Alleged car thief who sparked massive search under arrest; police say he hid from helicopter in a basement

Somerville Police say they've arrested Terrence Morrison, 21, of Cambridge, on car-theft charges - following yesterday's massive search by Somerville and Cambridge officers and a State Police helicopter, that was sparked when he fled from police and pushed an elderly man in his haste to get away, before finding an open basement door.

Police say State Police nabbed Morrison yesterday afternoon at Winchester Hospital, where he was being treated for a cut hand.

In addition to charges of receiving stolen property, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct from yesterday morning's incident, Morrison also faces 10 warrants from Somerville, Cambridge, Boston, Saugus and Watertown on a variety of charges that car theft, witness intimidation and breaking into a boat in the nighttime.

In a report on his arrest, Somerville Police say two officers dispatched to Bolton Street to check out a possibly stolen car found the car - and Morrison in the driver's seat. The officers recognized him from past encounters. When he spotted them:

Mr. Morrison opened the driver's side front door and took off running down Bolton St towards Oak St. At that time Officer Monaco stopped the cruiser and I jumped out and started chasing Mr. Morrison. While chasing Mr. Morrison I shouted, "Somerville Police stop, don't move," while Mr. Morrison continued to run towards Oak St. Mr. Morrison continued running from Bolton St to Oak St, and then onto Prospect St, through traffic, during rush hour. ...

Mr. Morrison then ran into the driveway of 118 Prospect St and started jumping from yard to yard, attempting to get away. While attempting to get away Mr. Morrison pushed an elderly male in the back yard of 114 Prospect St, while he was getting into his car, (victim left prior to me acquiring his information). After pushing the elderly male, Mr. Morrison went into the back yard or 112 Prospect St.

The officers lost sight of him, but radioed to neighboring Cambridge for help:

While trying to locate Mr. Morrison a perimeter was established with both Somerville and Cambridge police officers. While the perimeter was in place, dispatch was asked to contact another agency to see if there was a K-9 available. The Massachusetts State Police was notified, and two State Police K-9 Officers responded to help with the search of Mr. Morrison. While on scene a Massachusetts State Police helicopter also arrived to help with the search of Mr. Morrison. After searching the backyards between Prospect St and Tremont St, (all in the area where Mr. Morrison was last seen), the K-9 was unable to locate Mr. Morrison.

Police say that Morrison told troopers at the hospital he'd hurt his hand on a brick wall while trying to escape Somerville:

Mr. Morrison also stated that while the search was going on, and the helicopter was looking for him, he was in the basement of a building, with the basement door secured from inside. Mr. Morrison stated that while inside he could see the police and after all the police left he had to boot the door open in order to get out.

Innocent, etc.