High-Speed Chase Suspect: 'What Do I Have to do to Get Shot by Police?'

Image Credit: Walpole Police Department

WALPOLE, MA - An Abington man has been identified as the suspect in a high-speed chase that went from Walpole to West Roxbury.

Michael A. Leblanc, of 28 Arch Street Abington, is in custody after a pursuit through multiple jurisdictions, according to the Walpole Police Department.

Wednesday morning, Leblanc was in his vehicle near Walpole Country Club and was approached by Officer Matt Crown. During the stop, Leblanc allegedly drove away, dragging Officer Matt Crown for nearly 300 feet at speeds of up to 30 mph. Crown was able to free himself and engaged in the pursuit, according to Walpole Police Chief John Carmichael.

Crown was taken to Falkner Hospital and has been released.

Leblanc allegedly 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, leaving the pursuit after getting sideswiped by a pole, the Norwood Police Department said. The officer in the cruiser was not injured but was taken to Norwood Hospital as a precaution.

Leblanc then drove up Route 1A to Route 128, getting off at exit 18 in Needam 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 iParty on the Dedham town line. A short time later, he was taken into custody at a nearby apartment building and booked at the Walpole Police Department.

Afterward, firefighters could be seen extinguishing the car fire and attempting to gain entry into the trunk. After Leblanc was arrested, police recovered a black bag that contained cash and tools that could be used for a break-in.

Carmichael said they are investigating whether Leblanc to recently break-ins around Walpole.

At a press conference Wednesday afternoon, Carmichael said that during the booking process, Leblanc asked what he had to do to get shot by the police.

The charges against Leblanc have not been released but Carmichael said he will face multiple charges including assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.

Leblanc is being held at the Walpole Police Station. He is expected to get a very high bail figure that will keep him in police custody overnight, according to Carmichael. He is scheduled to be arraigned in Wrentham District Court Thursday morning.