MILFORD, Mass. — A 49-year-old Milford man already wanted on a probation violation connected to an indecent assault and battery case found himself in even deeper legal trouble Tuesday night after police say he was caught driving a stolen vehicle, nearly collided with another car and then took off running from an officer outside a busy shopping plaza.
Edwin Santana, 49, of Milford, was arrested Tuesday, October 27, following a brief foot pursuit near the Target store at 250 Fortune Boulevard. Police say Santana was operating a stolen 2008 gray Toyota Corolla when Officer Austin Chapski of the Milford Police Department’s Patrol Division spotted the vehicle speeding through the parking lot.
The incident began around 6:50 p.m., when Milford police received information about a stolen Toyota Corolla believed to be in town. Just 20 minutes later, at approximately 7:10 p.m., Chapski spotted a gray Corolla traveling at a high rate of speed through the Target parking lot.
According to police, the vehicle nearly collided with another automobile before Chapski confirmed it was the stolen Corolla officers were searching for. The officer initiated a motor vehicle stop, but the situation quickly escalated.
At approximately 7:11 p.m., as Chapski stepped out of his police cruiser, the driver quickly exited the stolen Toyota. Moments later, police say, Santana fled on foot.
Instead of remaining at the vehicle, Santana allegedly attempted to escape the approaching officer, setting off a foot pursuit through the area.
Chapski, with backup units still responding, pursued Santana and took him into custody without further incident. Additional officers and K-9 Ozzy arrived to assist.
The entire sequence, from Chapski first spotting the Corolla to the suspect fleeing, unfolded in approximately one minute, according to the department’s timeline.
But the stolen vehicle was only part of the story.
When officers identified the suspect, they discovered Santana had an active arrest warrant for a probation violation related to indecent assault and battery on a person 14 or older.
That discovery turned what began as a stolen-vehicle investigation into the arrest of a man already wanted by the courts.
Police also alleged Santana was operating the vehicle with a suspended driver’s license and that the violation qualified as a subsequent offense.
The circumstances raise serious public safety concerns. Police reported a vehicle traveling at high speed through a retail parking lot, a near collision with another motorist and a driver who allegedly fled when confronted by law enforcement.
Shopping center parking lots are shared by motorists, pedestrians, employees and families. Speeding through such an environment can create dangerous conditions, particularly during evening shopping hours.
The reported near collision is especially concerning because the incident could have ended very differently had the two vehicles made contact.
The officer’s response also deserves attention.
Chapski was initially alone, with additional officers still on their way, when the driver allegedly abandoned the vehicle and fled. Rather than allowing the suspect to disappear, Chapski pursued him and made the arrest without further incident.
Milford Police Chief Robert Tusino praised the officers involved, emphasizing their handling of the encounter.
“I’d like to commend our officers for their professionalism and restraint in bringing this wanted individual to custody without further incident.” Said Milford Chief of Police Robert Tusino.
The arrest highlights the unpredictable nature of routine patrol work. What began with information about a stolen vehicle developed into a traffic stop, a foot pursuit and the apprehension of an individual with an outstanding warrant.
For the responding officers, the immediate priority was bringing the situation under control without injuries or additional confrontation.
According to the department, that is precisely how the encounter ended.
Santana was held without bail pending arraignment on charges of receiving a stolen motor vehicle, operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license as a subsequent offense, negligent operation of a motor vehicle and resisting arrest.
He also faces the outstanding warrant for a probation violation related to indecent assault and battery on a person over 14.
The probation violation is separate from the new allegations arising from Tuesday night’s incident. Police did not provide additional details about the underlying indecent assault and battery case or the circumstances of the alleged probation violation.
The department also did not report any injuries resulting from the pursuit or arrest.
Santana’s arrest underscores how quickly a stolen-vehicle investigation can develop into a potentially dangerous confrontation. Within minutes of locating the Corolla, an officer was pursuing its driver on foot while additional units rushed to the scene.
For Milford police, the outcome was straightforward: a reported stolen vehicle was located, a wanted individual was apprehended, and the arrest was completed without further incident.
For Santana, the legal consequences could be substantial if the new charges are proven and the court determines that he violated his probation.
The allegations now move into the court system, where prosecutors will have to establish the evidence supporting the new criminal charges.
Santana is presumed innocent of those charges unless and until proven guilty.