CHELMSFORD — Chief Colin Spence reports that the Chelmsford Police Department arrested a Pepperell man after the suspect, while driving with a suspended license and no insurance, drove recklessly and damaged property.
On Friday, Aug. 16, shortly before 6:30 p.m., a Chelmsford Police Officer observed a 2011 Honda Accord traveling on Riverneck Road. A check of the vehicle revealed that the license plates attached to the Honda actually belonged to a 2006 Toyota Sienna. The officer attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver fled.
The vehicle passed a second Chelmsford police cruiser, operated by a sergeant. Both officers attempted to catch up with the vehicle, and as they got closer, they observed that 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. The driver made a U-turn from the ramp back onto the roadway, then passed 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.
At this time, a second Chelmsford Police sergeant, monitoring the situation, made the decision to terminate the pursuit, consistent with department policy to avoid high danger pursuits.
The last known location of the vehicle was radioed to police in the area.
Chelmsford Police tracked the license plate used on the Honda to a Pepperell resident. Chelmsford Police contacted Pepperell Police, and a Pepperell Police detective indicated that he believed the department was familiar with the suspected motorist.
Pepperell and Chelmsford detectives arrived at the residence in Pepperell, where the damaged Honda was parked. The suspect, identified as JOHN BOUALAPHANH, AGE 31, OF PEPPERELLwas arrested without incident.
BOUALAPHANH was charged with:
- 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
- Leaving the Scene of a Crash Involving Property Damage (two counts)
- Reckless Operation of a Motor Vehicle
- Attaching Plates
Additionally, he will be cited for multiple other traffic violations related to the incident.
BOUALAPHANH was booked by courtesy at the Pepperell Police Department. He was held pending a bail hearing and will likely be arraigned Monday at Lowell District Court.
These are allegations. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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