New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
At approximately 7 p.m. yesterday Trooper Anthony Lavigne, assigned to State Police Shelburne Falls, was patrolling Route 91 in Greenfield. At that time he observed a gray Kia sedan make numerous marked lanes violations while traveling above the posted speed limit.
He activated his emergency lights and siren signaling the Kia to pull over, however, the vehicle accelerated and failed to stop for Trooper Lavigne. Shortly after the pursuit began Trooper Lavigne terminated. State Police dispatchers advised local police departments in the area of the situation and provided a description of the vehicle in the event they located it.
A short time after the pursuit was terminated members of the Bernardston Police Department contacted State Police dispatchers and advised they located the Kia, unoccupied, crashed into several trees. Multiple cruisers responded to the scene, in addition to K-9 assistance in order to locate the occupants. Approximately one hour later a male, identified as RAPHAEL CRUZ-CRESPO, 25, of New Britain, Conn., and female, IZABELLA MARTIN, 25, of New Britain, Conn., were located barefoot and were confirmed to have been the operator and passenger, respectively, of the Kia. It was discovered on scene that CRUZ-CRESPO had warrants for his arrest in Connecticut.
As the two occupants were located Troopers at the scene of the crash searched the vehicle and located a large bag containing approximately 33 grams of a substance suspected to be powder cocaine and another large bag containing approximately 47 grams of a substance suspected to be crack cocaine. CRUZ-CRESPO and MARTIN were both placed under arrest. They were transported to an area hospital for treatment to their injuries sustained in the crash, where they were also booked. A bail commissioner was contacted who ordered CRUZ-CRESPO to be held without bail and set bail at $3,500 for MARTIN. They were scheduled for arraignment at Greenfield District Court on the following offenses.
CRUZ-CRESPO:
01. Fugitive from Justice;
02. Trafficking in Cocaine, two counts;
03. Conspiracy to Violate Drug Law;
04. Fail to Stop for Police;
05. Negligent Operation of a Motor Vehicle;
06. Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle;
07. Leaving the Scene of Property Damage Crash;
08. Marked Lanes Violation; and
09. Speeding.
MARTIN:
01. Trafficking in Cocaine, two counts; and
02. Conspiracy to Violate Drug Law.
