Freetown, Lakeville, Berkley, Massachusetts State Police combine to arrest wanted man after police chase, striking multiple cruisers

FREETOWN, MA— Multiple agencies combined to arrest a Massachusetts man after a police chase.

According to Lieutenant Benjamin Levesque, on Wednesday, at approximately 9:30 p.m., Patrolman Kobey Imbert of the Freetown Police Department conducted a motor vehicle stop on Chace Road near Route 140. The operator of the vehicle, a 2019 Toyota Highlander, provided Patrolman Imbert with a false identity linked to an individual with a suspended driver’s license. When additional officers arrived to assist, the operator fled southbound on Route 140 into the City of New Bedford.

The pursuit, which spanned approximately 23 miles, continued through New Bedford and back onto Route 140 northbound, reaching speeds of up to 120 mph. The Lakeville Police Department deployed a tire deflation device, successfully causing the vehicle’s tires to lose air. Despite the deflated tires, the operator continued fleeing northbound. The vehicle struck two Massachusetts State Police cruisers that had joined the pursuit. The operator then lost control, veered off the road, and was taken into custody without further incident.

The operator, identified as James Brownell, 45, of Millbury, MA, was arraigned in Fall River District Court earlier today on charges that include Possession of Class B Substance (Crack Cocaine), Motor Vehicle Operator Refused to Identify Self, Negligent Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Failure to Stop for Police, Operating a Motor Vehicle with a Suspended License, Subsequent Offense, and Speeding at a Rate Greater than the Posted Speed Limit.

At the time of his arrest, Brownell also had outstanding warrants for previous drug, larceny, and motor vehicle offenses out of Worcester and Leominster District Courts.

At Thursday’s arraignment, Brownell pled not guilty and was issued a $3,000 cash bail.

The Freetown Police Department thanked the Massachusetts State Police, Lakeville Police Department, and Berkley Police Department for their valuable assistance in bringing this pursuit to a safe conclusion.