Teenager killed, another injured in crash after alleged store robber fled scene from police

Chief Michael Ricciardelli reports that the Saugus Police Department is investigating with other agencies after a suspect in a convenience store robbery allegedly fled police and caused a head-on crash that killed another motorist.

At 10:49 a.m. today, Saugus Police were dispatched to 7-Eleven, 386 Lincoln Ave., for a report of an unarmed robbery. While en route, a description of the suspect’s vehicle was relayed to officers, and a Saugus Police officer subsequently located the vehicle traveling east on Ballard Street.

The officer then attempted to stop the suspect, who fled and led the officer on a brief pursuit. Police immediately terminated the pursuit when the suspect turned onto Route 107 and began traveling south in the northbound lanes.

Approximately 1/2 mile south, the suspect’s vehicle collided with another vehicle. The operator of that vehicle, a 19-year-old female, succumbed to her injuries at the scene of the crash.

35-year-old William Leger, of Somerville, was arrested on scene and transported to a local hospital with injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening. Charges against him are currently being sought by Massachusetts State Police.

The incident remains under investigation by Massachusetts State Police, Saugus Police and the Essex District Attorney’s Office.