Fall River Man Arrested After Fleeing Westport Police

WESTPORT — A Fall River man was arrested last week after he attempted an escape from Westport Police.

On November 27, Officer Turner Ryan was on routine patrol when he observed a motor vehicle with a defective plate light. Officer Ryan conducted a motor vehicle stop on a Volvo XC90. He spoke with the lone occupant of the vehicle, a male operator identified by his Massachusetts driver’s license as Jonathan Rodrigues, 31, of 169 Stafford Road in Fall River.

A query of Rodrigues’ driver’s license revealed it to be suspended. Police say Rodrigues became argumentative, stating his license was not suspended. During the interaction, Officer Ryan said he observed a white powdery substance inside the vehicle and covering Rodrigues’ cell phone. Through his training and experience, Officer Ryan believed this to be cocaine.

Rodrigues was ordered to exit the vehicle. Police say he continued to be defiant with Officer Ryan while the officer attempted to detain him. Rodrigues’ behavior escalated as he became assaultive. A struggle ensued as Rodrigues fought to get back in the vehicle. Once back in the vehicle, Rodrigues allegedly started to kick Officer Ryan in an attempt to not be arrested. Officer Ryan had been pulled into the vehicle as Rodrigues continued to resist. The officer then grabbed his Taser and ordered Rodrigues out of the vehicle. Rodrigues was able to place the vehicle into drive and drove away while the side of the vehicle and door struck Officer Ryan.

Officer Ryan, with the assistance of Sergeant David Simcoe and Officer Luc Suave, was directed to 96 Mosher Lane in Westport where they say they observed the same vehicle in the driveway at this residence. Rodrigues exited the front door where he was placed into custody.

During the booking process, police say Rodrigues continued to be uncooperative to the extent that no fingerprints or photographs were able to be taken.

They also say Rodrigues’ jacket revealed six blue wax bags, packaging which consistent with illicit narcotics.

Rodrigues was later transported to the Fall River Justice Center and arraigned on the following charges: assault and battery by means of a dangerous weapon (motor vehicle), assault and battery on a police officer, resisting arrest, operating a motor vehicle negligently, operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license, disorderly conduct, and possession of a Class B controlled substance (cocaine).