Police arrest 18-year-old, juvenile, on several charges after erratic motorcycle pursuit on Route 18

WHITMAN — Chief Timothy Hanlon reports that the Whitman Police Department arrested two people Wednesday after a pursuit of two motorcycles. The suspects also face gun-related charges.

At 12:05 p.m., Whitman police observed two motorcycles traveling southbound on Bedford Street (Route 18), near the intersection with Joyce Avenue. One of the operators was not wearing a helmet, and police initiated a pursuit.

One of the motorcycle operators, identified as a 15-year-old juvenile from Whitman, weaved his motorcycle back and forth to block the police cruiser. The helmetless operator, identified as 18-year-old Jayden Lepore of Whitman, weaved in and out of traffic while going over the double yellow line. His motorcycle didn’t have a registration plate on it.

A short time later, the juvenile was forced to stop for traffic. A police cruiser then moved ahead of the juvenile’s motorcycle and pursued Lepore. Lepore pulled a black T-shirt over his face to obscure his identity while continuing to operate southbound on Bedford Street at a speed of 55 to 60 miles per hour.

The bike crossed into East Bridgewater and Lepore attempted to make a right-hand turn onto Highland Avenue. While doing so, Lepore lost control of his motorcycle, struck a traffic island and fell from the bike. Police arrested Lepore while he was trying to get back on the motorcycle.

An East Bridgewater officer arrived at the scene and informed Whitman officers that they had seen a similar motorcycle, operated by the juvenile, on Bedford Street. At that time, the juvenile returned to the scene where Lepore had been arrested. The juvenile fled on his motorcycle and ditched it a short distance later on Oak Street. He fled into a wooded area and was captured a short time later by East Bridgewater Police.

Lepore was carrying a fanny pack when he was arrested. When officers searched it, they found what is believed to be a “ghost” gun — a kit-made firearm with no serial number on it — and a Glock magazine capable of carrying 31 9mm rounds.

The suspects were taken into custody and booked at Whitman Police Department headquarters.

Later, the motorcycle the juvenile was operating was determined to be stolen from Lowell, based on motorcycle’s VIN. Lowell Police are being contacted regarding that motorcycle.

Lepore is charged with Unlicensed Carrying of a Firearm, Possession of a Large Capacity Firearm, Possession of a Large Capacity Feeding Device, Possession of Ammunition without an FID Card, Negligent Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Fail to Stop for a Police Officer, Speeding, Marked Lanes Violation, Operating Outside of License Class, Improper Passing, Operating a Motorcycle without a Helmet, and Operating a Motorcycle without Eye Goggles.

The juvenile is charged with Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Operating an as Unregistered Minor, Fail to Stop for a Police Officer, Receiving a Stolen Motor Vehicle, and Use Without Authority.

Whitman Police would like to thank the East Bridgewater Police Department and the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Department for their assistance.

“Our law enforcement officers played a critical role in the apprehension of these suspects,” Chief Hanlon said. “We’re grateful that they were able to assist us in the pursuit and following manhunt.”