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Man who allegedly crashed stolen BMW held without bail pending dangerousness hearing Friday

by | Apr 29, 2026 | Featured: News, News

A North Billerica man arrested in Hopkinton on April 21 on charges including cocaine trafficking and malicious destruction of property is being held without bail until a dangerousness hearing is held in Framingham District Court on Friday.

Christopher M. Saunders Jr., 30, allegedly crashed a stolen white BMW he was driving into a fence along Loop Road. He was apprehended by police without incident after attempting to flee from officers by running down Hayden Rowe Street.

A damaged GPS ankle monitor was found in the wooded area near the EMC Park entrance and Marathon School. In the vehicle, officers found a duffel bag containing a white powdery substance that appeared to be cocaine as well as associated drug paraphernalia and a contact list, according to police.

Saunders was arraigned in Framingham District Court on April 22 on 13 charges, according to court records.

Felony charges included:

  • Assault with a dangerous weapon;
  • Malicious destruction of property greater than $1,200;
  • Possession of cocaine with intent to distribute.

Misdemeanor charges that carry a penalty of more than 100 days of incarceration if found guilty included:

  • Negligent operation of a motor vehicle;
  • Use of a motor vehicle without authority;
  • Leaving the scene of property damage;
  • Possession of a Class B drug;

Misdemeanor charges that carry a penalty of less than 100 days of incarceration if found guilty included:

  • Failure to stop for police;
  • Operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license;
  • Unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle;
  • Malicious destruction of property of $1,200 or less;
  • Trafficking of cocaine (36 grams or more, less than 100 grams).

The charge of failure to stop or yield for police was deemed to be a civil motor vehicle infraction. Violators must pay the fine or appeal within 20 days to avoid license suspension or increased insurance premiums.

On April 22, a new attorney was assigned to the defendant, court records indicate. Because of the severity of the charges, Saunders was held without bail in the Middlesex Jail & House of Correction in Billerica pending a dangerousness hearing.

The dangerousness hearing originally was scheduled for this past Monday, but it was postponed until Friday at 10:30 a.m. Judge David W. Cunis will preside over the hearing.

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