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Multiple weapons found in vehicle after police chase

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — Police said they found a hatchet, two knives, and a can of lighter fluid inside a vehicle after a chase that ended in New Bedford.

Police tell FOX25 the chase started in Rochester just after 1 p.m. when a 911 caller reported a driver in a Chevy Blazer swerving near Mary’s Pond Road.

When officers arrived, the driver of that vehicle had stopped and was hitting the SUV with a hatchet.

The man initially fled on foot, but then turned around and allegedly raised the hatchet and began running toward an officer.

Police say that’s when he got back in the Blazer and drove off. Officers chased him until he became cornered in New Bedford.

Police said at some point during the chase the driver, later identified as 50-year-old Randall Harrison, poured lighter fluid on himself and on the vehicle.

Harrison will be charged with negligent operation of a motor vehicle, failure to stop for police, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, and other charges.

FOX25 has learned that Harrison has a lengthy criminal history including resisting arrest and multiple license suspensions.