A Pepperell, Massachusetts, man was arrested following a police chase Friday in which he allegedly crashed into a Chelmsford cemetery and knocked down a "Wrong Way" sign on Interstate 495.
Chelmsford police say 31-year-old John Boualaphanh is facing several charges after the ordeal, including failure to stop for police; operation of a motor vehicle with a suspended license (subsequent offense); operation of a motor vehicle with a suspended registration; uninsured motor vehicle; two counts of leaving the scene of a crash involving property damage; reckless operation of a motor vehicle; and attaching plates.
STAY IN THE KNOW
 |
Watch NBC10 Boston news for free, 24/7, wherever you are. |
 |
Get Boston local news, weather forecasts, lifestyle and entertainment stories to your inbox. Sign up for NBC Boston’s newsletters. |
According to police, a Chelmsford officer first saw a Honda Accord traveling on Riverneck Road around 6:30 p.m. and discovered that the license plates on the Honda actually belonged to a Toyota Sienna.
The officer attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver fled, police said.
Get top local stories in Boston delivered to you every morning. Sign up for NBC Boston's News Headlines newsletter.
A second Chelmsford officer became involved with the pursuit, and as they got closer, police say they saw the vehicle had spun wildly and crashed into a metal fence at nearby St. Joseph's Cemetery.
The vehicle continued, eventually reaching the I-495 onramp on Chelmsford Street, where the driver allegedly made a U-turn from the ramp back onto the roadway, passing multiple vehicles, running a stop sign on Fletcher Street and then turning onto the I-495 south onramp on North Road.
The vehicle then crossed the grassy median and knocked down a Massachusetts Department of Transportation "Wrong Way" sign, also damaging the vehicle's front-end and bumper, police said.
Local
In-depth news coverage of the Greater Boston Area.
A Chelmsford Police sergeant monitoring the situation made the decision to end the pursuit -- consistent with department policy to avoid high danger pursuits -- and the last known location of the vehicle was radioed to police in the area.
Police say they tracked the license plate used on the Honda to a Pepperell resident.
Chelmsford and Pepperell detectives went to the home, where they found the damaged Honda parked. Boualaphanh was arrested without incident, police said.
Boualaphanh faced a judge Monday for a bail hearing. He's due back in court next month. Further details, including attorney information, was not immediately available.
