High-speed chase nets Pembroke man

By James Vaznis, Globe Staff

A 42-year-old Pembroke man led police on a wild chase along Route 24 today, at points driving in the wrong direction on each side of the highway and wearing two of his tires down to the wheel rims.

State police officers first began pursuing James Palhete in a 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee around midday after Palhete was allegedly involved in a hit-and-run accident in nearby Hanson

State Police Sgt. Michael Popovics said Palhete drove in the wrong direction on the northbound and southbound side of Route 24, but stressed that troopers never drove in the wrong direction during the pursuit. As the chase dragged on, the suspect wore down at least two tires to the wheel rims, while smoke and sparks emanated from the Jeep.

At one point during the chase, sparks could be seen streaming out from underneath the Jeep as it traveled in the wrong direction of the highway, the vehicle listing heavily because the front and rear tire on that side had blown out.

The chase finally ended at 12:52 p.m. when Palhete stopped his vehicle and got out, Popovics said. Trooper Shayne Suarez arrested him a minute later. He will be arraigned tomorrow in Taunton District Court on charges that include refusing to stop for police, operating to endanger, speeding, and operating with a suspended license. Popovics said he expected Hanson police will file charges related to the hit and run accident in their town.