NORTHAMPTON — A Ware man turned himself in to police after he crashed his car into Pop’s Package Store and failed to stop for local and state authorities following an argument with NETA staff Sunday.
According to the Northampton Police call logs, officers responded to Conz Street at 10:57 a.m. Sunday or a report of a traffic complaint.
John M. Hebert, 57, was allegedly in an argument with NETA staff outside of the dispensary for an unknown reason, which led him to leave the store’s property at a high rate of speed in his car, according to police. Police Capt. Robert Powers said Hebert almost struck officers on detail outside of the store, who were unable to get Hebert to stop.
Officers followed Hebert to Pop’s Package Store on Bridge Street, where Hebert pulled in and hit the building, causing minor damage that knocked over a shelf inside, and breaking bottles of liquor in the process, Powers said.
According to the store’s owner, Hardev Singh, around $6,000 to $7,000worth of liquor was lost. Singh also said there was damage to glass outside of his store and to his counter.
Powers said Hebert took off onto Interstate 91 southbound, where city police discontinued their pursuit. State Police took over the pursuit, but also eventually broke it off as well, Powers said.
Northampton Police were able to identify the vehicle and contacted Hebert later, and he subsequently turned himself in, according to Powers.
Hebert has been charged with wanton destruction of property over $1,200, disorderly conduct, failure to stop for police, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, leaving the scene of property damage, speeding and a marked lanes violation.
Michael Connors can be reached at mconnors@gazettenet.com.