Hyannis Madness: Fleeing Passenger Sacked During Fence-Hop Escape Bid, Driver Snagged with Crack, Cops Say [HN Photos]

                        HYANNIS, MASSACHUSETTS — A traffic stop on Route 28 escalated into a dramatic foot chase this afternoon, drawing a swarm of Barnstable Police squad cars to the east side of Hyannis near the train tracks. At around 2:30 p.m., officers pulled over a 26,000-pound commercial tree service truck near the intersection with Engine House Road. The passenger, identified as Michael Allen, 40, of Falmouth, bolted from the vehicle, hopping at least one fence in a bold midday escape attempt. Allen, who had two active arrest warrants out of Wareham for shoplifting-related offenses, jumped a fence behind AmeriGas propane before being apprehended by a member of the Barnstable Police traffic unit, police sources say. Meanwhile, the driver, Steven Richard, 53, of Plymouth, was taken into custody back at the traffic stop. Richard faces charges for operating on a suspended driver’s license and possession of crack cocaine. Yarmouth Police Detective Nick Ambrosini and his K-9 partner, Gauge, assisted in the investigation, sniffing for narcotics linked to Allen’s sudden flight. No additional drugs were found. A member of the sheriff’s crime scene unit photographed evidence seized during the stop. Both Allen and Richard were transported to Barnstable Police Department headquarters for booking, and the massive tree service truck ended up being towed from the scene. No further details were available at the time of this report. HN Reminder: The initial details contained in the above report are based on police radio transmissions, and information from police sources. The defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. P.S. – Today’s Hytown Vignette is brought to you by Soundgarden… [CLICK IT/CRANK IT! HEADPHONES ABSOLUTELY OBLIGATORY!]