No Bail For Suspect Charged in High-Speed Chase

WRENTHAM, MA — An Abington man charged in a high-speed chase will remain in police custody.

Michael Leblanc, 28, was arraigned in Wrentham District Court Thursday morning. He pleaded not guilty to a multitude of charges including attempted murder, assault with a dangerous weapon, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, and two counts of trespassing with a motor vehicle according to the Norfolk County District Attorney's office.

He was ordered held without bail.

Wednesday morning, Officer Matt Crown approached Leblanc, who was in his vehicle near Walpole. 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 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.

Leblanc will return to court for a dangerousness hearing on May 3.

Image via Walpole Police Department