Ronald J. Agrella

Methuen Police: Serious Crash Stemmed From Car Theft

METHUEN, Mass. — A man broke into his ex-girlfriend’s house, beat her up, stole her car and then crashed into a traffic light signal pole moments later, sending it flying into a nearby house, police said.

The crash, which happened shortly before 11:30 Saturday night at the corner of Jackson and Pleasant Valley streets, knocked out lights at the busy intersection.

The impact also ripped a traffic light control box out of the ground. The light pole that crashed into the house shattered a window and tore off part of a gutter.

No one inside the house was hurt.

“Oh my God! Loud. Like loud,” said Norma Velez, who lives around the corner and heard the crash.

Police said the driver, whose name has not yet been released, is in critical condition at a Boston hospital.

“I don’t know who he is; I hope he’s okay,” said Velez.

Methuen Police Chief Joseph Solomon said the driver will likely face several charges, including: breaking and entering, domestic assault and battery and larceny of a motor vehicle.

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