ROWLEY — Rowley Police Chief Scott Dumas and Newbury Police Chief Patricia Fisher report that a man was charged after he allegedly broke into a Rowley home and then fled from officers on Sunday.
TYLER WHITFORD, AGE 30, OF MANCHESTER, N.H., was charged by Rowley Police with:
- Receiving Stolen Motor Vehicle (two counts)
- Breaking and Entering
- OUI Drugs on a Recreational Vehicle
- Negligent Operation of a Recreational Vehicle
- Disorderly Conduct
- Failure to Stop for Police
WHITFORD was charged by Newbury Police with:
- Larceny over $1,200
- Breaking and Entering
- Disorderly Conduct
- Disturbing the Peace
- Resisting Arrest
- Negligent Operation of a Boat
On Sunday, June 25, at approximately 12:30 p.m., Rowley Police responded to a report of a possible breaking and entering at a home on Stackyard Road. Upon arrival, officers attempted to make contact with the suspect, later identified as WHITFORD, who allegedly fled on an ATV toward Nelson Island. Officers followed and observed WHITFORD stall the ATV in a large puddle and continue to flee on foot.
Rowley Police called for assistance from Newbury Police, State Police, Environmental Police, the Department of Fish and Game and the Rowley Harbormaster. Rowley Fire also responded. Officers continued to search the Nelson Island area when they received a call from Newbury Police about a man matching WHITFORD’s description, who had fled from the Newbury Harbormaster.
Officers responded to the Riverfront area and observed the suspect allegedly fleeing on foot. After ignoring orders to stop, WHITFORD allegedly attempted to board a boat at the Riverfront, but when officers approached he jumped into the water. WHITFORD boarded a second boat and was able to get the motor started. He allegedly attempted to drive off but the boat was secured to the dock and the motor was lifted.
After giving multiple orders to WHITFORD to stop, officers deployed a Taser. WHITFORD then jumped into the water once again before surrendering to police.
WHITFORD was transported to a nearby hospital where he was treated and released into the custody of the Newbury Police Department. WHITFORD was arraigned in Newburyport District Court on Wednesday.
These are allegations. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty.
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