Crime & Safety

Police Capture Bank Robbery Suspect on Tip from Billerica Police

Suspect was captured after pursuit that ended in Bedford.

The Chelmsford Police Department, acting on information provided by the Billerica Police Department, Thursday located and apprehended a dangerous bank robbery suspect after a pursuit that ended in the town of Bedford, according to Police Chief James M. Spinney.

On Thursday morning, Chelmsford Police Department Criminal Division Detectives, acting on information developed by the Billerica Police Department, tracked the suspect in Wednesday’s robbery of the Chelmsford Citizen’s Bank to a location in Nashua, N.H. While en route to Nashua, Chelmsford Police Inspector Jeff Blodgett recognized the suspect’s vehicle traveling on Rte. 3 in Chelmsford and began to follow.

Patrol officers, in marked police vehicles, attempted a traffic stop of the vehicle, but the operator sped away, leading officers on a pursuit.

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The operator refused to stop, leading police on a high speed pursuit before the operator lost control of his vehicle and crashed into a tree on Middlesex Turnpike in Bedford, just over the Billerica line.

The operator, identified as Jason Jewett, 38, of Littleton, was seriously injured in the crash. He is currently being treated for non life-threatening injuries at an area hospital.

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Jewett faces a number of charges including Operating a Motor Vehicle after License Revocation, Operating to Endanger, Failure to Stop for Law Enforcement, and Marked Lanes Violations. The investigation is ongoing and charges related to the bank robbery are still pending.

Chief Spinney notes the strong partnership between the Chemsford and Billerica Police Departments and the teamwork by detectives from both departments directly led to the identification and ultimate apprehension of this dangerous suspect.

“I am proud to have such strong working partnerships with our neighbors, and I want to thank the Billerica Police Department for their assistance in locating and capturing this suspect,” Chief Spinney said. “This suspect was desperate to get away, but a careful and measured police response during the pursuit prevented injury to any civilians, regardless of the suspects intent.”

Billerica Police Chief Daniel Rosa added, “The Billerica Police Department received a reliable tip about the whereabouts of a dangerous robbery suspect, and we immediately shared that information with our partners in the Chelmsford Police Department. I am proud that we were able to work together for a positive outcome.”

Both police chiefs also recognize and thank the Bedford Police Department and Massachusetts State Police for their assistance during and after the pursuit.

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