Crime & Safety

Man Drives 85 mph in a 30 mph Zone, Assaults Cops after Chase

A 23-year-old Providence man faces a variety of charges including reckless driving and simple assault after he allegedly drove past two parked patrolmen going 85 mph on Reservoir Avenue and fought the cops as they tried to arrest him.

A 23-year-old Providence man faces a slew of charges after he allegedly drove 85 mph on Reservoir Avenue and tried to elude police after they began chasing him.

Franklin L. Cruz Merchan, of 21 Audubon Ave., Providence, reportedly was spotted by a pair of police officers stationed in front of Aaron's Furniture on Reservoir Avenue driving about 85 mph. The speed limit there is 30 mph.

The officers immediately began following Merchan's vehicle, a 2011 Hyundai Sonata, and observed him make an abrupt left turn onto Park Avenue without using his turn signal and through a red light. He continued to operate at a high rate of speed, police said, but eventually stopped across from 899 Park Avenue.

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Officer Ryan M. Shore reported that Merchan refused to exit his vehicle and shouted expletives at him, stating that he didn't do anything.

After several more orders to step out of the car, Shore pulled Merchan out of the car and along with Officer Daniel Lee, managed to restrain Merchan and take him into custody. But it wasn't without a fight. Merchan kept his hands under his body, kicked and struggled before the cuffs were clicked into place.

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Merchan is now facing charges of reckless driving, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and two counts of simple assault. He also is facing a variety of traffic violations.

Bail was set at $10,000 personal recognizance.


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