A 35-year-old-man and 40-year-old man face numerous charges after being accused of stealing a car and crashing it into a minivan in Rumford.
Officers say Luis Alberto Rivera of Rumford and Troy James Blanchard of Rumford stole a Chrysler 200 in Rumford on Wednesday morning.
(Image of Luis Alberto Rivera, Jr. from Rumford Police)
Police say a relative of the owner of the stolen car tried to chase them in a minivan and the men intentionally crashed the stolen car into the van.
The relative received minor injuries and was treated at the scene by EMS workers.
Rumford Police say everything took place in a densely populated residential area near a daycare and elementary school during a busy time when children were walking to school or waiting for their buses.
Officers say numerous lives, including children, were at “grave risk.”
(Image of Troy James Blanchard from Rumford Police)
Meanwhile, Police say Rivera and Blanchard ran away from the crash but were tracked down and arrested at an apartment building on Falmouth Street.
Rivera was charged with felony theft of a motor vehicle, felony aggravated criminal mischief, terrorizing, reckless conduct with a dangerous weapon, leaving the scene of a personal injury crash, refusing to submit to arrest or detention, and violation of conditions of release.
Blanchard was charged with felony theft of a motor vehicle, felony aggravated criminal mischief, and refusing to submit to arrest or detention.
Officers say both men are convicted felons with extensive and violent criminal histories.
Rumford Police Chief Tony Milligan is asking for no bail for both Rivera and Blanchard, based on their history.
“In light of their demonstrated history of violence, threats to law enforcement, and total disregard for judicial authority, I have formally requested that the Court consider no bail for these dangerous individuals,” said Milligan. “Granting any form of bail or release would not only undermine public safety but would also fail to uphold the integrity of the judicial process. Rivera and Blanchard’s actions today exemplify their utter disregard for court-ordered conditions and the safety of others.”
Rivera and Blanchard are expected to be arraigned on Friday