Man with active Fall River warrants arrested after police chase in stolen vehicle hits cruisers, dog recovered

RAYNHAM — Raynham Police Chief James Donovan, Middleborough Police Chief Joseph Perkins and Taunton Police Chief Edward Walsh report that the Raynham, Middleborough and Taunton Police Departments worked collaboratively to arrest two individuals following a vehicle pursuit on Monday evening.

At just after 6:30 p.m., Middleborough Police located a White Infiniti that was reported stolen out of Westport in the area of East Main Street. Middleborough officers activated their cruiser’s emergency lights and attempted to initiate a stop of the vehicle.

After failing to stop for Middleborough Police, officers observed the vehicle, which was later determined to be operated by 33-year-old Luis Melo of Taunton, briefly stop to pick up a passenger in the area of East Main Street before continuing the pursuit. Officers pursued Melo onto Route 44 for a short time before terminating the pursuit and watching as Melo turned onto Route 58. Melo briefly entered the Town of Carver before re-entering into Middleborough. Upon re-entry, officers deployed a tire deflation device in the area of Plymouth Street, deflating the vehicle’s rear left tire.

Melo continued driving with no back tire causing the vehicle to swerve on the road. At this time, Middleborough Police decided to terminate the pursuit out of an abundance of caution. Melo then began to travel into Raynham on Route 44.

Shortly after leaving Middleborough, Raynham Police attempted to use a tire deflation device to stop the car in front of the Ford Dealership on Route 44 but were unsuccessful. Melo then allegedly continued driving on Route 44 with Raynham officers traveling close behind with lights and sirens activated. Raynham Police attempted to use a tire deflation device again and box the car in but were also unsuccessful.

The pursuit continued into Taunton on Route 44, where Taunton Police then assumed control of the vehicle pursuit. Melo allegedly struck a Taunton Police cruiser before re-entering Raynham on Route 138 (Broadway).

While travelling on Route 138, Melo then allegedly intentionally struck a Raynham Police cruiser which was later towed from the scene.

Police then apprehended Melo and his passenger, later identified as 30-year-old Crystal Metta of Middleborough, in the Taco Bell parking lot in Raynham where they were placed under arrest.

During a subsequent search of the vehicle, officers located a small French Bulldog inside the stolen vehicle. Raynham Animal Control transported the dog to the Lakeville Animal Shelter for further evaluation. The dog is not believed to belong to either suspect.

Melo was arrested and charged by Raynham Police with Failure to Stop for Police, Negligent Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Assault and Battery with a Dangerous Weapon (Felony), Failure to Stop/Yield, Marked Lanes Violation, Operating a Motor Vehicle with a Suspended License, Animal Cruelty (Felony), and Receiving Stolen Property over $1,200 (Felony).

He will also be charged by Middleborough Police with Operating a Motor Vehicle with a Suspended License, Negligent Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Failure to Stop for Police, Speeding, Failure to Stop/Yield, Marked Lanes Violation, and Passing Violation.

He will also be charged by Taunton Police with Receiving a Stolen Motor Vehicle, Marked Lanes Violation, Failure to Stop/Yield
Speeding, Operating a Motor Vehicle with a Suspended License, Leaving the Scene of an Accident Causing Property Damage, Negligent Operation of a Motor Vehicle, and Failure to Stop for Police.

Melo also has active warrants out of Fall River District Court and Wrentham District Court.

Metta was arrested and charged by Raynham Police with Receiving Stolen Property over $1,200 (Felony) (Joint Venture).

Metta also has active warrants out of Taunton District Court, Wareham District Court and Attleboro District Court.