High-Speed Chase Ends With Crash, K-9 Tackle In West Bridgewater
WEST BRIDGEWATER (CBS) -- A man involved in a high-speed state police chase on Route 24 South Friday afternoon was taken down by a police dog behind a Park-and-Ride in West Bridgewater.
The chase started shortly before 2 p.m. in the Boston area after Boston police ran the plates of the suspect's pickup truck and found he was wanted for armed robbery. State police identified the suspect as William Monopoli, 26, of Boston. Monopoli took off and Boston police started chasing him. As the truck got onto I93 South, officers stopped and state police picked up the pursuit.
WBZ-TV's Jonathan Elias reports on the chase
State police continued the chase onto I95 and then Route 24, at points, the chase reached speeds above 80 miles an hour. Police say Monopoli tried to ram several cruisers on that stretch of road. Eventually, Monopoli got off an exit for Route 106 West. One other vehicle was hit during the pursuit. After getting off on the exit his truck crashed and the suspect got out and started running.
WEB EXTRA: Watch raw video of the chase
Trooper Timothy Blackwell and his K-9 partner Jager caught up with him. Jager tackled him with officers placing him in handcuffs.
Related: About the K-9 Unit
While the pick up truck was on Route 24 he could be seen swerving between lanes and passing several dozen other vehicles, including many school buses.
State police say Monopoli was wanted on several warrants for armed robbery. They also say he was high on heroin during the chase.
Monopoli was arrested in Brevard County, Florida in 2006 on several outstanding warrants out of Massachusetts and Virginia.
Those charges include battery on a law enforcement officer, vehicle theft, and fugitive from justice.
WBZ-TV's Diana Perez has more on the chase and the driver
According to records in Stafford County, Virginia, Monopoli was arrested there in 2008. He was sentenced to 10 years with all but six months suspended and indefinite probation with supervision.
