Freetown Police arrested 41-year-old man after chase that occurred in multiple communities

FREETOWN, MA — The Freetown Police Department arrested a Berkley man on Saturday night after a vehicle pursuit that began in East Freetown and continued into the Town of Berkley, ending safely with the driver taken into custody.

According to a statement from Freetown Police, at approximately 8:45 p.m., Freetown officers attempted to stop a motor vehicle on Chace Road in East Freetown. The operator immediately fled at a high rate of speed, refusing to stop for police.

Officers pursued the vehicle as it traveled west on Chace Road, then onto Slab Ridge Road, Elm Street, and North Main Street, continuing northbound toward the Berkley town line.

A Berkley Police officer successfully deployed a tire-deflation device, which the fleeing vehicle struck. The pursuit continued into Berkley, where the suspect’s vehicle ultimately came to a stop at the Berkley Community School. The operator, identified as 41-year-old William A. Silvia, was taken into custody without further incident and transported to the Freetown Police Department for booking.

Silvia was found to have two outstanding warrants issued out of Taunton District Court. He was also charged with:

• Failure to Stop for Police (MGL c. 90 § 25)

• Reckless Operation of a Motor Vehicle (MGL c. 90 § 24)

• Operating a Motor Vehicle with a Suspended License (MGL c. 90 § 23)

• Speeding — 60 mph in a 40 mph zone (MGL c. 90 § 17)

Chief Rose commended the coordinated efforts that led to the safe conclusion of the incident.

“This incident is an example of excellent teamwork among officers and dispatchers from both communities,” Chief Rose said. “The pursuit was handled professionally, with a strong emphasis on public safety, leading to a safe and successful apprehension.”