Vespa Rider Flips Off Cop During Hyannis Chase, Parks at Police HQ, Then Complains Inside [HN Video]
HYANNIS, MASSACHUSETTS — A Barnstable police officer’s attempt to stop a recklessly driven Vespa moped Wednesday evening took a surreal turn when the rider refused to pull over, extended both middle fingers, and continued driving. He ultimately parked the scooter directly in front of police headquarters before marching inside to yell at the shift commander, sources say.
The incident began shortly before 9 p.m. near the intersection of Route 28 and Walton Avenue, when a patrolman tried to stop the yellow Vespa for alleged reckless operation. The driver refused to stop and continued toward Bearses Way, flashing the “double bird” at the officer as he fled. Speeds topped 30 mph as the moped headed north toward Route 132, with the rider continuing to drive recklessly and cross marked lanes, according to sources.
Out of concern for public safety, a Barnstable police lieutenant quickly ordered the patrolman to end the pursuit. Moments later, officers spotted the Vespa drive over a traffic median, cut through the wooded area in front of Barnstable Police Headquarters, enter the parking lot, and come to a stop right in front of the department’s vestibule.
The driver then walked into the police lobby and began loudly complaining to the shift commander. According to radio transmissions, he referred to the officer who had tried to stop him as a “lunatic” and claimed the patrolman had attempted to run him over.
Barnstable Police Lt. Jason Laber said Sharles Albino, 35, of Centerville, was arrested inside headquarters and charged with reckless operation, marked lanes violation, speeding, failure to stop for police, and operating on a suspended driver’s license. The yellow Vespa was towed from the scene.
The following HN Video contains footage from the scene and highlights police radio transmissions during the pursuit…
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HN Reminder: The initial details contained in the above report are based on radio transmissions and information from police sources. The defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
