Suspect in critical condition after hijacking, crashing stolen truck on bridge near Encore Casino

EVERETT, Mass. — A suspect is in custody after hijacking a truck and crashing it on a bridge near the Encore Casino in Everett on Thursday afternoon.

According to Middlesex County District Attorney Marian Ryan, around 12:45 p.m., the Medford Police Department recieved a report person acting erratically at a Sunoco gas station.

By the time police arrived on the scene, the suspect had left in a black Chevrolet SUV.

Medford police put out a “BOLO” (be on the lookout) for the car. Around 1 p.m., Stoneham police located the car and attempted to stop the SUV, but did not succeed.

Ryan says that an hour later, the car was spotted at a 7/11 in Billerica, where reports of a shoplifting also took place.

Then, around 3:15 p.m. Malden police recieved a phone call from one of the suspect’s family members alerting the police that he was in the city. By the time police arrived, the suspect had left, and Malden police began to give chase. Malden police lost the car and notified Everett police.

Shortly after, the suspect crashed that SUV on Broadway in Everett near the Encore Casino. He drove the car for a short distance before it became completely disabled.

The suspect then reportedly ran on foot, unsuccessfully attempting to enter several cars in traffic. Mass. State Police were on the scene, surrounding the suspect. Police later found a gas container inside the SUV that the suspect was seen carrying at the 7/11.

The suspect then crossed out into the road when he hijacked a Republic Services trash truck.

As he came up to that, there was both a driver and a passenger inside. The passenger was able to get out of the truck. The suspect got himself into the driver’s seat, attempting to climb across the driver. The driver was able to get out of the truck, but during the struggle, police fired several shots at the suspect.

The suspect was able to take control of the truck, driving for about a half mile, striking light poles, fire hydrants, a number of other things before going up onto the bridge, onto the sidewalk.

Video provided to Boston 25 News shows the moment the hijacked Republic Services trash truck raced across the Alford Street Bridge with police in hot pursuit.

The truck eventually came to a stop, and the suspect was then taken into custody and transported to a local hospital, where officials say he is in critical condition.

Everett Police Chief Paul Strong said that the officer who shot the suspect has been placed on administrative leave as per their policy.

The suspect has been charged with: four counts of attempted armed carjacking, 2 counts of armed carjacking, assault, armed assault with intent to rob, and various motor vehicle charges, including leaving the scene, and property damage.

District Attorney Ryan says that pending the health of the suspect, he will be arraigned at a later date.

Broadway is currently shut down in both directions.

Police could be seen surrounding a Republic Services trash truck and putting up yellow crime scene tape around the crashed vehicle.

A Boston police officer at the scene of the crash told Boston 25 News the Massachusetts State Police bomb squad was on its way to the scene.

Boston 25 News has reached out to Republic Services for comment. The trash services company and Teamsters Local 25 Union have been in a dispute over a new contract for the last several weeks.

Police say the lower Broadway corridor will be closed for another 2 to 3 hours as police analyze the crime scene and undergo hazmat cleanup.

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