Police Chase Through Norton: 2 Bank Robbery Suspects Caught

NORTON, MA — Attleboro’s police chief took matters into his own hands Monday afternoon—chasing two bank robbery suspects through three towns, including Norton, and ramming their car to bring things to a peaceful end.

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It all started when Deurique Mendes, 31, of Easton, and James Bennet-Werra, 18, of Stoughton, tried to rob Rockland Trust Bank on Pleasant Street Monday at about 2 p.m., police said.

“Attleboro Police Chief Kyle Heagney observed the fleeing suspects’ vehicle as it was traveling eastbound on Route 123 in Norton,” police said in a statement. “He attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver refused to stop.”

The suspects’ vehicle jumped on Route 495 as they chase entered Norton and then Taunton. Taunton Police Chief James Walsh deployed stop sticks—which the suspect’s vehicle hit, blowing two tires. Heagney then rammed the car to bring the chase to an end.

“I still like to keep my hand in the action,” Heagney told the Sun Chronicle.

Bennet-Werra and Mendes were charged with armed robbery Monday. Police said they will face more charges.