Maldonian allegedly led chase into Boston after stealing police cruiser

Suspect being evaluated at facility pending June 27 court date

By The Advocate

  During the evening of June 7, a 28-year-old Malden woman allegedly stole a police cruiser right outside the Malden Police Station before leading a chase into downtown Boston. According to reports, the suspect jumped into the cruiser, which reportedly had its engine running, and raced away on Route 60/Eastern Avenue. After realizing the cruiser was stolen, Malden police issued an alert, and it was spotted driving erratically on the Zakim Bridge shortly before midnight. Massachusetts State Police attempted to stop the vehicle on I-93, but the driver took off. Troopers pursued the cruiser until it stopped at Boston’s Victoria’s Diner, which was closed.

  The driver, who was identified as Renelle Sonia, 38, of Malden, was arrested at the scene. Police said no one was injured and the cruiser was not damaged. She was charged with negligent operation, driving without a license, possessing stolen property and failing to stop for police.

  On Wednesday, Sonia was arraigned in Roxbury District Court, where her attorney said her client has an extensive history of mental illness. Sonia was taken to Tewksbury State Hospital for evaluation. She is due back in court on June 27.