EAST PROVIDENCE — Chief Michael Rapoza reports that the East Providence Police Department arrested a Fall River man Thursday after he fled from police and struck three vehicles.
At just before 5:15 p.m., East Providence Police were notified that a white BMW fleeing police in Massachusetts had entered the City from Seekonk. Massachusetts State Police also advised that the driver might be armed.
Officers located the BMW traveling at a high rate of speed on Waterman Avenue while nearly striking several police cruisers and other vehicles on the roadway.
Officers attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver traveled into oncoming traffic and failed to stop for police before striking an occupied vehicle and two parked vehicles near 478 Waterman Ave. The driver then fled on foot.
The adult operator and juvenile passenger in the occupied vehicle that was struck were both transported to the hospital for treatment of injuries that appeared to be minor.
Officers established a perimeter and began searching for the suspect, including with assistance from K-9 and drone units.
During the search, officers learned that the suspect had entered another vehicle last seen traveling on Charles Street. Officers located that vehicle on North County Street and conducted a traffic stop. The suspect again fled on foot.
Following a brief foot pursuit, an officer deployed a Taser, and police took 28-year-old Dion Tavarez-Leonirio into custody. He was transported to Rhode Island Hospital for evaluation and treatment.
Seekonk Police, Rhode Island State Police and the East Providence Fire Department assisted.
Tavarez-Leonirio was arrested and will be charged with Duty to Stop in Accidents Resulting in Personal Injury (Two Counts), Reckless Driving/Eluding Police, Obstructing an Officer in the Execution of Duty, and Resisting Arrest.
He also received multiple traffic citations and will face additional charges in Massachusetts.
“Our officers did a great job managing a dangerous situation and taking the suspect into custody,” Chief Rapoza said. “We’re grateful that no one suffered serious injuries, and I thank the responding agencies for helping our officers bring this incident to a safe conclusion.”
