Man Arrested After Multi-State Police Chase with Stolen Car, Intentional Crashes, and Dog Inside
In a dramatic turn of events, a 33-year-old man was arrested on Monday evening after leading police from three different departments on a high-speed chase across several communities. The suspect, identified as Luis Melo from Taunton, Massachusetts, allegedly drove a stolen vehicle with a dog inside that did not belong to him. During the pursuit, Melo intentionally crashed into two police cars, leaving a trail of destruction in his wake.
Authorities revealed that Melo is facing multiple charges, including assault, negligent operation, animal cruelty, and more. Prior to this incident, he was already wanted on charges from Wrentham and Fall River District Courts. The arrest came after Middleborough police spotted a white Infiniti, reported as stolen from Westport, and attempted to initiate a traffic stop. However, Melo refused to comply and fled from the scene.
At one point during the chase, Melo stopped the stolen vehicle to pick up a passenger, later identified as Crystal Metta, a 30-year-old resident of Middleborough. Shortly after, he resumed evading capture, even with a deflated rear left tire caused by a successfully deployed tire deflation device.
The chase spanned several towns, with Melo allegedly intentionally colliding with two police cruisers as he continued to elude authorities. Finally, police were able to apprehend Melo and Metta in the parking lot of a Taco Bell in Raynham. Upon searching the stolen Infiniti, they discovered a small French Bulldog, believed to be unrelated to either suspect.
The dog was taken into custody by Raynham police and transported to the Lakeville Animal Shelter for evaluation. Upon further investigation, Melo was hit with a laundry list of charges, including failure to stop for police, operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license, animal cruelty, and receiving stolen property.
Mello faces similar charges from Middleborough police, including operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, speeding, and failure to stop for police. Taunton police also filed charges against him, such as receiving a stolen motor vehicle, speeding, and leaving the scene of an accident causing property damage.
Notably, Crystal Metta was charged with receiving stolen property over $1,200 by Raynham police. She was also found to have outstanding warrants from Taunton, Wareham, and Attleboro District Courts.
This incident serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by individuals willing to flee from law enforcement and put innocent lives at risk. The joint effort of multiple police departments demonstrates the collaboration necessary to apprehend such individuals and ensure public safety. As the investigation continues, authorities will work to piece together the events leading up to this chaotic multi-state police chase.
In the aftermath of this intense pursuit, the focus now shifts to holding the suspects accountable for their actions and providing the necessary care for the innocent dog caught up in this dangerous situation.
