Nantucket Crack Dealer Tried to Ram Police Cruiser, Assaulted Officer: Chief

A crack dealer who also dabbles in heroin tried to ram a police cruiser then assaulted an officer during a wild chase on Nantucket Tuesday, police said. Jiahda Wiggins, 28, of New Bedford, was charged with a host of crimes.

The incident started at about 11 a.m. as Nantucket police detectives were investigating Wiggins for possible drug crimes.

"The incident became violent when (Wiggins) ... drove her vehicle directly at (a detective) while refusing to stop," Nantucket Police Chief William Pittman said in a statement. "Wiggins then attempted to ram the detective's police cruiser at a high rate of speed."

A chase ensued as Wiggins drove through the Backus Lane area then ditched her vehicle near the Nantucket community ice rink and ran toward First Way, police said. Wiggins was found after an "extensive search" and proceeded to kick an officer as she was being arrested, police said.

Wiggins was charged with:

• Selling crack cocaine
• Selling heroin
• Assault with a deadly weapon (vehicle)
• Assault on a police officer
• Resisting arrest
• Reckless driving
• Failure to stop
• Speeding
• Driving without a license

Police said Wiggins had a warrants out of Fall River and Wichita, Kansas, respectively, for crimes including theft and a probation violation. She was held on $5,000 bail pending an arraignment.