New Bedford Man Arrested in Fairhaven After “Doing Donuts” at Livesey Park

Just after 11am Wednesday afternoon, the Fairhaven Police Department received numerous 911 calls reporting a person operating a motor vehicle erratically in the area of Route 6 and Adams Street. Witnesses last saw the vehicle turn north onto Adams Street. A short time later, Officer Frank Sniezek found the vehicle traveling in front of Oxford School in North Fairhaven. Officer Sniezek observed the vehicle drive down a side street and enter Livesey Park, where the operator began doing donuts in the outfield of the ball fields.

Officers Daniel Dorgan, Christopher Bettencourt, Kevin Chasse and Scott Joseph, along with Detectives Jerald Bettencourt and Scott Gordon and Sergeants Michael and Matthew Botelho surrounded the suspect, later identified as 23 year old Chad Santos of New Plainville Road, New Bedford. Santos stopped his vehicle, then went to the trunk which he opened and removed an unknown item. Santos appeared to have placed something behind one of the rear tires of the vehicle, then got back into the car and closed the door. Officers observed him reach under the front seat several times.

During the entire encounter, Santos was behaving in a very irrational manner. He appeared to be in a highly agitated and in a highly emotional state. He was continuously yelling that he was being followed. Due to the behavior and actions exhibited by Santos, Officers were concerned and believed he may have been in possession of a firearm or other type of weapon. Officers conducted a felony stop and ordered Santos out of the vehicle at gunpoint. Santos exited the vehicle, described as a 200 Infinity, and lied on the ground in the prone position. Detective Gordon and Officer Dorgan took him into custody without further incident.

During a subsequent search of the vehicle driven by Santos, Officers discovered a small plastic baggie that contained a white powdery substance that field tested positive for cocaine, along with a sublingual dose of suboxone. Santos was immediately transported to St. Luke’s Hospital for medical evaluation. After being medically cleared by the hospital, Santos was transported to Third District Court where he was arraigned on numerous charges to include negligent operation of a motor vehicle, operating a motor so as to endanger, disorderly conduct, disturbing the peace, trespassing with a motor vehicle, possession of a class b substance subsequent offense and vandalism.