YPD: Guatemalan man didn’t stop for police… actually here illegally…

The following is the actual YPD press statement:

MAN FAILS TO STOP FOR POLICE AND IDENTIFIED AS ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT

On Monday, February 5, 2018, at 9:49AM, Yarmouth Police Department Patrol Officer Brian Niezgoda was conducting speed enforcement on Camp Street in West Yarmouth based on citizen complaints and concerns of speeding.

Patrol Officer Niezgoda observed a black SUV for travelling at a high rate a speed and a radar lock on the vehicle indicated it was operating at 53 MPH in a posted 30 MPH zone.

Officer Niezgoda attempted to pull the vehicle over but the vehicle did not stop. The vehicle continued northbound on Camp Street with Officer Niezgoda following it with cruiser blue lights and siren activated.

The vehicle came to the intersection of Camp Street and Willow Street and had to stop at a stop sign due to heavy traffic.

Officer Niezgoda exited his cruiser and began to walk up to the vehicle. The vehicle then took a left onto Willow Street. Patrol Officer Niezgoda got back into his cruiser and continued to follow the vehicle.

The vehicle finally came to a stop in the parking lot across from the 7-11 store on Willow Street near Camp Street.

The operator was encountered and identified himself verbally as Jose Maldonado. He informed Officer Niezgoda that he did not possess a license and provided Guatemalan identification card.

He informed the Officer that he did not have a passport, visa, or any other identification. Officer Niezgoda attempted to speak with him further but he stated he did not understand English.

The passenger was not wearing a seat belt and was asked for his identification. The passenger also said he did not speak English but offered to write down his name and date of birth. He also did not have any identification on him.

Mr. Maldonado was placed under arrest for operating a motor vehicle without a license, failure to stop for a police officer, and speeding.

He was transported to Yarmouth Police Department Headquarters for processing and Yarmouth Police Department Patrol Officer Dianna Wells served as an interpreter.

Mr. Perez was given a verbal warning for no seat belt and had a friend come pick him up. The vehicle was towed by Mid Cape Collision.

The Yarmouth Police Department Dispatch Center notified the Department of Homeland Security United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Office of Mr. Maldonado arrest. Mr. Maldonado had apparently entered the country illegally and had previously been removed from this country.

ICE Officials will conduct follow-up.

Mr. Maldonado was transported to the Barnstable District Court for arraignment.