New Bedford man tazed three times sentenced after spitting blood, saliva in trooper’s face

Bristol County District Attorney Thomas Quinn, III has announced that a 43-year-old man was convicted after a jury trial in the New Bedford District Court.

Eli Zarate, of New Bedford was sentenced by the Honorable Heath Antonio to 2.5 years to the House of Correction with 2 years to serve and the balance suspended for 3 years for assaulting police in August 2025. This case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Miranda Crane.

On Friday, August 1, 2025, Massachusetts State Troopers were in the area of Dartmouth Street in New Bedford when they observed two individuals riding on a moped without helmets.  The Troopers stopped the moped in front of a nearby liquor store and encountered Zarate, who was the passenger of the moped, and his nephew, who was the driver.  It was determined at that time that the moped was not registered.  Zarate and his nephew were informed that the moped would need to be towed.  At that point, the defendant began to record the Troopers and got in their faces in an agitated state.  Zarate’s nephew attempted to take the moped and fled when he was unsuccessful.  The defendant then attempted to obstruct the Troopers by blocking them and grabbing at them.  The Troopers gave chase to the nephew with Zarate following behind.  While the nephew was actively resisting the Troopers commands to place him in custody, Zarate was hovering over them.  The defendant was then non-compliant and physically resisted the Troopers commands.  During this process, Zarate engaged in a physical struggle with Trooper McGreevy that caused his body worn camera to fall off.  The Troopers attempted to taze Zarate to bring him into compliance.  The first attempt was unsuccessful to which he laughed and commented, “let’s go again”, while advancing towards Trooper McGreevy with clenched fists.  The defendant was tazed two additional times and eventually detained.  Zarate, while in the cruiser for transport to St. Luke’s Hospital, spit a mixture of blood and saliva in the face of Trooper McGreevy. 

“This was outrageous and lawless conduct that shows a complete disregard for authority, which unfortunately is becoming all too common in today’s society.  The defendant was interfering with and assaulting police, who are just doing their job.  A job which is difficult enough in today’s world. This conduct should be an affront to any reasonable person,” District Attorney Tom Quinn said.