New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
Shortly before 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Massachusetts State Troopers attempted to stop a stolen vehicle related to an earlier Be On the Lookout (BOLO) notification. The vehicle fled the initial stop but was quickly observed merging on to Route 79 northbound. Troopers followed the vehicle for a short time, but disengaged when the vehicle exited the highway on to local roadways.
A Massachusetts State Police Air Wing flight crew, operating in Air 2, responded to provide overflight support and was and able to locate then track the suspect vehicle on Route 24 northbound in the area of Exit 11. After exiting the highway, the vehicle turned onto a loop subdivision in Berkley at which point members of the Berkley Police Department were able to block both exits, trapping the suspect vehicle inside. The three occupants quickly bailed out of the vehicle and were apprehended within a few minutes.
Troopers arrested and charged ALEXIA SPRINGER, 21, of Fall River, and LIJAH FORTES, 27, of Fall River, with Receiving Stolen Motor Vehicle.
The driver, KOBE WEST, 19, of Fall River is charged with:
1. Receiving Stolen Motor Vehicle;
2. Operating a Motor Vehicle with a Revoked Driver’s License;
3. Reckless Operation of a Motor Vehicle;
4. Failure to Stop for Police;
5. Marked Lanes Violation; and
6. Speeding.
WEST was also wanted on five outstanding warrants for his arrest.
