RI Man Charged After Chase Ends At Newton MBTA Station

NEWTON, MA — A Rhode Island man accused of leading police on a multi-state, high-speed chase on Friday was eventually cornered by Newton police officers at the Riverside MBTA station and is now facing several charges, including those stemming from driving his car at police officers.

Newton Police Chief John Carmichael praised the officers involved in the pursuit and eventual arrest of the man “during a tense and unpredictable situation.”

According to Carmichael, Newton police responded early Friday night to a report of an unconscious man inside a red Mercedes at the train station, while being informed that a car matching the description had been involved in a police chase from Rhode Island into Massachusetts.

Police said the high-speed chase was terminated because of the excessive speeds when the diver got off the highway in Norwood. As Newton officer approached the car at the Riverside station, Carmichael said the suspect was able to escape arrest but that police were able to contain him in the lot “potentially creating a hazardous situation on our roadways.”

“Their strategy and quick decisions helped preserve public safety and prevent any injuries to our officers and other motorists,” Carmichael said.

He said Officer Kayla Donahue and Capt. Dennis Dowling followed the suspect behind several buildings and around the perimeter of the area before the man got out of the car and fled on foot to the MBTA tracks.

“Officer Donahue and Captain Dowling engaged the suspect in a foot pursuit and following a brief chase, they were able to get the suspect cornered between a fence along the Woodland Apartments and MBTA tracks,” Carmichael said. “Officer Donahue did an exceptional job issuing verbal commands to the suspect who repeatedly put his hands in his pockets as if to reach for a weapon.

“Officer Donahue and Captain Dowling exhibited incredible restraint and discipline in a very tense, unfolding situation. … All officers on scene and Officer Donahue did not hesitate to confront a dangerous suspect and take him into custody.”

Police said Emanuel Salmeron, 22, of Providence, RI was charged with failure to stop for a police officer, motor vehicle operation negligence, and two counts of assault by means of a dangerous weapon — which Carmichael said stemmed from driving his car at officers — and resisting arrest.

“I am appreciative of our officers’ bravery, as well as the patience and tactics exhibited by all officers involved in (Friday night’s) incident,” Carmichael said. “This was an exemplary display of teamwork and professionalism.

“This situation ended in the best-case scenario and I extol all of our officers and dispatchers for a job well done”