Man arrested after allegedly stealing New Bedford, Tiverton vehicles, striking multiple Westport cruisers during pursuit

Police have arrested a local man after a pursuit that led to damage to police vehicles.

According to Detective Sergeant Christopher Dunn, today the Tiverton Police Department reported a 1998 Red GMC Sierra stolen from the residence at 520 Crandle Road. Shortly thereafter, both the Tiverton and Little Compton Police were in pursuit of this vehicle and traveling on Colbrook Road which leads onto Adamsville Road in Westport.

Officer Douglas Wenson observed this vehicle traveling the wrong way on Adamsville Road approaching the intersection of Main and Adamsville Road. Wenson attempted to conduct a motor vehicle stop, however, the operator refused to stop, traveling north on Main Road. While attempting to stop this vehicle, Wenson reported that the operator was a white male with a goatee and was attempting to speak with the officer through the side view mirror while driving.

During this low speed pursuit, the operator of the stolen vehicle struck two Westport Police Department Police cruisers and the vehicle came to rest at 193 Main Road. The operator then fled from the vehicle running north where he was apprehended by several Westport Police Officers.

The operator was identified as Richard Botelho, 29, of 55 Grove Street. Fairhaven. Botelho was transported to the Westport Police Department and is being charged with multiple motor vehicle violations, as well as Failure to Stop for Police, Receiving Stolen Property, two counts Malicious Destruction of Property, two counts Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (Motor Vehicle), Resisting Arrest, and Possession of Class A (Heroin).

During the course of the investigation it was determined that Botelho allegedly stole a New Bedford Department of Public Works truck and traveled to Tiverton, RI where he parked the truck on the roadway at 520 Crandle Road. He then entered the Red GMC Sierra which was running and fled in the pick-up. When taken into custody Botelho was observed wearing a gray New Bedford Public Works t-shirt.

Both Westport Police cruisers sustained minor damage and no injuries to either Police Officer.