Robber Struck By Vehicle As He Tried To Cross Highway, Tewksbury Police Say

TEWKSBURY, MA — A man is facing multiple charges after police say he committed a robbery then ran from cops across I-495.

Police responded to a disturbance at 9:23 p.m. Tuesday in the area of 95 Main St.

An investigation found that Jean Guzman Familia, 33, of Lawrence, had entered a motel room without authorization. Familia then forcibly took a cell phone from a woman staying in the room, according to police.

He was also wanted on an active warrant.

Familia fled, and police began a search, which included using a drone.

Police spotted Familia in the area of Main Street and I-495, but he ran into a wooded area near the highway. A police drone then spotted him as he ran from the woods across the interstate.

Familia appeared to be clipped by a vehicle as he ran across the road, and he went down the highway's median. Officers found him and began providing medical aid.

He was unconscious at first but regained consciousness after being given a dose of NARCAN. He was taken to a local hospital for evaluation and later released, police said.

He was then booked at the Tewksbury Police Department. Familia was charged with unarmed robbery, resisting arrest, disorderly conduct, breaking and entering during the day, along with a warrant arrest.

Familia was scheduled to be arraigned Wednesday in Lowell District Court.

“This is an example of how complex policing can be,” Police Chief Ryan Columbus said in a statement. “I credit our officers for using technology, tracking a dangerous person, and quickly rendering aid to save him in a matter of minutes. I am extremely proud of the quick response, coordination and professionalism of these officers.”