New Bedford Drug Dealer Arrested After Allegedly Hitting Police Cruiser

NEW BEDFORD — A New Bedford drug dealer and career criminal has been arrested on multiple narcotics and vehicle charges after allegedly trying to flee from police and hitting a cruiser in the process.

Police said organized crime detectives arrested 47-year-old Jose Fernandez after trying to search his 83 Field St. apartment on Friday afternoon.

They saw and stopped Fernandez in his car nearby — but police said he allegedly refused to open his car door and tried to flee the scene, striking a police cruiser.

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The detectives also saw Fernandez allegedly trying to destroy bags of suspected drugs inside the vehicle, according to police.

A search of the car allegedly turned up three bags of fentanyl, cutting agent, digital scales, and packaging materials, police said.

They also allegedly found more than $14,300 in cash, which was seized on suspicion of being proceeds from illicit drug activity.

According to police, Fernandez has a history of narcotics-related convictions.

He is charged with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl (subsequent offense), as well as unlicensed and reckless operation of a motor vehicle, failing to stop for police, attempting to destroy evidence, and being a career criminal.