Pair charged after allegedly leading New Bedford police on vehicle, foot chase

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (WLNE) — New Bedford police say two men are facing drug trafficking charges after leading officers on a vehicle and foot chase.

Officers tried to pull over a vehicle at the intersection of Mill and Florence streets at about 9 p.m. Monday.

The vehicle suddenly sped up and fled from the scene, hitting a cruiser.

Police said the passenger, 35-year-old Marcus Depina, led police on a foot chase through the Bedford Townhouses. He is accused of throwing three baggies with over 320 grams of cocaine into a bush.

The driver, 34-year-old Jonathan Sanchez, stopped vehicle car on 195 west. Police searched the car and said they found a baggie of fentanyl and over $3,750 in cash.

Depina and Sanchez both face drug trafficking charges. It was a subsequent offense for Sanchez, having a previous conviction for trafficking cocaine.

Sanchez was additionally charged with failure to stop for police and reckless operation.