Chaos at Seekonk Ramada Inn Leads to Police Pursuit, Cruiser Crash, and Gun Charges

SEEKONK (WBSM) — Seekonk Police arrested a Rhode Island man for allegedly possessing a defaced firearm and fleeing from police, among other charges, following an incident that happened at a hotel in town Friday night.

Officers were dispatched to the Ramada Inn at 213 Taunton Avenue on Friday, November 13, at about 6:45 p.m. for a report of a man with a firearm. Police also noted that officers had responded to the same location the night before for a report of an armed robbery, in which the suspect was not found.

Police arrived for the Friday night call and found a man in the rear lot who ignored commands from officers and got into a gray Nissan Pathfinder. He then allegedly drove at officers and struck a marked police cruiser while attempting to flee.

Pursuit Down Route 44 Ends in Rehoboth Crash

Units chased the vehicle down Taunton Avenue (Route 44) before the suspect vehicle entered Rehoboth and crashed in the area of 289 Summer Street. The suspect then fled on foot and was quickly apprehended by Seekonk Police. They searched the area for evidence, but suspended the search due to the nighttime conditions.

Medical Episode and Transfer to Rhode Island Custody

The suspect was identified as Joshua M. Withee, 48, of Woonsocket, R.I. While being booked at Seekonk Police headquarters, police said he experienced a medical episode and was taken to Rhode Island Hospital. Because of the change of jurisdiction, he was then transferred to the custody of Rhode Island State Police and is now being held at the Adult Correctional Facility.

Withee is also wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service for violating federal probation.

Courtesy Seekonk Police

K9 Search Uncovers Handgun and Extensive Charges

Rehoboth Police deployed the K9 Unit on Saturday, November 14 to search the area where Withee had fled for any potential evidence. A handgun was found and taken to Seekonk Police for further processing.

Withee is charged with possession of a large capacity firearm, possession of a firearm with a defaced serial number, failure to stop for police, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, using a motor vehicle in the commission of a felony, assault with a dangerous weapon, resisting arrest, operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license, leaving the scene of property damage, possession with intent to distribute a Class B substance, and assorted traffic violations.

Police said the incident remains under investigation and there may be further charges.