Fall River man arrested in Westport after striking officer with vehicle, escaping from police

Police arrested a Fall River man after assaulting an officer and running from police.

According to Westport Detective Sergeant Christopher Dunn, on November 27, Officer Turner Ryan was on routine patrol when he observed a motor vehicle with a defective plate light. Officer Ryan conducted a motor vehicle stop on a Volvo XC90. He spoke with the lone occupant of the vehicle, a male operator identified by his Massachusetts Drivers License as Jonathan Rodrigues, 31 of 169 Stafford Road, Fall River.

A query of Rodrigues’ driver’s license revealed it to be suspended. Rodrigues became argumentative stating his license was not suspended. During the interaction, Officer Ryan observed a white powdery substance inside the vehicle and covering Rodrigues’ cellular phone. Through his training and experience Officer Ryan believed this to be cocaine.

Rodrigues was ordered to exit the vehicle. He continued to be defiant with Officer Ryan while he attempted to detain him. The suspect’s behavior escalated as he became assaultive. A struggle ensued as Rodrigues fought to get back in the vehicle. Once back in the vehicle, Rodrigues started to kick Officer Ryan in an attempt to not be arrested. Officer Ryan had been pulled into the vehicle as Rodrigues continued to resist. Officer Ryan disengaged from Rodrigues and transitioned to his Taser, ordering Rodrigues out of the vehicle. The suspect was able to place the vehicle into drive and drove away while the side of the vehicle and door struck Officer Ryan.

Officer Ryan, with the assistance of Sergeant David Simcoe and Officer Luc Suave, was directed to 96 Mosher Lane Westport where they observed the same vehicle in the driveway at this residence. Rodrigues exited the front door where he was placed into custody.

During the booking process, the suspect continued to be uncooperative to the extent that no fingerprints or photographs were able to be taken.

Rodrigues’ jacket revealed 6 blue wax bags, packaging which is consistent with illicit narcotics.

Rodrigues was later transported to the Fall River Justice Center and arraigned on the following charges:

Assault and Battery by Means of a Dangerous Weapon (Motor Vehicle), Assault and Battery on a Police Officer, Resisting Arrest, Operating a Motor Vehicle Negligently, Operating a Motor Vehicle with a Suspended License, Disorderly Conduct, and Possession of Class B Controlled Substance (Cocaine).