A Fall River motorist now faces a lengthy list of charges including assault with a dangerous weapon after Westport Police say he became combative and ultimately fled after being pulled over on Wednesday, Nov. 27

Officer Turner Ryan was on routine patrol at around 2:30 a.m. when he observed a Volvo with a defective plate light, said Westport Police Sgt. Christopher Dunn.  

The officer spoke with the lone occupant of the vehicle, identified by his Massachusetts driver’s license as Jonathan Rodrigues, 31, of 169 Stafford Road, Fall River. 

A check of that license revealed that it had been suspended, Sgt. Dunn said, a revelation that Mr. Rodrigues denied.  

“During the interaction Officer Ryan observed a white powdery substance inside the vehicle and covering Mr. Rodrigues’ cellular phone,” a substance that appeared to be cocaine.

Mr. Rodrigues was ordered to exit the vehicle but “continued to be defiant with Officer Ryan” who was attempting to detain him.  

“Mr. Rodrigues’ behavior escalated” and a struggle ensued as Mr. Rodrigues fought to get back in the vehicle, Sgt. Dunn said.

“Once back in the vehicle, Mr. Rodrigues started to kick Officer Ryan and pulled him partially into the car, Sgt. Dunn said.

The officer pulled free, readied his Taser and ordered Mr. Rodrigues out of the vehicle. Instead, Officer Dunn said that Mr. Rodrigues was able to put the vehicle into gear and drove away, striking Officer Ryan with the vehicle’s door and side.

Officer Ryan, with assistance from Sergeant David Simcoe and Officer Luc Suave, was directed to 96 Mosher Lane Westport where the officers observed the same vehicle in the driveway.  

When Mr. Rodrigues came out the front door he was placed into custody. “During the booking process Mr. Rodrigues continued to be uncooperative to the extent that no fingerprints or photographs were able to be taken.”  

Police said that six blue wax bags, packaging consistent with illicit narcotics, were found in Mr. Rodrigues’ jacket.

He was later transported to the Fall River Justice Center and arraigned on the following charges: Assault and battery by means of a dangerous weapon (motor vehicle), assault and battery on a police officer, resisting arrest, operating a motor vehicle negligently, driving with a suspended license, disorderly conduct, and possession of Class B controlled substance (cocaine).