For Immediate Release

Thursday, Dec. 20, 2018

Contact: Benjamin Paulin
Phone: 781-428-3299
Email: ben@jgpr.net

Man Charged with Nearly Striking Fairhaven Police Officer with Car Prior to Pursuit

FAIRHAVEN — Lt. Kevin Kobza reports that a man was arrested after nearly striking a Fairhaven Police officer with his car prior to leading officers on a chase Thursday afternoon.

ISAIAH MATTHEWS, AGE 21, OF FAIRHAVEN was charged with:

• Assault with a Dangerous Weapon
• Reckless Operation of a Motor Vehicle
• Failure to Stop for Police
• Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle

At approximately 2:30 p.m., Fairhaven Police responded to a call for a disturbance on Howland Road.

Upon arrival, officers located MATTHEWS sitting in the driver’s seat of a gray 2013 Honda Civic.

As an officer approached the vehicle to speak with MATTHEWS, he allegedly revved the engine of the car and drove toward the officer, nearly striking him, before speeding away.

MATTHEWS drove north into nearby Acushnet, where he led Acushnet Police officers on a brief pursuit. MATTHEWS then stopped the car and fled on foot, running through several neighborhoods. He was eventually caught and placed under arrest in the backyard of a Pleasant Street home.

MATTHEWS was transported back to the Fairhaven Police station to be booked. He is expected to be arraigned in New Bedford District Court on Friday.

No injuries were reported as a result of the incident.

These are allegations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty.

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