Westborough Police Search For Man Who Escaped Police Custody

WESTBOROUGH, MA — Westborough police received word of a man leaving an addiction treatment center against medical advice Wednesday night and have continued a lengthy search to find the man who has multiple warrants out for his arrest.

Police responded to Spectrum Health Services on Oak St. around 7:48 p.m. Wednesday after receiving a report that John Farrell, of Stoneham, had fleed the facility.

Shortly after, police found Farrell at Xmart on 185 Turnpike Rd., confirmed his identity, and attempted to place him under arrest.

Instead of complying, police say Farrel engaged the officer in a physical altercation, eventually breaking free by ripping his shirt off and running across Rte 9 through traffic.

The officer radioed in asking to set up a perimeter around the area to try to restrict Farrell's movements.

Westborough and Shrewsbury K9 units were called to assist in the search.

Shrewsbury's K9 was able to track Farrell to an empty garage at a Walker Meadow property. Once more officers arrived at the scene, the owner confirmed their car had been stolen.

Farrell remains on the loose and police say they don't think he is in the area anymore.

In addition to several outstanding warrants, Farrell will be charged with breaking and entering in the night, larceny of a motor vehicle, assault, and battery on a police officer, resisting arrest, disturbing the peace, and disorderly conduct.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Westborough police.