Three arrested after vehicle reaches 140 mph on Route 44

Police arrested three men after the vehicle they were reportedly traveling in reached exceptionally high speeds.

According to Sgt. James Casey, at approximately 8:15PM, officers from the Rehoboth Police Department responded to Winthrop Street (Route 44) for a report of a red Jeep Grand Cherokee traveling at an extremely high rate of speed. The vehicle was inbound traveling east on Route 44 from Seekonk.

Casey stated that it was reported that the vehicle was passing other vehicles and causing vehicles traveling westbound to swerve to avoid a head on collision.

Once the vehicle was spotted by officers from Rehoboth, it was determined that the vehicle reached speeds of 140 mph. As the vehicle approached the intersection of Route 44 and Route 118, its speed was 103 mph.

Ptlm. David Aguiar was able to stop all traffic at the intersection and successfully deploy “Stop Sticks” which deflated the tires of the Jeep Grand Cherokee. The vehicle continued traveling eastbound. It made an abrupt left turn at Williams Street and immediately pulled into a driveway. Ptlm. Louis DiBacco, Ptlm. Mark Wetherell and Ptlm. Nicholas Bellavance followed the vehicle into the driveway where it spun out of control.

Three occupants were found in the vehicle and it was initially believed that the operator fled. The occupants were identified as 20-year-old Justin Vargas, 20-year-old Michael Vargas and 27-year-old Narciso Urena all of Queens, NY. All three subjects were initially detained pending the investigation. Sgt. Fundakowski began a search for the operator and the Massachusetts State Police Air Wing also responded to assist with the search.

Casey went on to say that during an inventory of the vehicle, officers located items in the vehicle known to be utilized in the theft of motor vehicle parts (particularly catalytic converters). During this inventory Ptlm. Mark Wetherell illuminated the driver’s seat and noticed a shoe impression on the driver’s seat. This indicated that the operator switched seats. It was then determined that Justin Vargas was the operator of the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

All three men were taken into custody and transported to the Rehoboth Police Station. They were booked and bail was set for all three. They were unable to make bail and were transported to the New Bedford House of Corrections.

All three are being charged with possession of a burglarious instrument. Justin Vargas is also being charged with Failure to stop for police and Reckless operation of a motor vehicle.