LAWRENCE — Two men were arrested this morning in Lawrence after a chase that began when a state trooper was hit in the arm by a car as its driver fled a traffic stop on Interstate 93.
The driver was identified in a police report as Juan Delacruz of Lawrence. He faces a laundry list of charges, including failing to stop for poice, negligent driving and speeding. His passenger, Rudy Arias Almonte, also of Lawrence, was charged with disorderly conduct.
Both were being arraigned in Lawrence District Court today.
The chase began shortly after 5:30 a.m. when a rented Mercedes Benz with two occupants fled north on I-93 North after being stopped in Woburn. The trooper had pulled the car over, but it suddenly sped away when the trooper got out of his cruiser and approached the car.
Troopers from Troop A pursued the car from I-93 to I-95 North, then Route 28 South, through Stoneham, Reading, North Reading and Andover at speeds of 60 to 100 mph, police said. The car was traced to Thrifty Car Rental in Lawrence.
Andover police spotted the car traveling north on Route 28 about 6 a.m.
As the car raced through Lawrence, a police report said, "children were at school bus stops and school buses were on roads."
After police deployed Stop Sticks in Lawrence to deflate the car's tires, the pursuit continued at low speeds through the city until the car was stopped and the two men were arrested on Willard Street, police said.
Looking for Love? Take the Prague Metro
Crews Race to Find Survivors of Okla. Twister
First Person: Baby Falcons on a New York Bridge
Oklahoma: Images of Devastation, Reunion
Reunited Dad, Son: 'We Just Praise God'
Slow Pokes: Acupuncture Helps Sick Turtles
Moore, Okla. City of Reunions, Tears After Storm
Former IRS Chief: Can't Say How List Happened
Gov. Fallin: Okla. Facing Horrific Disaster
Tim Cook Defends Apple's Tax Accounting
AP Photograher: 'It Was a Miracle' They Got Out
Raw: Crews Search for Survivors of Okla. Tornado
Raw: Tearful Reunion After Okla. Tornado
OKC Hospital Describes Treating Tornado Wounded
Obama Pledges Urgent Aid for Tornado Victims
Raw: Massive Funnel Clouds in Oklahoma
