By CHRIS COLLINS

(Photo courtesy of the Massachusetts State Police)

(Bernardston, MA)  — Two people have been arrested on drug and other charges following a brief Thursday night car and foot chase in Bernardston.

State Police Spokesman David Procopio says at 7:07 pm Thursday, a State Police trooper out of Shelburne Falls tried to stop a 2020 Kia Optima with Connecticut plates on Route 91 north in Greenfield. The driver appeared to be operating erratically but refused to stop and took off up I-91 north at a high rate of speed.

At 7:47 pm, Bernardston Police notified troopers that the suspect’s vehicle crashed in the area of the Exit 28A off ramp. The driver fled the crash scene, triggering a foot pursuit involving K-9 units, who tracked the fugitives in the areas of  South Merrifield Road, Hillcrest Drive, and the Bernardston DOT yard.

At approximately 9 pm, Bernardston Police located a male and female on Northfield Road. MSP units responded to the location and confirmed that they were the two suspects who were in the Kia during the pursuit and took them into custody. Both suspects were transported to Baystate-Franklin Medical Center for evaluation of potential injuries sustained in the crash.

A search of the Kia revealed two clear bags, one containing a white powder and the other containing a white chunky substance, believed to be approximately 33 grams of powder cocaine and approximately 47 grams of crack cocaine, respectively.

Arrested were RAPHAEL M. CRUZ-CRESPO, 25, believed to be the driver of the Kia, who was charged with trafficking in cocaine (2 counts), conspiracy to violate drug laws, negligent and unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, leaving the scene of property damage, marked lanes violations, speeding, and being a fugitive from justice.

The passenger in the car, IZABELLA M. MARTIN, 25, of New Britain, Conn, was charged with trafficking in cocaine (2 counts), and conspiracy to violate drug laws. Both were taken to the Franklin County House of Corrections pending arraignment Friday morning in Greenfield District Court.