WESTPORT — A suspect was finally caught Thursday after a slow speed chase from Tiverton and Little Compton into Westport but not before a couple of minor accidents and a brief foot pursuit.

On Thursday, Aug. 1, the Tiverton Police Department reported a 1998 Red GMC Sierra stolen from a residence at 520 Crandall Road. Shortly thereafter both Tiverton and Little Compton police were in pursuit of the vehicle and traveling on Colebrook Road which leads to Adamsville Road in Westport.

Westport Police Officer Douglas Wenson spotted the vehicle on Adamsville Road approaching the intersection of Main and Adamsville roads. The officer attempted to conduct a motor vehicle stop but reported that the operator refused to comply, setting out instead north on Main Road.

While attempting to stop the vehicle, Officer Wenson reported that the operator was a white male with a goatee and was attempting to speak with the officer through the side window while driving.

Westport Police said that during this low speed pursuit, the operator of the stolen pickup struck two Westport Police cruisers and finally came to rest at 193 Main Road, a short distance south of Westport Junior-Senior High School. The driver then fled from the vehicle, running north until he was apprehended by several Westport police officers.

The driver was identified as Richard Botelho, 29, of 55 Grove Street. Fairhaven. Mr. Botelho was transported to the Westport Police Department and was charged with multiple motor vehicle violations, as well as failure to stop for police, receiving stolen property, two counts of malicious destruction of property, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon (motor vehicle), resisting arrest and possession of Class A drugs (heroin).

During the course of this investigation, Westport Police determined that Mr. Botelho stole a New Bedford Department of Public Works truck, drove to Tiverton, where he parked the truck on the roadway at 520 Crandall Road. He then entered the red GMC Sierra, which was running, and fled in the pick-up. When taken into custody Mr. Botelho was wearing a gray New Bedford Public Works teeshirt.

Both Westport police cruisers sustained minor damage ; neither police officer ws injured.