Man Faces 16 Charges After Leading Police on Wild Chase Through 3 Communities

A Newburyport man faces 16 charges after leading police on a multi-town chase north of Boston, according to State Police.

Stephen Staffiery, 48, allegedly hit three vehicles during the pursuit. None of the collisions resulted in injuries.

Police say he was had a warrant out of New Hampshire and was in possession of heroin. He was also charged with operating under the influence of drugs.

The chase started on the Lynnway in Lynn, near the Harding Street intersection. Trooper Joseph Barteaux stopped a 2016 Honda Civic for motor vehicle equipment violations at about 1:50 p.m.

During the stop, Staffiery allegedly fled on foot. He would re-enter his vehicle and flee the scene, police say.

Transit Police officers, assisted by Saugus Police, tried to pull the vehicle over on Route 1A in Revere. The vehicle fled from officers, police say

The vehicle continued onto Revere Street. where it struck a vehicle, and then onto Route 60 westbound, where it struck two more vehicles in Revere.

The chase continued into Copeland Circle at the intersection with Route 1. The vehicle got off Route 1 in the Salem Street area in North Revere and into a residential area of Saugus.

The suspect vehicle entered Copeland Circle at the intersection with Route 1. He quickly exited the highway in the Salem Street area in North Revere and fled into a residential area of Saugus.

Once in Saugus, Staffiery pulled over on Dale Street and fled through backyards on foot, police say. Transit officers with assistance from Saugus and Revere officers caught up with Staffiery and took him into custody after an alleged brief struggle.

Staffiery was turned over to State Police and booked on the following charges:

Equipment Violation; Attaching Plates; Unregistered Motor Vehicle; Uninsured Motor Vehicle; Failure to Stop for Police; Operating on a Suspended/Revoked License; Speeding; Disorderly Conduct; Negligent Operation of a Motor Vehicle; Leaving the Scene of a Property Damage Crash; Resisting Arrest; Receiving Stolen Property (License Plate); OUI Drugs; Possession of a Class A Drug (Heroin); Fugitive from Justice (Warrant out of NH); Possession of Burglarious Instrument.

Staffiery was held without bail and will be arraigned in Lynn District Court Tuesday.