ASHBURNHAM — A stolen vehicle pursuit spanning several towns ended with the apprehension of an unidentified suspect in Fitchburg after a two-hour manhunt involving multiple police departments and state police air support.
The Ashburnham Police Department reported that at about 5:45 p.m., a vehicle reported stolen from Princeton was spotted driving erratically on Rt 12 in Westminster.
The vehicle is said to have hit at least one other car in Ashburnham before crashing behind a Main Street residence.
The driver then fled on foot, and in an attempt to elude capture, stole a bicycle from a local business owner.
Despite being sighted by residents and police throughout the Central/Puffer/Fairview Ave and Willard Rd areas, the suspect managed to evade capture for roughly two hours, thanks in part to the densely wooded terrain.
Assistance from Westminster, Winchendon, Fitchburg, Gardner Police Departments, K-9 units, and Massachusetts State Police was deployed in the search for the suspect.
After reaching Cashman Hill Road, the individual stole another vehicle and escaped Ashburnham, only to crash in Fitchburg, where law enforcement officials were able to take the suspect into custody.
Following the arrest, the suspect was transported to a hospital for evaluation.
No injuries were reported from any of the incidents.
Criminal charges are anticipated to be filed by the Princeton, Ashburnham, and Fitchburg Police Departments pending positive identification of the suspect.
