Alleged erratic driving on Route 6 in Westport leads to arrest of Fall River man on drug distribution, other charges

Westport Police arrested a Fall River man this morning on multiple charges.

According to Sergeant Robert Rebello, at approximately 1:50 a.m., Officer Michael Chicca observed a black Mercedes SUV commit multiple marked lanes violations while traveling on Route 6. The vehicle swerved to the right, crossing the white fog line, then swerved left crossing the yellow dotted line separating the two westbound lanes. The vehicle then swerved right again crossing the fog line almost striking the curb. Officer Chicca activated his emergency lights and the vehicle came to a stop on Route 6 in the area of Washington Street.

Officer Chicca approached the vehicle and identified the male operator as 29-year-old Ryan Merkt of Walnut Street in Fall River. According to police, Merkt continued to look straight ahead while playing with the vehicle’s key fob as the officer asked for his license and registration. He handed Officer Chicca his license only. When asked again for the registration, he handed Officer Chicca the vehicle’s inspection report. After asking a third time, Merkt finally handed Officer Chicca the vehicle’s registration. The officer could smell a strong odor of alcohol coming from Merkt’s breath. He also noted Merkt had glassy eyes and was slurring his speech.

As Officer Chicca continued to speak with Merkt, he observed him continuing to move around the vehicle. The officer ordered him to place his hands on the steering wheel which he did. Officer Chicca observed Merkt while radioing to dispatch for information and he began to move around the vehicle again as Officer Sarah Zielinski arrived as backup. Officer Chicca informed Officer Zielinski of what he had observed and they moved to the driver’s door and ordered Merkt out of the vehicle.

While Officer Zielinski monitored Merkt, Officer Chicca checked the area Merkt was moving around in and discovered multiple bags of marijuana. Officer Chicca then asked Merkt to perform field sobriety testing and he refused. Merkt was asked again if he would perform field sobriety testing and he refused. Officer Chicca then placed him under arrest for OUI.

Other officers arrived on scene and assisted in the motor vehicle inventory. Located in the glove compartment was a large amount of loose cash, a large amount of cash in an envelope, a large amount of cash in a multicolored drawstring bag and additional bags of marijuana. In the rear of the vehicle was a backpack with additional bags of marijuana and cash. The cup holder was filled with multiple used joints and a full joint.

Westport Police noted that the packaging was colorful with graphics and phrases which may be enticing to younger individuals.

In total, 39 bags of marijuana were removed from the vehicle along with over $19,000 in cash. Merkt was charged with Operation of a Motor Vehicle While Under the Influence of Intoxicating Liquor, Negligent Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Marked Lanes Violation and Possession with Intent to Distribute Class D (Subsequent Offense).