Wareham Police Chase and Arrest Fall River Man

WAREHAM — Wareham Police arrested a man on Sunday morning after he led officers on a motor vehicle and foot chase.

A Wareham Police Officer observed a white Nissan fail to stop at a red light on Cranberry Highway near the 195 overpass. After attempting to stop the vehicle, the vehicle quickly pulled away, turning into the Walmart parking lot. The Nissan then rammed into a vehicle that was already driving in the lot before turning onto Tobey road where it struck another vehicle.

The Nissan then went towards the center of Wareham taking a right onto Gibbs street. Officers then lost sight of the vehicle, but bystanders were able to help officers locate the Nissan which was unoccupied in a ditch.

Wareham, Marion, and Rochester Police along with the Plymouth County Sheriff's Department began requesting assistance in setting up a perimeter. Wareham Department of Natural Resources officers responded and observed the male along the shoreline of the Blackmere reservoir trying to conceal himself. The officers ordered the man to show his hands and he yelled " I ain't going back to jail", jumped into the water and started to swim towards Hathaway Street.

At 10:51 a.m it was determined that the suspect had returned to the area of Wareham Plaza after officers viewed security video. Officers began looking throughout the plaza for the suspect and entered Shaw's Supermarket. Officers found a person matching the description of the suspect, who had just stolen a T-shirt and put it on before fleeing the store. The man was belligerent and initially refused to be placed int he police cruiser.

Officers were able to arrest Joshua Jenkins, 34, of Fall River and charge him with:

1. 3 Counts of Assault and battery with a deadly weapon.
2. Leaving the scene of a property damage accident.
3. Reckless operation of a motor vehicle.
4. Shoplifting.
5. Resisting Arrest.
6. Disorderly Conduct.
7. Disturbing the Peace.
8. Failure to stop for police.
9. Failure to stop for a light.
10. Marked lanes violation.
11. Failure to use a turn signal.
12. Failure to wear a seatbelt.
13. Speeding.
14. Operating with a suspended driver's license, subsequent offense.

Acting Chief Walcek said, " We had a situation where a suspect was desperate to get away from the police, however because of the tenacity of the officers involved, he was apprehended without any injuries." He added, "Our police department is very appreciative of our mutual-aid partners, who stayed and assisted throughout the incident. In addition, citizens' tips contributed to this positive outcome.