Fall River woman, Taunton man arrested in parking lot on Route 6 after struggle

Two were arrested earlier this week after a dangerous struggle with police.

According to Massachusetts State Police, shortly after 11 p.m. on August 30, Trooper Cody Smith, assigned to the State Police Dartmouth-Barracks, was patrolling Route 6 in Dartmouth and observed what he believed to be a hand-to-hand drug deal inside a Ford Escape SUV parked at hotel known for a high amount of narcotics activity. Trooper Smith observed the SUV leave the parking lot briefly, the operator driving erratically, and then quickly return to the lot, where the Trooper stopped the vehicle.

The operator, Guillermo Santana, 36, of Taunton, and passenger Vanessa Bruno, 31, of Fall River, exited the vehicle on their own. Trooper Smith instructed them to sit back in the vehicle which they did, after initially failing to comply.

During conversation with the Trooper Santana and Bruno became increasingly nervous and evasive in their answers and Bruno began moving bags around inside the vehicle and reaching for various items. Troopers Alex Boswell and Ryan Boswell responded as back up.

When Troopers discovered that Santana’s driver’s license was no longer valid he was ordered to exit the vehicle. Santana refused to do so and became increasingly agitated. The Troopers then began to remove Santana from the vehicle. When Santana was partially out he attempted to reach back inside the car for a black fanny-pack. The Troopers attempted to secure Santana in handcuffs when he resisted and pulled away from the Troopers, resulting in a struggle. At the rear of the vehicle Santana started to reach toward his waistband. The three Troopers and Santana fell to the ground where Santana lunged for Trooper Ryan Boswell’s duty belt. Trooper Smith deployed his TASER to make Santana comply but he ripped the single probe that made contact from his skin and took off on foot.

During the struggle, Bruno repeatedly went to and from the vehicle moving around items in the interior. Trooper Smith put her into handcuffs while Troopers Ryan Boswell and Alex Boswell went after Santana. At this time Dartmouth Police Officers began to arrive on scene to provide additional back-up. Trooper Ryan Toolin caught up to Troopers chasing Santana and deployed his TASER. Santana, who does not possess a license to carry, pulled a fully loaded 9mm Smith and Wesson handgun from his pocket and dropped it. After another brief struggle, Santana was cuffed and restrained.

Further investigation of the Ford Escape revealed the black fanny-pack contained 36 grams of individually packaged crack cocaine, and a large amount of cash. Bruno was then placed under arrest. Both Santana and Bruno were evaluated by Dartmouth EMS after complaining of panic attacks and trouble breathing. Troopers Smith, A. Boswell, and R. Boswell were treated for minor injuries resulting from the struggle.

Santana was arrested on the charges of Possession of Class A Narcotic, Fentanyl, Trafficking of Class B Narcotic, Crack Cocaine 36 grams; A&B On Police Officer, Resisting Arrest; Disturbing The Peace, Possession of A Firearm During a Felony; Firearm Violation With 1 Prior Violent or Drug Crime, Possession Of A Firearm, 2nd Offense, Possession Of Firearm Or Ammunition Without FID Card, Subsequent Offense, Carrying A Loaded Firearm, Fail To Signal, Fail To Use Care In Starting, Stopping, Turning Or Backing, and Operation Of A Motor Vehicle With A Suspended License.

Bruno was charged with Interfering With Police Official, Possession Of Class A Narcotic, Fentanyl, and
Trafficking Of Class B Narcotic, Crack Cocaine 36 grams.

During his arraignment in New Bedford District Court, Santana was ordered held pending a dangerousness hearing.