vehicle allegedly driven by Vidal ran through a traffic light at a high speed and ignored Randolph officers’ attempts to pull him over.

Authorities allege the suspect evaded officers in Randolph, driving at excess speeds and operating the car erratically, at times driving on sidewalks. Vidal allegedly drove at a Randolph police cruiser in an effort to flee officials.

The pursuit continued on Route 28 into Avon, Brockton and West Bridgewater, prompting Brockton and West Bridgewater police to join the chase.

Police said the chase briefly ended in West Bridgewater due to the recklessness of the operation. Minutes later, officers heard on a scanner that Vidal was driving in Whitman and heading toward Brockton. West Bridgewater police reengaged in the pursuit as the suspect headed south toward North Main Street in their town.

Vidal, continuing to drive erratically, turned in and out of parking lots as he tried to return to the roadway. Once back on the road, the suspect allegedly drove toward responding police cruisers.

The suspect’s car eventually spun out of control at a parking lot on 740 North Main St. in West Bridgewater and was ultimately surrounded by police cruisers. Authorities said Vidal drove toward a cruiser as an officer was trying to exit the car.

After failing to comply with officers’ demands to exit his vehicle, Vidal was forcibly removed after police broke his window to gain access. A brief altercation ensued before the suspect was arrested.

Vidal was taken to an area hospital to be treated for minor cuts he received from his window’s broken glass. He was then released to police custody.

The suspect faces charges that include assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, negligent operation of a car, failure to stop for police, marked lanes violation and resisting arrest. 

Police said he was taken to Brockton District Court to answer to charges from West Bridgewater. More charges are expected to follow from other jurisdictions involved in the chase.

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