A Lakeville man has been arrested after allegedly operating a boat while drunk and assaulting a public employee.

New Bedford Police say they received a call from the Fairhaven Harbormaster Thursday night, who said a small fishing vessel headed north towards the hurricane barrier did not have his running lights on and was failing to stop.

The New Bedford Harbor Patrol Unit caught up to the vessel in the harbor, which still failed to pull over. Police pulled up alongside of the vessel, which finally stopped after several orders from officers. The operator of the boat, 60-year-old Christopher Karo of Lakeville, was unsteady on his feet, according to police.

Police took the man into custody and were bringing him back to the docks when he reportedly tried to tackle the Fairhaven Harbormaster.

Karo was arrested and charged with operating under the influence on a boat, assault and battery on a public employee, and having faulty equipment on the vessel.

More From WBSM-AM/AM 1420