2 Motorcyclists Facing Slew Of Charges After Police Chase Ends In Separate Newburyport Crashes

NEWBURYPORT (CBS) -- Two motorcyclists are facing a slew of charges after they led police on a high-speed chase that ended in separate crashes early Friday evening in Newburyport.

Clifford Jones Jr., 27, and Edwin Mendez, 24, both of Haverhill were arrested and each face several charges.

Jones has been charged with failure to stop for police, reckless operation of a motor vehicle, leaving the scene of an accident with property damage, number plate violation, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, operating an unregistered motor vehicle, speeding and marked lanes violation.

Mendez is facing the same charges as Jones, as well as charges of unlicensed operation of motor vehicle and resisting arrest.

The duo, along with a third motorcyclist, failed to stop and sped away from the group they were traveling with on Merrimac Street around 5:45 p.m., according to a statement released Saturday morning. Three motorcyclists did stop, police said.

Police say the motorcyclists sped toward High Street, swerving in and out of traffic and passing drivers on both sides of the road when other officers joined the chase.

Mendez struck an Infinity SUV, bounced off and hit a Toyota Corolla head on, investigators said. He tried to run but was unable to due to his injuries.

He was later treated and released from Anna Jacques Hospital Friday night.

Jones continued leading police on the chase until he hit a Mercedes Benz, and then he briefly fled on foot on Curzon Mill Road but State Police troopers were able to take him into custody.

Investigators say three vehicles were damaged during the chase. No civilians were hurt.

The third motorcyclist has been identified and will be summonsed to court at a later date, according to the statement.

Both suspects told investigators they panicked because they didn't have motorcycle licenses and because their bikes were not registered or insured.