Braintree Man Charged in High Speed Chase Skips Arraignment

BRAINTREE, MA - A Braintree man who was arrested after a high-speed police chase now has a warrant out for his arrest.

James Deltufo, 57, did not appear at his scheduled arraignment at Quincy District Court Tuesday. He is charged with operating with a revoked license, subsequent offense; failure to stop for police; operating to endanger; leaving the scene of property damage; speeding; marked lanes violation; operating an unregistered vehicle; possession of a Class A substance; mistreating a police dog; malicious destruction of property over $250; and resisting arrest, according to court documents.

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At 9:35 p.m. Sunday night, police in Braintree were notified by the Holbrook Police Department of a vehicle that nearly forced a marked police cruiser off the road and was heading towards Braintree on Route 37. Deltufo allegedly hit speeds of up to 100 mph as he drove from Holbrook to Braintree.

Shortly later, a Braintree resident reported a car crash near the intersection of Liberty and Forests Streets. The car was identified as the one from the pursuit, with Deltufo fleeing.

Police initiated a K9 search, which brought them to a Liberty Street home. The officer announced that he was on the property with a dog that was trained to attack. The K9 was able to located Deltufo hiding in a bush in the home’s backyard.

Deltufo initially fought the dog, holding the K9 as he was suffocating him, according to police. After orders to stop fighting and a brief struggle, Deltufo was arrested, apologized for fighting the police dog, and taken to South Shore Hospital for medical treatment.

Police also confiscated a small amount of heroin.

While at the hospital, Deltufo posted bailed but did not appear at his arraignment. A warrant has been issued for his arrest.