Police: Drug suspect who fled Chelsea traffic stop found working out at Planet Fitness

CHELSEA, MASS. (WHDH) - A drug suspect who fled a traffic stop in Chelsea on Thursday was captured when officers found him working out at a Planet Fitness, officials said.

Troopers conducting a traffic stop on the Revere Beach Parkway encountered 24-year-old Chayanne Sanchez, of Peabody, who ditched his car and left behind a pair of cellphones and a Planet Fitness key tag, prompting a manhunt that involved K9 teams, according to Massachusetts State Police.

Sanchez then nonchalantly sauntered into a nearby Planet Fitness, where troopers later found him attempting to blend in with other gymgoers as he got in a midmorning workout, State Police Lt. Micahel Harvey said.

“When Trooper Barto walked in, he did identify the person, and at that point, we were fortunate and obviously lucky because the logistics of the building were on our side,” Harvey told 7NEWS. “He did not have an escape route.”

Jeff Fenoglio, who was working out when Sanchez checked into the gym, says a number of heavily-armed law enforcement officials suddenly swarmed the area.

“I saw cop cars circling around,” he said. “Once I heard it, I assumed he was running through.”

Sanchez was led out of the gym in handcuffs as dozens of people looked on in disbelief.

“I just saw a bunch of people screaming and yelling all of a sudden,” gym member Angel Torres said. “People were running after the guy.”

State police did not disclose what Sanchez will be charged with. He is due to appear in Chelsea District Court on Friday.

The incident remains under investigation.

This is a developing news story; stay with 7NEWS for updates online and on-air.

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