NEW BEDFORD — New Bedford narcotics detectives arrested a man on drug and motor vehicle charges after a vehicle stop led to a high-speed chase which damaged a police cruiser and a parked vehicle.

A second arrest followed after another individual was found taking drugs that were apparently tossed on the ground by the driver during the incident.

Detectives were patrolling in the west end when they observed a vehicle failing to stop at a stop sign at Cottage and Parker Street. Detectives stopped the vehicle at Willis and Cottage Street. During the stop, the vehicle fled the scene.

The vehicle drove on Willis, North, Spencer and Parker Streets and Shawmut Avenue, failing to stop at numerous stop signs and traveling at speeds up to 70 mph. While eluding police, the vehicle struck a police vehicle and a parked motor vehicle.

In the area of Myrtle and Peckham Streets, the driver abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot. He was observed tossing an item which was found to be a bag of Fentanyl weighing about 8.5 grams. Packaging materials and cash were found inside the vehicle.

Police arrested Jacob Isaac Matthews-Almeida, 20, of 104 Peckham St. Apt. 2, New Bedford, on charges of failure to stop for a stop sign, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, failure to stop for police, malicious damage to a motor vehicle, possession of Fentanyl with intent to distribute, resisting arrest and on a warrant arrest.

Upon further investigation, police located a .22 Long Rifle firearm, loaded with six rounds of .22 caliber ammunition, on the ground along the route the car traveled. The firearm will be sent out for further analysis with possible charges pending.

Police observed another individual taking the item tossed by the driver who was fleeing on foot. The item was determined to be Fentanyl. As police attempted to subdue him, he became physically and verbally disruptive.

Police subsequently arrested Myles Benjamin Matthews, 32, of 569 Purchase St. Apt. 2, New Bedford, on charges of possession of Fentanyl, resisting arrest, disorderly conduct and intimidating a witness.

The arrests were made at about 7:41 p.m. Monday, July 30.

New Bedford Police Department

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