The search continues for a suspect involved in a police chase through two Massachusetts cities Tuesday as authorities release new details in the investigation.
The situation started around 11:38 a.m. Tuesday when police approached two people inside a car at a McDonald's on Main Street in Haverhill, Massachusetts, according to the Essex County District Attorney's Office. When confronted by police, the driver backed up, smashing into police vehicles, striking an officer and then driving off. During that time a Haverhill police officer fired his gun.
The driver fled, leading Haverhill and later Lawrence police officers on a chase into Lawrence. Mass. State Police said the vehicle was spotted traveling the wrong way down I-495. At some point the suspects abandoned the vehicle, taking off on foot, the DA said.
The driver was taken into custody and later taken to the hospital with injuries. A second person who was in the car has not been located.
The driver, identified as 26-year-old Christopher Roque-Joaquin of Lawrence, was arraigned Wednesday on charges tied to a different case. He was charged on two counts of larceny under $1,200 and attempt to commit crime for allegedly stealing cases of Red Bull from a Market Basket grocery store earlier this year. He was also charged with two counts of being a fugitive from justice due to outstanding warrants in New Hampshire. Those cases concern an alleged theft from a Walmart, and receiving a stolen vehicle.
He was held without bail due to the fugitive from justice charges.
Authorities have not said what led up to the confrontation in Haverhill that set off Tuesday's events.
The Essex County District Attorney's Office and Massachusetts State Police are investigating.
