A New Bedford man is facing a long list of charges after allegedly leading police on a chase through the city Monday evening, dragging a detective with his vehicle and later kicking another detective in the face while resisting arrest.
Cameron Leite, 24, was taken into custody after the pursuit ended near Hadley Street, according to police.
The incident began around 6 p.m. when detectives spotted a vehicle speeding on Purchase Street. Police said the driver, identified as Leite, stopped in front of the Salvation Army and appeared to be arguing with people outside as detectives approached.
The vehicle did not have a front license plate, police said. Leite allegedly ignored detectives’ commands to identify himself and get out of the vehicle.
One detective grabbed Leite’s arm and attempted to remove him from the vehicle, at which point police said Leite accelerated, dragging the detective about 30 feet before he fell to the pavement. The detective suffered minor injuries, according to police.
Police said Leite then drove onto the sidewalk, nearly striking four people who were sitting outside a soup kitchen. Detectives got into their cruiser and began pursuing him.
The chase continued north onto Route 18 and then onto Acushnet Avenue, where police said Leite collided with a cruiser at the intersection of Bates Street. The cruiser sustained significant damage, but Leite allegedly continued driving.
He then entered a bank parking lot, where police said he struck another cruiser.
Several cruisers eventually boxed Leite in near Hadley Street, according to police. Officers said he resisted arrest and kicked a detective in the face during the struggle.
Leite was taken into custody and transported to St. Luke’s Hospital for evaluation and treatment of a minor facial injury.
Police said Leite’s license was suspended at the time of the incident. He had also been convicted three times in the past five years of driving with a suspended license, according to police.
Leite is charged with:
- Reckless operation/operating to endanger
- Assault and battery on a police officer
- Assault and battery with a dangerous weapon
- Assault with a dangerous weapon
- Failure to stop for police
- Leaving the scene of property damage
- Number plate violation
- Operating with a suspended license
- Resisting arrest
- Refusal to identify himself as a motor vehicle operator
- Operating with a license revoked as a habitual traffic offender
- Leaving the scene of personal injury
- Speeding
