| NEWBURYPORT — City Marshal Mark Murray reports that the Newburyport Police Department arrested two motorcyclists after, as part of a larger group, they refused to stop for police on Friday evening.
As a result, CLIFFORD M. JONES JR., AGE 27, OF HAVERHILL and EDWIN M. MENDEZ, AGE 24, OF HAVERHILL were arrested, and each face a number of charges. JONES was charged with: • Failure to Stop for Police • Reckless Operation of a Motor Vehicle • Leaving the Scene of an Accident with Property Damage • Number Plate Violation/Concealment • Operating an Uninsured Motor Vehicle • Operating an Unregistered Motor Vehicle • Speeding • Marked Lanes Violation MENDEZ is charged with: • Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle • Resisting Arrest • Failure to Stop for Police • • Reckless Operation of a Motor Vehicle • Number Plate Violation/Concealment • Operating an Uninsured Motor Vehicle • Operating an Unregistered Motor Vehicle • Speeding • Marked Lanes Violation At 5:45 Friday, police were dispatched to the area of 551 Merrimac St. for a report of a group of six motorcyclists speeding. A Newburyport Police officer attempted to stop the group, and three of the motorcyclists did stop as other officers, including an off-duty Amesbury Lieuteuant in an unmarked cruiser, activated their emergency lists. However, three operators fled, including the lead motorcycle, operated by MENDEZ. The motorcycles, operated by both suspects and a third operator, sped away at a high rate of speed toward High Street, swerving in and out of traffic and passing motorists on both sides of the road, where other officers joined the pursuit. At the intersection of High Street and Storey Ave., MENDEZ struck a 2011 Infinity sport utility vehicle, bounced off the vehicle and into the opposite travel lane, where he struck a 2005 Toyota Corolla head-on. The impact sent MENDEZ off his bike and onto the street. He attempted to flee on foot but was unable due to injuries he sustained in the crash. He was transported to Anna Jacques Hospital, where he was treated and released last night. JONES continued the pursuit and fled westbound on Ferry Road after striking a 2010 Mercedes Benz. He fled to Curzon Mill Road before fleeing on foot. He was soon captured by Massachusetts State Troopers who had joined the chase. Both suspects told police they panicked because they did not have motorcycle licenses and because their bikes were not registered or insured. “The suspects, by their thoughtless and reckless actions last night caused a considerable disturbance in our community, damaging three other vehicles and putting numerous people in danger,” Marshal Murray said. “We are just grateful that no civilians were hurt before we could capture these individuals.” The third motorcyclist who fled was identified and will be summonsed to court at a later date. These are allegations. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty. ### |
| A Message from the Newburyport Police Department |
