A wanted Rhode Island man is facing a list of charges after multiple incidents in Bristol County.
According to Seekonk Police, on Friday, at approximately 6:45 p.m., multiple units were dispatched to the Ramada Inn, located at 213 Taunton Avenue, for the report of a man with a firearm.
It should be noted, on the previous evening, Seekonk Police had responded to the same location for the report of an armed robbery – the suspect was not located at that time.
Upon arrival, units encountered a man in the rear lot, who ignored commands from officers and entered a gray colored Nissan Pathfinder. The suspect then drove at officers and struck a marked police cruiser while attempting to escape. A subsequent motor vehicle pursuit occurred on Taunton Avenue (Rt. 44), eastbound. The suspect vehicle entered Rehoboth and ultimately crashed in the area of 289 Summer Street. A foot chase then ensued where 48-year-old Joshua M. Withee of Woonsocket was quickly apprehended by Seekonk Police officers.
A search of the area was conducted for potential evidence, but was later discontinued due to the nighttime conditions.
While undergoing the booking process at Seekonk Police Headquarters, Withee experienced a medical episode and was transported to RI Hospital for further evaluation.
Due to the change in jurisdiction, Withee was transferred to the custody of the RI State Police and is currently being held at the Adult Correctional Institution.
Further information revealed Withee is wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service for an active violation of federal probation, issued on August 16th.
During the daylight hours on Saturday, Rehoboth Police deployed their K9 Unit for a secondary evidence search. The K9 Unit located a loaded firearm in the immediate area where Withee had fled on foot from Seekonk Police the night prior. The handgun was seized and will be transferred to the Seekonk Police Detective Division for further processing.
The incident remains under investigation with the potential of further charges.
Withee is currently facing charges of:
- Possession firearm, large capacity (F)
- Resist arrest (M)
- Possession firearm, defaced serial no. (F)
- Operate MV after suspension (M)
- Failure to stop for police (M)
- Leave the scene of property damage (M)
- Negligent operation of MV (M)
- Drug possession, Class B, for distribution (F)
- Use MV in commission of felony (F)
- Assorted traffic offenses (V)
- Assault with dangerous weapon (F)
