Amherst police station
Amherst police station Credit: Scott Merzbach—

AMHERST – A break-in at a South Amherst apartment, and the alleged theft of a vehicle from the complex, led to a police pursuit and crash early Saturday morning, according to police.

Detective Jamie Reardon said Monday that police were called at 11:57 p.m. Friday to Southpoint Apartments, 266 East Hadley Road, for the reported break-in to a residence. He said no information is being released about how the home was entered and any items that were taken.

At 4:46 a.m. Saturday, police pursued the car reported stolen at Southpoint, which resulted in the vehicle crashing into a tree on the yard at 41 East Hadley Road, Reardon said.

The driver fled on foot and was identified when he was found walking a short distance away, Reardon said. The man was issued citations for traffic violations.

Police are investigating whether he is connected to the break-in. He will not be publicly identified unless charges are brought, Reardon said.

Scott Merzbach can be reached at smerzbach@gazettenet.com.

Scott Merzbach is a reporter covering local government and school news in Amherst and Hadley, as well as Hatfield, Leverett, Pelham and Shutesbury. He can be reached at smerzbach@gazettenet.com or 413-585-5253.