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Stolen Dump Truck Rams Lewiston Cruiser and Crashes into School Playground

An automated license-plate reader led officers to the vehicle, a development officials say highlights cross‑state theft and raised public‑safety risks.

Overview

  • A Ford dual‑wheel dump truck reported stolen in Marlborough, Massachusetts was located in downtown Lewiston after a Flock automated license‑plate alert Friday, prompting officers to move in near Bartlett and Walnut streets.
  • When the truck had no clear exit from a rear parking lot the driver intentionally rammed a Lewiston police cruiser, totaling the cruiser while the officer inside was not injured.
  • The vehicle fled down Howe Street and crashed into the playground fence behind Longley School, which disabled the truck and caused one pursuing officer to suffer a head laceration that required seven staples.
  • Lewiston police arrested driver Antonio Moralespijoan, 23, of Marlborough and passengers Angelika Almeida, 20, of Lawrence and Steven Grossi, 37, of Lowell; charges include theft‑related counts, possession of stolen property, and for Moralespijoan additional reckless conduct and aggravated criminal mischief.
  • Authorities say the suspects may have come to Lewiston to continue a crime spree that began in Massachusetts, the episode underscores the role of ALPR/Flock cameras in linking crimes across jurisdictions, and the case remains an active multiagency investigation.