SOUTHBORO, Mass. — A man suspected of breaking into a sneaker shop in Worcester early Friday morning was found hiding in a tree in the backyard of a home in another town following a 20-mile police chase that spanned multiple highways, law enforcement officials said.
Officers responding to a report of a breaking and entering at the Shoe Supply Store on Pleasant Street shortly after 2 a.m. encountered four suspects who dispersed in various directions upon their arrival, according to the Worcester Police Department.
Three of the suspects were quickly nabbed but state troopers assisted Worcester officers in the pursuit of 24-year-old Mattapan native Yorbis Peguero, who took off in a 2010 Mercedes-Benz E350 sedan on Route 146 south, officials said.
Peguero then continued onto the eastbound side of Interstate 90 for about 20 miles before troopers successfully deployed a tire deflation device. He then attempted to pull over, and while doing so, crashed off the highway and ran into the woods, state police said.
Shortly after 4:30 a.m., a state police helicopter equipped with an Infared camera located Peguero hiding in a large tree, some 25-30 feet off the ground, in the backyard of a home on Cordaville Road in Southboro, according to authorities.
State police shared footage captured by the chopper that showed troopers and a K9 team navigating through the dark woods to the Peguero’s exact location, where he was arrested and loaded into an awaiting cruiser.
Video from the scene showed Peguero’s wrecked vehicle being lifted out of the woods as troopers scoured the area for evidence.
Peguero was taken into custody and state police say they will be charging him for motor vehicle offenses. Worcester police have charged him with willful and malicious destruction of property, breaking and entering during the nighttime to commit a felony, larceny from a building, and a fugitive from justice on court warrant.
Three Lawrence residents who police identified as 18-year-old Raffy Santos, 20-year-old Jorge German, and a 20-year-old with the last name Cruz, are also facing charges in connection with the break-in.
Police said the suspects shattered the lock on the business and made entry. Video from the scene of the break-in showed a large rock on the ground inside the sneaker shop next to a shattered display case. Open boxes of Nike sneakers were also visible.
“The suspects stole merchandise from the business and placed the items in a vehicle that was parked outside the business,” Worcester police said in a statement.
The stolen items have since been recovered by detectives.
Surveillance video from inside the store showed the suspect rummaging around and taking various shoe boxes before police showed up.
An investigation is ongoing.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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