Juvenile Dirt Bike Chase Halts MBTA Train in Freetown

FREETOWN (WBSM) — Freetown Police arrested a juvenile earlier today who was allegedly driving a dirt bike illegally on the road and fled from police and onto MBTA property as a train was approaching.

Police Response and Pursuit

According to Freetown Police Lt. Benjamin A. Levesque, officers attempted to conduct a motor vehicle stop at about 1:30 p.m. of an unregistered dirt bike on East Howland Road. The dirt bike, which had no license plates, was observed traveling at about 60 miles per hour in a posted 35 mph zone, Levesque said.

The dirt bike then approached the Chace Road railroad crossing, which had its warning lights and safety arms activated for a passing MBTA train. Levesque said the operator of the dirt bike then turned south on the railroad right-of-way, riding along the tracks as the train passed.

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Foot Chase Ensues

Levesque said all train traffic was placed on hold while an officer pursued the dirt bike operator on foot. Additional Freetown officers responded and searched the area, finding the suspect on an adjacent trail and taking them into custody without incident.

Charges Filed Against Juvenile

The juvenile, who is not being identified due to their age, was arrested on charges of reckless operation of a motor vehicle, failure to stop for police, unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, operating an uninsured and unregistered motor vehicle, speeding, stop sign violation, marked lanes violation and trespassing on railroad property.

The juvenile is scheduled to appear in Fall River Juvenile Court tomorrow.