Shoplifter Arrested by Stoughton Police After Car Chase Ends in Brockton

An alleged shoplifter at Kohl's in Stoughton led on a chase down Route 24 and into Brockton Thursday morning before being placed under arrest, according to Stoughton Police Executive Officer Robert Devine.

Driving at speeds reaching 100 m.p.h. on Route 24 southbound as she tried to flee the scene, Janelle Pacheco, 27, of Brockton, was charged with a number of offenses including reckless operation of a motor vehicle, resisting arrest, and shoplifting.

Stoughton Police Officer Sandra Barrett responded to investigate a case of shoplifting at Kohl's at 501 Technology Center Drive in Stoughton at 11:11 a.m. on July 19.

Devine said Officer Barrett located the vehicle, a small blue sedan, and attempted to stop it, but Pacheco fled the Kohl's area, turning on to Lindelof Ave. (Route 139) before getting on to Route 24 southbound.

Officer Barrett ran the license plate number on the suspect's car and found the license plate was also stolen, Devine said.

While on Route 24, Pacheco was traveling far above the posted speed limit of 65. Devine said that Officer Barrett chose not to match the speed of the suspect's car, as to not endanger the other drivers on the road, and instead just kept Pacheco's car in sight.

Pacheco got off Route 24 at exit 18A, with Officer Barrett still in pursuit. Then Pacheco got on to Route 27 heading towards Brockton. From Route 27, she turned on to West Street in Brockton.

At the intersection of West Street and West Elm Street, her car hit a curb in front of West Junior High School, ending the chase, Devine said.

The chase lasted for approximately 7 miles.

Pacheco is charged with the following: shoplifting over $100; negligent operation of a motor vehicle; reckless operation of a motor vehicle; resisting arrest; speeding; attaching plates; receiving stolen property; failure to stop for a police officer; failure to stop at red lights; operating a motor vehicle with a suspended registration; and operating an uninsured motor vehicle.

Devine thanked the Randolph and Brockton Police Departments and the Massachusetts State Police for their assistance.