Fall River Police arrested a local man on a list of charges after a reported hit-and-run crash and a struggle with officers.
According to Lieutenant Matthew Mendes, on Friday, at approximately 10:15 p.m., members of the Patrol Bureau responded to the 1300 block of Bay Street for a reported motor vehicle accident involving a vehicle that had struck multiple parked vehicles.
Upon arrival, officers learned that the operator of the suspect vehicle had fled the scene and was followed by witnesses toward Abbott Court. While this was taking place, one of the witnesses called to report they thought the man was in possession of a weapon, because he kept tugging at his waistband. Officers subsequently located the man matching the description of the driver at Abbott Court Playground.
As an officer exited their cruiser to speak with the man, identified as 35-year-old Jeremy Lopes, the officer noted Lopes was unstable on his feet and smelt of an alcoholic beverage. Lopes failed to comply with the officers commands and began reaching toward his waistband while turning away from the officer. A brief struggle ensued between Lopes and the officer, during which time a loaded, high-capacity MP920 semi-automatic pistol was reportedly recovered from Lopes. Mendes stated that Lopes does not possess a License to Carry authorizing him to carry the firearm in the Commonwealth. In addition to the firearm, officers located two loaded magazines and two nip bottles in his possession. During the booking process, 4 suboxones were located on him as well.
As the investigation continued, a witness positively identified Lopes as the operator of the vehicle involved in the earlier crash. Officers also determined that Lopes’ driver’s license was suspended. Additional ammunition was located inside the suspect vehicle as well as a 21-round magazine.
Lopes was charged with:
-Ammunition Without FID Card, Possess
-License Suspended, Op MV With
-Marked Lanes Violation
-Negligent Operation Of Motor Vehicle
-OUI-Liquor Or .08%
-Leave Scene Of Property Damage
-Drug, Possess Class B
-Feeding Device, Possess Large Capacity
-Firearm, Possess Large Capacity
-Firearm, Carry Without License Loaded
-Firearm, Carry Without License
Court records show that at Monday’s arraignment, Lopes pled not guilty and was being held on dangerousness with a detention hearing scheduled for Thursday.
