By: Laura Soukkavong
Ashburnham – A failed motor vehicle stop in Orange leads to an arrest in Ashburnham.
The Orange Police Department, on March 3, at approximately 10:30 am, attempted to stop a motor vehicle that was wanted in connection with a robbery. The vehicle had fled from local and state police, last seen in Westminster on Route 140 northbound.
Ashburnham Police located the vehicle at the town line of Winchendon. Officers attempted to stop the vehicle; however, the vehicle continued south on Route 12. As the vehicle continued traveling south on Route 12, the officer deployed stop sticks, which were effective on Lashua Road, to stop the vehicle before it hit the area of Main Street.
The vehicle continued to Main Street, losing control at the intersection of Main and Cushing Street, where it struck several curbs and ran off the road by 85 Main Street, striking and moving two vehicles parked at St. Denis Church. The occupants fled the scene on foot but were apprehended almost immediately by Ashburnham and State Police, one of whom was taken into custody behind a building on the Cushing Academy Campus.
Both occupants were later identified as Echevarria Torres, 42, of Fitchburg, and William De Jese Rodriguez, 37, of Fitchburg. Torres and De Jese Rodriguez are facing motor vehicle and property damage charges in Ashburnham and, in addition, will face charges in other communities. Orange Police later arrived on scene to take custody of both individuals on active warrants.
Westminster, Winchendon, Orange, and State Police all assisted in this incident. One suspect and one officer were transported to a local hospital for minor injuries.
Both suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.