Troopers arrest two, one trooper crashes involving MA, RI pursuits

At about 3:42 pm Friday, a Massachusetts State Trooper on patrol on Route 1 southbound in that town observed a white Toyota Avalon possibly connected to two prior armed bank robberies in southeastern Massachusetts. Information indicated the two suspects in the car were possibly armed.

Trooper Michael Clement attempted to stop the car, but the driver fled at a high speed. Troop H Headquarters authorized pursuit of the vehicle.

The suspect vehicle continued at a high rate of speed onto Route 495 southbound and then onto Route 95 southbound. The suspects exited the highway at Exit 5 (Route 152) and then crashed when they tried to change direction and get back onto 95 south. The two suspects exited the vehicle and fled into the woods. Troopers apprehended one suspect, the passenger, a male identified as DONG LEE, 48, of Providence. LEE suffered minor injuries from the crash and was taken to Norwood Hospital for treatment. He was brought back to the Foxboro Barracks and charged with receiving stolen property, receiving a stolen motor vehicle, and a warrant.

At 3:56 pm the second suspect stole a Honda Civic from a Gulf Station in North Attleboro. Police broadcast a description of the vehicle. At about 4:03 pm Trooper Michael Ferrari observed the stolen Civic traveling on Route 1 southbound at Route 295 in North Attleboro. The vehicle again failed to stop as cruisers pursued it on Route 1.

In his continuing attempt to evade capture, the suspect entered the opposite side of the road and drove against traffic, going south on the northbound side, toward the Rhode Island border. The fleeing suspect eventually crashed at the state line. Troopers converged on him. In order to apprehend the suspect, one of the responding troopers was required to deploy his electronic control weapon. The suspect, identified as CHARLES WHEELER, 47, of Weymouth, was taken into custody and brought to the barracks. He was also booked on charges of receiving stolen property, receiving a stolen motor vehicle, and a warrant

The investigation into the suspects is ongoing and both are expected to face additional charges.

One of the cruisers involved in the pursuit of the second suspect was involved in a crash with another vehicle on Route 1 at Cumberland Avenue in Attleboro. That Trooper was transported to Sturdy Hospital with minor injuries.