GEORGETOWN — A local teen accused of stealing two cars was arraigned Monday in Haverhill District Court, according to police.
Joseph Winthrop Lee, 18, of Georgetown was charged with receiving a stolen motor vehicle (two counts); larceny of a motor vehicle, failure to stop for police, unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, reckless operation of a motor vehicle, leaving the scene after property damage, resisting arrest, speeding in excess of posted limit and a marked lanes violation.
Lee was arrested shortly after police say he stole a 2010 Toyota Camry early Sunday and led officers on a pursuit that ended with the car veering into woods off Church Street in West Newbury.
He was later captured by officers with the help of Amesbury police K-9 Meatball and his partner, Thomas Nichols.
The arrest came shortly after local police responded to a suspicious gathering at the Georgetown Park and Ride involving two men and a 2022 Toyota Prius. The officers identified the vehicle as being stolen from a Newton address.
When approached by officers, the men fled. Lee then stole the Camry, police said.
The second car theft took place in the early morning of May 31 when a 2008 Toyota Prius was stolen from a Georgetown home. Several hours later, the Prius was found abandoned with a flat tire outside the Museum of Science in Boston, according to police.
Local police charged Lee with both thefts.
Lee is due back in court July 10.
In light of the two incidents, police are reminding residents to lock their vehicles.
“Practicing responsible vehicle ownership isn’t just about protecting your property, it’s also about protecting the lives and property of other people,” Georgetown police Chief David Sedgwick said. “Motor vehicle theft is often a gateway crime to other crime, such as speeding and reckless driving, both of which pose a threat to the entire community. On this occasion, the motor vehicles were stolen as a matter of convenience, and their theft could have been prevented.”
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration offers the following commonsense tips for helping to prevent vehicle theft:
Take your vehicle’s key and do not leave it in or on your vehicle; close and lock all windows and doors when parking; park in well-lit areas if possible; and never leave valuables in the vehicle, especially if they can be seen from outside.
Dave Rogers is the editor of the Daily News of Newburyport. Email him at: [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @drogers41008.
Dave Rogers is the editor of the Daily News of Newburyport. Email him at: [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @drogers41008.
By Dave Rogers | [email protected]
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