Tiverton Police: Reckless Driver, Stolen Stove, Assault, Disorderly Conduct

A New Bedford man received a slew of charges when he allegedly tried to evade last week in his car.

John A. Brito, 52, of 35 Nash Road, New Bedford, MA, was arrested at 10:23 p.m., Thursday, March 29. He was charged with reckless driving/eluding police (first offense), making an illegal turn, driving the wrong way on a one-way street, failure to obey a stop sign, failure to obey local police traffic regulations and failure to use a turn signal.

An officer observed a vehicle driving the wrong way up Canonicus Street at night March 29, which is a one-way street, said Lt. Patrick Jones. The officer reportedly tried to block the driver, Brito, but his vehicle reportedly turned into a driveway and turned around and passed the officer attempting to stop him. Then the vehicle reportedly sped through the Canonicus and Shove street intersection without stopping and swerved around a corner dangerously.

Jones said the officer could hear the vehicle accelerating the tires spinning. The vehicle then came to the intersection of Shove Street before Hooper Street and appeared to take a left, but then reportedly pulled over.

Jones said the officer gave Brito a field sobriety test, which he reportedly passed. He was still arrested for eluding.

Man allegedly steals stove

Brian C. Baxter, 47, of 31 Lane St., Apt. 3, Fall River, MA, was arrested at 4:52 p.m., Monday, April 2. Baxter was charged with larceny under $500.

Jones said police received a call from a Campion Avenue resident claiming a stove was stolen off his property. The resident claimed he offered the stove to his neighbor, saying it was in good condition. The neighbor reportedly said he was interested and would come by in a couple days to get it. Jones said the resident claimed that after two days the stove was missing from his property, and it wasn't his neighbor to took it.

The resident claimed he was approached by other neighbors claiming they saw two white men come by earlier in a white Ford Ranger, load the oven onto it and take off. One of the witnesses stated they saw the same two males driving around the Route 177 Flea Market on Bulgarmarsh Road. Jones said the witnesses provided the registration plate of the truck to police.

An officer was able to obtain a photograph of the registered owner of the truck, Baxter, who reportedly came to the police station and admitted to taking the stove and selling it for scrap. He was then charged.

Alleged domestic assault

Natalie M. Pratt, 41, of 1353 Main Road, Tiverton, was arrested at 9:29 p.m., Wednesday, March 28. She was charged with domestic simple assault and battery.

Jones said police responded to the residence for a report of a domestic dispute between a mother, Pratt, and her son. Upon arrival and speaking to both people, Jones said police learned the two were arguing, and the mother reportedly struck the son in the nose causing a slight injury.

Disorderly conduct

Ana Paula DeJesus, 30, of 79 East Beardsworth Road, Tiverton, was arrested at 1:01 p.m., Thursday, March 29. She was charged with domestic disorderly conduct.

Jones said police responded to the residence for a report of a domestic dispute between boyfriend and girlfriend. Upon arrival after speaking with both people, Jones said police learned the argument escalated to where the girlfriend, DeJesus, threatened to pick up a kitchen knife and use it. Neither the knife was never introduced nor was it used.

Warrant arrest

Justin D. Sherman, 26, of 159 Austin St., Fall River, MA at 6:45 p.m., Friday, March 30. Sherman was taken into custody based on an outstanding bench warrant issued in Second District Court for failure to pay court fines. Jones said police pulled over Sherman near 1 Mill Street for having a loud exhaust and not wearing his seatbelt. A background check revealed the warrant for Sherman, who owed $219.50 in court fees