Ashburnham, MA – Two Arrested After High-Speed Chase Ends in Crash on Main St

According to the Ashburnham Police Department, the incident began when a vehicle connected to a reported robbery failed to stop for police in Orange. The vehicle was later spotted traveling northbound on Route 140 in Westminster before entering Ashburnham on Route 12 at a high rate of speed.

Officers attempted to stop the vehicle as it continued through town. Authorities deployed stop sticks near Lashua Road in an effort to prevent the suspects from reaching more heavily traveled areas. Despite this, the vehicle continued southbound toward Main Street.

Police reported that the suspects lost control of the vehicle at the intersection of Main and Cushing streets. The vehicle struck several curbs before leaving the roadway near 85 Main Street, where it hit and displaced two parked vehicles near St. Denis Church.

Both occupants fled the scene on foot but were quickly apprehended by responding officers, including assistance from the Massachusetts State Police. One suspect was taken into custody behind a building on the Cushing Academy campus.

Authorities identified the suspects as 42-year-old Echevarria Torres and 37-year-old William De Jese Rodriguez, both of Fitchburg. Officials confirmed that both individuals also had active arrest warrants.

One suspect and one officer sustained injuries and were transported to a local hospital for evaluation. 

The investigation remains ongoing.

Our thoughts are with those injured as they recover.

After a crash resulting from a police pursuit in Massachusetts, investigators typically conduct a detailed review of both the pursuit and the collision itself. Law enforcement agencies may examine whether proper procedures were followed during the pursuit, including speed, location, and decisions made to protect public safety.

Officers often document the crash scene by photographing vehicle damage, roadway conditions, and any property impacted during the incident. Statements from officers involved, witnesses, and any available video footage, such as dashcams or surveillance cameras, may also be reviewed to understand how the situation unfolded.

Because police chases can involve multiple jurisdictions, several agencies may work together to compile reports and determine potential charges. In addition to criminal charges, suspects may also face civil liability for property damage or injuries caused during the pursuit.

Insurance issues can also arise, especially when parked vehicles or third parties are involved. Vehicle owners whose property was damaged may need to file claims through their own insurance or pursue compensation through legal channels.

Due to the complexity of these incidents, individuals affected by a police chase crash may consider speaking with a lawyer to better understand their rights, how liability is determined, and what steps may be available to recover damages following the incident.

If you’ve been injured in a car crash in Ashburnham or nearby areas, remember you don’t have to figure this out alone. Contact Attorney Christopher Fiorentino at Fiorentino Legal, P.C. to discuss your options with our personal injury lawyer.

A conversation can help you understand your rights, your coverage, and your next steps, so you can focus on healing while someone else focuses on the fight. Call Attorney Christopher Fiorentino at (617) 990-2568 today to schedule a free consultation with our personal injury lawyer.