Braintree Officer, Dispatcher Honored for Stopping Carjackers

Police Chief Russell Jenkins commended Officer Blake Holt and
Dispatcher Nicholas Canelli for their work the night of Nov. 30, 2013 in stopping suspects who had done a carjacking in Quincy.

See Jenkins' commendation letter below:

On that night, Quincy Police contacted our Communications Center to report that a carjacking and assault by means of a dangerous weapon, a knife, had just occurred on Burgin Parkway in their City. 

A description of the vehicle and the two suspects were broadcast to all Braintree units. A short time later, Officer Holt observed the suspect motor vehicle at the intersection of Middle and Elm Streets and attempted to effect a motor vehicle stop. The operator refused to stop and began to increase speed in an attempt to avoid capture.

Officer Holt continued to pursue the vehicle and constantly radioed his 
location and speed to Braintree Communications. Dispatcher Canelli continuously updated all involved police agencies as to the location and status of Officer Holt. 

After the vehicle entered Route 93 south and increased speed to 75 mph, Sergeant Yee instructed Officer Holt to shut off his emergency equipment and to follow the stolen vehicle at a safe distance until backup units from Quincy and the State Police could arrive.

After Officer Holt shut off his emergency equipment the suspect vehicle slowed down and was no longer driving erratically. Officer Holt continued to follow the vehicle as it exited the highway onto Route 138 towards Canton. Officer Brian 
Eng arrived at this time to assist Officer Holt. 

The suspect vehicle then entered a dead end street, became entangled in the guide wire of a telephone pole and flipped over, trapping the two suspects inside. Officers Holt and Eng remained on scene until Canton Fire arrived and extricated both suspects from the stolen motor vehicle.

They presently face charges in Quincy and Braintree.

I concur with Sergeant Yee’s assessment that Officer Holt acted professionally and used good common sense to bring this incident to a safe and successful conclusion. I also recognize the contributions of Dispatcher Canelli and the supervision of Sergeant Yee. 

I commend Officer Blake Holt, Dispatcher Nicholas Canelli and Sergeant Phillip Yee. The actions of these individuals are a credit to both them and the Department and are indicative of the professionalism and dedication to service this Department strives for.

Accordingly, I hereby award Officer Blake Holt and Dispatcher Nicholas Canelli eight (8) hours time owed.