GARDNER, MASS. (WHDH) - A Webster man is facing fentanyl trafficking charges after officers found drugs following a car chase through a CVS parking lot in Gardner on Saturday, police said.
A trooper on patrol in Gardner tried to pull over a 2013 Chevrolet Impala with a suspended license at 7:30 p.m. but the driver, later identified as Thomas L. LaFrance, 28, of Webster, allegedly pulled into a CVS parking lot and sped through, nearly striking several cars, then made a U-turn and almost hit a pickup truck head-on before crashing into a snowbank and getting stuck.
LaFrance allegedly put the car in reverse several times while trying to flee, and after exiting the car began struggling with the trooper, police said. He then broke free and got in the car again, appearing to hide something, before the trooper tasered him.
Troopers seized 60 grams of fentanyl during the booking process, state police said.
LaFrance was arrested on charges of trafficking in fentanyl, assault and battery on a police officer, failing to stop for police, negligent driving, malicious destruction of property, driving without a license, speeding and resisting arrest.
He will be arraigned Monday in Gardner District Court.
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