Crime & Safety

Police: Homeless Man in Stolen Lexus Leads Cops on Car Chase

The owner of the stolen Lexus had left her car running while she stepped into store on Lower Broadway.

The owner of a 2008 Lexus SUV left her car running on Lower Broadway June 6 to step inside 104 Broadway——according to a police report.

What happened next may encourage drivers not to leave the keys in the ignition when they do errands.

According to the police report, the car was stolen, ending up in the hands of a homeless man who took police on a car chase through Somerville and into Medford, a chase that ended after the Lexus crashed into four other cars and hit a retaining wall. 

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On top of that, the car's owner received a citation for leaving an unattended vehicle running.

The car chase began a little after 2:30 p.m. when an officer hear a BOLO—be on the lookout—for the stolen Lexus, the report says.

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According to the report, the officer picked up a LoJack signal and then spotted the car on Lowell Street.

Several officers began chasing the car along Thurston, Lee, Richdale, Medford and Adams streets, according to the report.

At one point, the report says, the Lexus evaded a roadblock by veering at high speed around a cruiser stationed on Medford Street.

The chase proceeded through Magoun Square and onto Dextor Street in Medford, the report says.

In doing so, the homeless driver sideswiped a 2012 Cadillac, hit a 2007 Chevy Aveo, scratched up a police cruiser, hit a 2000 Chrysler Concorde and then smashed into a retaining wall at the corner of Bow Street and Strathmore Road in Medford, according to the report.

Police arrested the driver, 24-year-old Michael Splaine, after he tried to continue the chase on foot, the report says.

Medford police responded but deferred action to the Somerville Police Department, the report says.

Splaine was charged with reckless operation of a motor vehicle, driving with a suspended license and receiving a stolen motor vehicle in addition to various charges related to driving the wrong way and failing to stop at stop signs. Police also found a bag containing American Express gift cards, and Splaine was also charged with credit card fraud.

As mentioned above, the owner of the stolen Lexus received a citation for leaving an unattended vehicle running.

Please remember that allegations contained in police reports do not indicate a conviction.


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