Traffic stop, chase, lead to drug arrest by Fall River Police

Fall River Police have arrested a man on drug charges after a foot pursuit.

According to Sergeant J.T. Hoar, Officers Matthew Mendes and Greg Homen, who are assigned to the Special Operations Division Gang Unit, were conducting surveillance of a vehicle which they believed was involved in a potential drug transaction. The officers observed a Toyota Corolla parked on the sidewalk in the area of 200 Osborn Street and noticed a black male later identified as Clinton Way, 39, enter the passenger side of the vehicle. The vehicle then began travelling west on Osborn Street. Officers had information that Way was an active crack cocaine dealer.

Based on their observations, the officers attempted to stop the vehicle to inquire further to what they believed to be a drug transaction about to occur. Officers followed the vehicle on to Broadway at Bradford Avenue and performed a motor vehicle stop by turning on their emergency lights. While doing so, they observed Way suddenly reach down toward the floor of the vehicle and lean backwards in his seat.

After completing the stop, officers asked Way to exit the vehicle at which time a pat frisk of Way took place. Officer Homen discovered Way was in possession of a clear bag containing a white hard substance which was recognized as crack cocaine. Officers also spoke with the operator of the vehicle and it was determined that his explanation of what he was doing were not consistent with what officers observed just prior to stopping the vehicle. Officer Homen attempted to place Way into handcuffs but he suddenly pulled away from Officer Homen and began fleeing west on Bradford Avenue. A brief foot pursuit ensued and Way was located in a residential yard on Beach Street.

After the conclusion of the investigation, officers seized 5.4 grams of Crack Cocaine, drug packaging materials, a digital scale and $10,193 dollars in US Currency which was believed to be proceeds of illegal drug sales.

WAY was charged with Possession of a Class B Substance with intent to distribute, resisting arrest and disturbing the peace.