Man who has repeatedly ‘outrunned’ police ups his game by swimming across river, hiding out in dense woods: Cops

A Massachusetts man known locally for repeatedly escaping police pursuits was finally taken into custody after a dramatic chase that involved a high-speed pursuit, a swim across a river, and an extensive search through a wooded area.

Authorities identified the suspect as 54-year-old Dominick Revell, a man police say has an extensive criminal history and several active warrants. According to law enforcement officials, Revell had become well-known among local officers for his ability to evade capture during previous encounters.

Traffic Stop Sparks Pursuit

The incident began on the morning of June 8 when an officer with the Bellingham Police Department attempted to stop a blue Ford Ranger that officers recognized as a vehicle commonly driven by Revell.

Instead of pulling over, the driver allegedly accelerated away, prompting a police pursuit. The chase quickly crossed into the neighboring town of Franklin, where officers from the Franklin Police Department joined the operation.

Police reported that stop sticks were deployed on Grove Street in Franklin in an effort to bring the pursuit to an end. The tire-deflation devices successfully punctured the passenger-side tires of the pickup truck.

Despite the damaged tires, authorities said the vehicle continued traveling through Franklin for a considerable distance.

Vehicle Damages Property During Chase

According to police, the pursuit stretched across much of Franklin and at one point approached the town line with Medway.

As the chase continued, investigators said the pickup truck struck several mailboxes before eventually coming to a stop on Pond Street in the northern section of Franklin.

Even after the vehicle could no longer continue, Revell allegedly refused to surrender.

Suspect Abandons Truck and Flees on Foot

Police said Revell exited the pickup truck and immediately ran from officers.

Authorities described a dramatic escape attempt in which the suspect jumped over a fence before entering a nearby river.

Investigators said he then swam across the waterway and disappeared into a densely wooded area on the opposite side.

The maneuver temporarily allowed him to evade the officers who had been pursuing him.

Massive Search Operation Launched

Once Revell entered the woods, police agencies from multiple jurisdictions coordinated a large-scale search effort.

Officers established a perimeter around the area in hopes of preventing the suspect from escaping.

The search operation included:

Drone Teams

Police deployed drone operators to conduct aerial surveillance of the wooded terrain. The drones were used to search areas that were difficult for officers to access on foot and to look for any signs of movement beneath the tree canopy.

K-9 Units

Specialized K-9 teams from neighboring law enforcement agencies were also called in to assist with tracking the suspect through the dense woods.

The dogs were used to follow potential scent trails and help officers narrow down the search area.

Initial Search Comes Up Empty

Despite the extensive response, officers were unable to locate Revell on the first day of the search.

Police subsequently issued public alerts warning residents about the fugitive and asking community members to report any sightings or information regarding his whereabouts.

Authorities continued searching while monitoring tips from the public.

Community Reacts to Another Escape Attempt

The pursuit quickly became a topic of discussion on social media, where many local residents appeared familiar with Revell’s history of avoiding arrest.

Several commenters referenced previous incidents in which he had allegedly managed to evade officers.

One social media user reportedly described him as a local legend because of his repeated escapes from law enforcement.

Another commenter joked that the suspect appeared to have become more athletic over the years, referencing his decision to jump fences and swim across a river during the latest pursuit.

Others remarked that he had repeatedly embarrassed police during earlier chases by successfully outrunning officers.

Arrest Made After Continued Search

Revell’s freedom did not last long.

On the evening of June 9, authorities announced that he had been located and arrested in Franklin.

Police said the arrest was the result of coordinated efforts between the Franklin and Bellingham police departments.

Officials stated that Revell was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Bellingham Police Department for processing.

Charges Facing the Suspect

According to police, Revell is facing numerous criminal charges connected to the pursuit and his alleged actions before and during the incident.

The charges include:

• Failure to stop for police
• Operating a motor vehicle after suspension
• Speeding
• Leaving the scene of property damage
• Two counts of reckless operation

Authorities indicated that additional charges may also be filed as the investigation continues.

Police Highlight Extensive Criminal History

Law enforcement officials said Revell was already wanted on active warrants connected to motor vehicle offenses and previous incidents.

Police also described him as having an extensive criminal record, which contributed to the effort to locate and apprehend him quickly after he fled into the woods.

Multi-Agency Cooperation Leads to Capture

The successful arrest highlighted the cooperation between multiple law enforcement agencies.

Officers credited coordinated planning, perimeter containment, drone surveillance, K-9 assistance, and continued investigative work for bringing the search to a successful conclusion.

After years of reportedly evading police and another escape attempt that included swimming across a river and hiding in a wooded area, authorities ultimately succeeded in taking Revell into custody.

The investigation remains ongoing, and prosecutors are expected to determine whether additional charges will be filed in connection with the pursuit and subsequent manhunt.