'Moped' Driver Who Led Salem Police on Chase to Plead Guilty

A Massachusetts man who led police on a chase while driving his moped in July will plead guilty to charges, according to a report by the Union Leader.

Rafael Tejada, 27, of Lawrence, Mass. will appear for a plea-and-sentencing hearing on June 18. Terms of the agreement have not been made public, according to the report.

Police charged Tejada with numerous counts after the incident, including disobeying a police officer, resisting arrest, marijuana possession, reckless operation, misuse of plates, driving after suspension and violation of motorcycle rules.

The chase took place in the Cluff Clossing Road area, taking police through the Shaw's Plaza and Brook Village West Apartments.

The chase began after a Salem officer observed a moped operated by Tejada traveling eastbound on Cluff Crossing Road. He was not wearing protective eyewear. Police said the officer activated his lights and siren to stop the moped and advise Tejada he needed eye protection.

Police said Tejada instead increased his speed, crossed over the solid double yellow line into oncoming traffic and entered the Shaw's Plaza through the exit lanes.

The officer was able to catch up to the moped since "speed was not a factor." After he was told to stop, Tejada "jumped some curbing" and left heading out toward Interstate 93 on the wrong side of Route 28.

Later, other cruisers in the area saw the suspect heading south on Route 28 and followed him onto Cluff Crossing Road and into the Brook Village West Apartments.

Police said the suspect went off the paved lot and darted in front of a cruiser, causing the officer to slam the brakes to avoid slamming into the suspect. This caused a minor collision between two Salem cruisers, according to police.

"The suspect then drove into some brush and crashed at low speed," police said.