Police chase ends in multiple crashes

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) -- A wild police chase that began in North Providence ended with multiple crashes in Providence.

The collisions stemmed from a police chase that started at an auto salvage shop in North Providence. Surveillance was being conducted on the driver of a tow truck, who police say assaulted them before fleeing the scene.

"We're alleging that he got out and punched one of the members of our task force in the face, and then he rammed one of our cruisers," said State Police Col. Steven O'Donnell.

Police pursued the truck into Providence, and we've learned that a woman and at least two more officers were hurt in the process. One of the officers received minor injuries when his cruiser struck a Mount Pleasant Avenue home just before 3 p.m. We're told a third officer sustained injuries but have not yet learned the details.

The chase came to a close when the tow truck crashed into a home on Edgemere Avenue in Providence. The suspect's girlfriend, Yvonne Beliveau, said they live at that house together.

"They're making him out to look like a monster," said Beliveau. "This kid works, stays out of trouble, doesn't bother nobody, and he's very family-orientated."

At one point, state police were forced to open fire and a woman inside of the tow truck was grazed with a bullet, causing a minor injury.

The driver of the truck was taken in to police custody following the crash. We're told by family members that both he and the injured woman are being treated at the hospital.

Stay with Eyewitness News and wpri.com for more information on this developing story.