State Police Investigate Fatal Crash on Lawrence Street

Today at 347 a.m. a Massachusetts State Police trooper observed a 1997 Ford Taurus traveling on 114 west in Lawrence with no headlights or taillights on and with a damaged passenger mirror. The trooper attempted to stop the Ford. The operator of the Ford refused to stop and turned onto Lawrence Street. At that point, the trooper ceased his effort to stop the Ford.

Approximately 20 seconds later the trooper observed that the same motor vehicle which had struck a building near the intersection of Lawrence Street at Common Street.

As a result of that crash, the operator and lone occupant of the vehicle was pronounced deceased. The vehicle was a 1997 Ford Taurus registered to a Lawrence man. The operator is identified as 18 year-old Joel Abreu is from Lawrence. The operator is not the registered owner. When Troopers contacted the registered owner they determined the vehicle had been stolen.

The investigation into the crash, which is ongoing, is being conducted by State Police from the Andover Barracks, with the assistance of the State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section and Crime Scene Services Section.

No further information is available at this time. Please do not call the barracks directly.