Driver caught after traveling 150MPH on Southampton Road in Westfield, police say

WESTFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - A driver was arrested and faces several charges, including reckless operation, after police say he was observed traveling more than 150 miles per hour on Southampton Road in Westfield. Westfield Police Captain Eric Hall told 22News that officers saw a white car at around 10 p.m. on Monday traveling northbound in the area of 766 Southampton Road in excess of 150 miles per hour. Officers did not pursue the vehicle due to public safety concerns. The vehicle was spotted several minutes later traveling on Southampton Road at an estimated speed of 40 to 50 miles per hour. Captain Hall said officers did not initiate a traffic stop but began to follow the car. The driver of the car then turned off their headlights and took off traveling at speeds exceeding 108 miles per hour. Again, due to public safety concerns, officers did not pursue the vehicle. The vehicle was observed a short time later by another officer on Southampton Road near the entrance to the Mass. Pike. When the driver saw the cruiser, they again turned off their headlights and drove at a very high rate of speed. In an attempt to safely stop the vehicle, an officer deployed a tire deflation device near 181 North Elm Street, but it was unsuccessful. The driver eventually lost control of the vehicle and crashed into the center median, a signpost, and another vehicle. The driver and three passengers attempted to run away but were caught by officers. The operator, 21-year-old Viacheslav Artvik of West Springfield, was and charged with the following offenses: No injuries were reported as a result of the crash.