Three arrested for involvement in a stabbing in Orange

Posted: Mar 20, 2023 / 08:31 AM EDT

Updated: Mar 22, 2023 / 05:17 AM EDT

BELCHERTOWN, Mass. (WWLP) – Three people were arrested Monday for an alleged stabbing that also led police in a car chase through several western Massachusetts towns.

Dispatchers received a 911 call around 3:44 a.m. Monday from a person claiming there were people trying to kill him. Orange police were sent to North Main Street where they observed a silver van leaving the area and a victim stating that he had been stabbed. While caring for the victim, the van was seen coming back towards the area.

Police ordered the vehicle to stop but the vehicle accelerated at a high rate of speed toward South Main Street. Orange police then began chasing the suspected vehicle, which went through several towns. State Police and Belchertown Police were called in to assist with the pursuit of the 2011 Chrysler Town & Country.

The van was followed through New Salem, Shutesbury, Pelham, and Belchertown. Orange police say the suspects were allegedly throwing items out of the vehicle, including construction screws, in an attempt to slow down the police. The chase ended in Belchertown on George Hannum Street after the van hit a guard rail and lost control, stopping in a field. Three people inside the van then attempted to run away.

Orange Police and a State Police K-9 Unit were able to locate and arrest two suspects hiding in the woods. The third suspect was located by Belchertown Police near a Dunkin Donuts in town. The suspects have been identified as 31-year-old Juan Rodriguez of Chicopee, 31-year-old Alex Santana of Chicopee, and 22-year-old Ali Ayala of Springfield.

All three suspects are being held at the Orange Police Department until a dangerousness hearing which is scheduled for Friday.

The victim was taken to Athol Memorial Hospital where he was treated for his injuries and then released.

Rodriguez is facing the following charges: