RI Man Charged In Salem Police Officer Hit-And-Run

SALEM, MA — A Rhode Island man was arraigned in Salem District Court on drug and assault charges on Wednesday after police said he struck a Salem police officer with his vehicle during a drug investigation near Pope Street last week and fled the scene.

Police said the officer was treated at Salem Hospital for her injuries sustained on Jan. 15 and was released the next morning. A second officer was forced to dive out of the way to avoid being struck by the vehicle as well after the suspect drove over a curb, onto the sidewalk, and struck the officer, who was thrown onto the hood of the car before falling to the ground.

Police said Lucas David Fulcar-Batista, of Coventry, RI, was found and arrested in Lawrence on Wednesday.

He was charged with fentanyl trafficking, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, and several motor vehicle violations.

He pleaded not guilty to the charges and was ordered held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing, which is scheduled for Jan. 26 in Salem District Court.

• Salem Police Officer Struck, Hospitalized During Criminal Investigation

"I want to sincerely thank the people of Salem for the support and concern for our injured officer that flooded our department through calls, emails and other messages," Salem Police Chief Lucas Miller said on Wednesday. "We pride ourselves on looking out for the well-being of our community. It is immensely gratifying to know that members of the community feel the same way about their police officers."

Police said the officers were conducting an investigation into drug activity in the area when one of the suspects struck the officer before driving away from the scene.

The vehicle involved was later found being towed on Jackson Street in the early hours of Friday morning.

Police said the officer was "conscious and alert" when taken to the hospital for an evaluation and was "expected to make a full recovery."

Miller said on Wednesday that she is still being evaluated for her injuries.

Police said they believed the hit-and-run was an "isolated incident." They said there was no ongoing threat to the community since the suspect had apparently left the Salem area after the incident.

Police said a multi-state investigation involving local, state and federal police ensued over the next six days before the suspect was located in Lawrence on Wednesday.