AUBURN — On Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026, at approximately 3:12 a.m., Auburn Police Officer Kyle Lareau observed two Dodge Challengers traveling approximately 60 mph in a 40 mph zone on Washington Street.
According to the Auburn Police Department, when Officer Lareau attempted to stop the vehicles, both allegedly accelerated to speeds exceeding 100 mph.
“Turns out, they weren’t late for work. Both Challengers were stolen,” the Auburn Police Department quipped in a statement.
Rather than engage in a dangerous high-speed pursuit, Officer Lareau discontinued the attempted stop and notified area law enforcement agencies.
The Auburn Police Department said neighboring departments continued to track the vehicles. At some point, one of the Challengers crashed, and its driver allegedly jumped into the second vehicle, and they continued on.
Auburn police were then notified over the radio that the suspects were heading back to Auburn.
Auburn Police Officer Daniel Hemingway positioned himself ahead of the vehicle and deployed stop sticks once it entered town, successfully deflating its tires, according to the Auburn Police Department.
“Turns out, the Challenger was considerably less challenging without air in the tires,” the Auburn Police Department said.
The Challenger crashed a short distance later, and its occupants fled on foot.
Officer David Ljunggren and K9 Biza began searching the area as Officer Matthew Laskes deployed a police drone. Auburn police officers and Massachusetts State Police also established a perimeter.
The Auburn Police Department said K9 Biza tracked through a wooded area and located one person hiding behind a business on Route 20. A second person was located nearby, and both were taken into custody.
Jaelen Cannon Feraud, 18, of Worcester, was arrested on multiple charges, including failure to stop for police, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, operating with a suspended license, possession of burglarious tools, and receiving a stolen motor vehicle.
A 16-year-old juvenile from Worcester was also arrested and is facing charges.
The Auburn Police Department thanked Sergeant John McLaughlin, Officers Lareau, Hemingway, Montague, Ljunggren and Laskes, K9 Biza, Massachusetts State Police and neighboring police departments for their assistance during the incident.
