Westport and New Bedford residents arrested after high-speed chase on Interstate 195

(Wareham, MA) – Two people were arrested this week after a local high-speed chase.

According to police, on Tuesday at approximately 11:15 p.m., a Wareham officer conducted a motor vehicle stop with a blue sedan on Onset Avenue. The female operator, 24-year-old Inasia Louis-Charles of Westport, was nervous during her interactions with officers. The passenger of the vehicle was identified as 28-year-old Lashii Ortiz of New Bedford, who had an outstanding arrest warrant out of Wareham District Court for Armed Home Invasion, Felony use of a Firearm, and Armed Assault in a Dwelling with a Firearm. The warrant was from an incident that occurred in Wareham, MA on October 31, 2023.

The sedan took off at a high rate of speed, and led officers onto Cranberry Highway, Route 25, and Interstate 195 westbound and hitting estimated speeds of over 100 MPH. Marion officers were able to successfully deploy “Stop Sticks” (tire deflation devices) as the blue sedan entered Marion on Interstate 195 westbound. Ortiz fled from the vehicle and ran into woods along the highway. Wareham officers with the assistance of the Marion Police Department, Mattapoisett Police Department, The Plymouth County Sheriff’s Department, and the Massachusetts State Police, located Ortiz and placed in him custody. Louis-Charles was placed in custody on scene.

Ortiz was placed in custody on the outstanding warrant.

Louis-Charles was charged with Failure to stop for police, Negligent Operation, and numerous other motor vehicle offenses.

Ortiz was arraigned at Wareham District 4th Court on Wednesday.

Chief Walter Correia credited the teamwork and inter-agency coordination which resulted in the arrests.