Fairhaven Man Arrested in Westport After Pursuit over State Lines

WESTPORT — A Fairhaven man who allegedly stole a New Bedford Department of Public Works truck and another car in Rhode Island was arrested in Westport Thursday after leading police on a pursuit through several communities.

Westport Police say that police from Tiverton and Little Compton were in pursuit of the vehicle, a 1998 Red GMC Sierra stolen from a residence, on Colbrook Road which leads onto Adamsville Road in Westport.

Officer Douglas Wenson observed the vehicle traveling the wrong way on Adamsville Road, approaching the intersection with Main Road. Officer Wenson attempted to conduct a motor vehicle stop, however, the operator refused to stop, traveling north on Main Road. While attempting to stop this vehicle, Officer Wenson reported that the operator was a white male with a goatee and was attempting to speak with the officer through the side-view mirror while driving.

During the low-speed pursuit, the operator of the stolen vehicle struck two Westport cruisers before coming to a stop at 193 Main Road. The operator then fled from the vehicle, running north where he was apprehended by several Westport Police Officers.

The operator was identified as 29-year-old Richard Botelho, of 55 Grove Street in Fairhaven.  Botelho was transported to the Westport Police Department and is being charged with multiple motor vehicle violations, as well as failure to stop for police; receiving stolen property; two counts of malicious destruction of property; two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon (motor vehicle); resisting arrest; and possession of Class A substance (heroin).

During the course of the investigation, it was believed that Botelho allegedly stole a New Bedford Department of Public Works truck, traveled to Tiverton, RI where he parked the truck on the roadway at 520 Crandle Road. He then entered the Red GMC Sierra, which was running, and fled.

When taken into custody, Botelho was observed wearing a gray New Bedford Public Works t-shirt.

Both Westport Police cruisers sustained minor damage and no injuries to either police officer.