Gloucester Man Flees Bedford Police And Gets Pulled From a River

BEDFORD -- A 33-year-old Gloucester man was arrested by Bedford police on Friday night after he was allegedly driving drunk, fled police and then had to be pulled out of a river.

Kevin B. Latraverse was charged with operating under the influence of alcohol; reckless operation of a motor vehicle, failure to stop for police and speeding.

Bedford Chief Robert Bongiorno said that at 8:20 p.m. on Friday, while on patrol at 54 Middlesex Turnpike, a Bedford officer saw a vehicle drive by at a high rate of speed heading toward Burlington. The officer attempted to conduct a motor vehicle stop, but when the driver failed to stop, a brief pursuit occurred.

After weaving through traffic and running a red light, the driver pulled into the parking lot of Pure Hockey, 240 Middlesex Turnpike, and fled from his vehicle into the woods.
A parameter of the area was set up and Bedford Police, with assistance from Burlington Police, began to search the area.
Police found the suspect, identified as Latraverse, in the river behind Pure Hockey, which is located approximately 200 feet into the woods. Bedford Police, with help from the Burlington K-9 unit, ordered the suspect from the water. He was evaluated by the Burlington Fire Department and then placed under arrest by Bedford Police.
"I want to commend the work of Bedford and Burlington Police Officers who worked diligently to find and pull this man from the frigid waters," Chief Bongiorno said. "Their quick work likely prevented this man from getting hypothermia."
Latraverse was released on bail by Bedford Police. He will be arraigned in Concord District Court.