Two Arrested in Dartmouth After Route 6 Drug Deal

DARTMOUTH — A Taunton man and a Fall River woman were arrested in Dartmouth on Monday night on drug trafficking charges following a struggle and chase near a Route 6 hotel.

State police said troopers saw what appeared to be a drug deal from a Ford Escape in the hotel parking lot at around 11 p.m. Monday.

After police stopped the SUV, troopers said the pair in the vehicle became agitated.

Get our free mobile app

When troopers tried to arrest 36-year-old driver Guillermo Santana of Taunton for a suspended license, he allegedly struggled.

Troopers attempted to stop him with a Taser but Santana allegedly ripped out the single probe and fled on foot.

When a trooper deployed a Taser again, Santana allegedly pulled a fully loaded 9mm Smith & Wesson handgun from his pocket and dropped it.

He does not have a firearms license.

A search of the vehicle revealed 36 grams of crack cocaine and a large amount of cash, according to police.

Santana was arrested and charged with 13 offenses including crack cocaine trafficking, possession of fentanyl, assault and battery on a police officer, resisting arrest, disturbing the peace, and multiple firearms and motor vehicle charges.

His passenger, 31-year-old Vanessa Bruno of Fall River, was arrested and charged with crack cocaine trafficking and fentanyl possession as well as interfering with a police official.

Both Santana and Bruno were evaluated by Dartmouth EMS after complaining of panic attacks and trouble breathing.

Three state troopers were also treated for minor injuries resulting from the struggle, police said.

Santana was ordered held pending a dangerousness hearing.