FAIRHAVEN — Police are searching for a 33-year-old man who fled on foot after a high-speed pursuit ended in a crash involving a vehicle carrying multiple occupants Wednesday night.
The incident began at approximately 8:44 p.m. Sept. 30, when Fairhaven police attempted to stop a vehicle near Alden Road and Bridge Street, in the area of AllTrust Bank. According to police, the driver fled north on Alden Road, reaching speeds of up to 70 mph.
Officers eventually lost sight of the vehicle because of its high rate of speed.
The pursuit ended near 288 Alden Road, close to Howland Road, where the fleeing vehicle, identified as an Nissan Altima, crashed into a van carrying multiple occupants, according to information provided by Fairhaven police and reported by WJAR. The crash also involved a utility pole and high-tension wires, and two nearby homes sustained property damage.
The Altima’s driver reportedly fled the crash scene on foot, leaving three passengers behind.
The three passengers in the Altima suffered non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to St. Luke’s Hospital, according to police. The driver of the other vehicle was also taken to St. Luke’s with minor injuries. At least three ambulances responded to the scene, with a total of four patients transported.
A police drone search remained active at approximately 10:17 p.m. as officers continued looking for the fleeing driver.
The suspect was described as a 33-year-old white male with a full beard. Police radio traffic monitored during the search characterized the man as potentially armed and referenced an extensive criminal history, including a reported 10-year prison sentence for armed robbery and accessory to murder. However, Fairhaven police later told WJAR that there was no indication the suspect was armed and that no weapon was involved in the incident. Police also said there was no current threat to the public.
As of noon Thursday, the driver had not been located, and the investigation remained ongoing.
The initial report on the incident was provided by ML Baron, with additional information reported by WJAR and statements from the Fairhaven Police Department.
Anyone with information that could assist investigators is encouraged to contact the Fairhaven Police Department.
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