Fall River man reportedly urinates on himself, attempts to assault officers, after Westport, Fall River, hit-and-run incidents

A city man was arrested Thursday after multiple reported hit-and-run incidents.

According to Detective Sergeant Christopher Dunn, the Westport Police Department was contacted by the Fall River Police Department regarding a black Toyota Tacoma involved in a hit and run in the city. The vehicle was last reported to be traveling east on State Road into Westport.

While officers were dispatched to this location, concerned citizens contacted the Westport Police Department about this same vehicle operating erratically on Sanford Road. The vehicle had struck mailboxes on Sanford Road while traveling southbound. Officer Turner Ryan eventually located the vehicle in the area of Route 177 and Sodom Road.

The vehicle refused to stop for Officer Ryan after he had activated his emergency lights and siren. As the vehicle continued to travel, it turned south on Sodom Road and eventually came to a stop. Once officers made contact with the operator, later identified as 41-year-old Joseph DaCosta of Fall River, he was belligerent, unruly and refused to exit his vehicle, according to Dunn.

Arresting officer, Alberio Medina Jr., noted in his report that DaCosta had a strong odor of alcohol on his breath. Observations made of DaCosta revealed he had urinated himself and he was unsteady on his feet. In plain view, within the vehicle, officers observed several nip bottles of Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey. In total, thirteen bottles were later retrieved.

DaCosta was placed under arrest by Officer Medina and transported to the Westport Police Station where his unruly behavior continued to escalate. During the booking room process, he attempted to spit at and kick an officer.

DaCosta is being charged with Operating Under the Influence of Alcohol (3rd Offense), Failure to Stop for Police, Negligent Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Assault, Leaving the Scene of Property Damage and Possession of an Open Container of Alcohol in a Motor Vehicle. He is scheduled to be arraigned at the Fall River Justice Center.