Driver In 2016 Police Chase Through Dedham Gets Prison Time

An Abington man who took police on a high-speed chase from Walpole to West Roxbury will spend time behind bars.

Michael LeBlanc, now 28, pleaded guilty late last month to assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, four counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, two counts of leaving the scene of property damage, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, operating under the influence of drugs, and furnishing a false name to police. Several other charges were dismissed subsequent a judge's decision to exclude the majority of the defendant’s statements to police on the grounds that he made those statements while intoxicated, according to David Traub, a spokesperson for the Norfolk County District Attorney's office.

LeBlanc was sentenced to three years in prison and two years of probation. Conditions of his probation include that he remains drug and alcohol-free with random testing, a 60-day license suspension, a substance abuse evaluation and compliance with any treatment recommendations from that evaluation.

About two years ago, LeBlanc was in his vehicle near Walpole Country Club when an officer approached him. LeBlanc drove away, dragging the officer for nearly 300 feet at speed of up to 30 mph, Walpole Police Chief John Carmichael said at the time.

LeBlanc continued to drive, going from Washington Street to Baker Street to Route 27 to Route 1A in Norwood and Westwood. A Norwood cruiser was in the chase for a very short time and left the pursuit after getting sideswiped by a pole, the Norwood Police Department said.

Leblanc then drove up Route 1A to Route 128, getting off at exit 18 in Needham and doing a u-turn down the highway. He then made his way into Dedham, traveling at high speeds through a residential neighborhood in West Roxbury.

In West Roxbury, Leblanc fled his car after it caught on fire near the Party City at the Dedham-West Roxbury line. A short time later, he was taken into custody at a nearby apartment building and booked at the Walpole Police Department.

Image via Walpole Police Department