RI Fugitive James Morales Captured in Foss Park Neighborhood of Somerville

SOMERVILLE, MA – James Morales, a fugitive who escaped from a detention facility in Rhode Island on New Year's Eve, was captured in Somerville Thursday evening.

Somerville Mayor Joseph Curtatone said Morales was arrested while running from the police after an attempted robbery at a Citizens Bank, on Broadway. After a chase, he was captured at gunpoint, the mayor said.

State Trooper Joseph Merrick spotted Morales in the area of Rt. 28 on Mystic Avenue, State Police said. He chased Morales for about two blocks before arresting him as he tried to hop a fence in the Foss Park neighborhood, according to police.

Based on his behavior, Curtatone said Morales proved himself, "pretty much capable of anything," referring to "brazen" behavior that allegedly includes at least one attempted bank robbery Thursday, days after Rhode Island officials say he broke out of a detention facility there.

'No Fight Left in Him': Escapee Finally Captured

"We're just grateful nobody was hurt," Curtatone said, thanking residents for their vigilance and law enforcement for their bravery and hard work.

One Winter Hill resident told Patch she witnessed the beginning of what would become a police chase.

While driving down Broadway, Vanessa Freitas said she saw Morales run out of the bank and down the street.

Her first thought? "Oh man, I better hurry home and lock the doors."

Evan Cohik, who lives off of Pearl Street, said he saw at least 12 to 15 police cruisers, unmarked cars and pickup trucks with their lights flashing speed from all directions at the intersection of Broadway and McGrath Highway while he was driving home.

"I'd never seen anything like it," Cohik told Patch. He described his neighborhood as "really quiet" and said the activity was out of the ordinary.

Helicopters hovered over Foss Park shortly after 5 p.m. Thursday evening while troopers canvassed the area from their cruisers and on foot.

Patch will continue to update this developing story.

Alison Bauter, Patch staff, contributed reporting.

Photos by Alex Newman/Patch Staff