Jeep reported stolen leads to chase on land, water for suspect in Wareham

Apr 16, 2018

A 24-year-old East Wareham man taunted authorities – cursing and yelling “come get me” – as he swam away during a police chase on April 14, according to officials.

Police said the incident started when Officer Calib Larue spotted a blue Jeep in East Wareham’s Shangri-La neighborhood reported stolen that day. Larue stopped the driver, Michael Carter, on Mayflower Lane and attempted to arrest him. Police said Carter then hit Larue’s hand and ran into the woods.

Larue chased Carter to Plymouth Avenue, down Hardy Road and onto the beach at White Island Pond when Carter entered the water and started swimming. Wareham Police Officers Steve Joy and Chris Smith arrived and set up a perimeter under the direction of Sgt. Paul Somers. Police said Carter taunted the officers while swimming.

Department of Natural Resources officials then arrived with a boat and pursued Carter. Department of Natural Resources Officers Michael McGuire and Josh Kimball arrested Carter on the west side of White Island Pond. Carter was then taken to Tobey Hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

Carter was charged with: use of motor vehicle without authority, operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license, operating an unregistered motor vehicle, disorderly conduct, disturbing the peace and resisting arrest.

Carter is being held on $500 bail at the Plymouth House of Correction.