High-speed car chase in Mass. ends with a rescue

FAIRHAVEN, Mass.—What started as a high-speed chase of a stolen car turned into a rescue operation for Fairhaven and New Bedford police.

Authorities say a Fairhaven resident called police at about 4 a.m. Tuesday to report that someone was trying to break into his car. Police found a vehicle driving with its interior light on, but when they pull it over, it sped away.

Police say it crashed through a barrier on the New Bedford-Fairhaven Bridge as it was opening to let a boat through.

The driver got out and jumped into the water, before clinging to a piling and yelling for help.

Police say 38-year-old Joaquim Fortes swam to a nearby dock where he was arrested on motor vehicle and larceny charges. He was held on $10,000 cash bail after pleading not guilty at his arraignment.