WORCESTER — A routine license plate check led to a high-stakes chase and the arrest of a local man on multiple drug trafficking and assault charges, authorities said Wednesday.
At approximately 1:19 p.m. on Dec. 6, a Worcester Police officer on patrol in the Austin St. area ran a plate check on a parked Acura, which came back registered to a Ford truck.
The officer approached the vehicle and found Carlos Torres, 53, of Main St., apparently sleeping in the front seat.
When asked to turn off the engine, Torres refused and suddenly sped away, briefly dragging the officer with the car.
The officer, who was not seriously injured, pursued Torres as he discarded bags from the vehicle before stopping near Joey’s Bar and Grill on Chandler St.
Before being detained, Torres attempted to dispose of bags into a sewer drain.
Officers recovered additional bags suspected to contain cocaine and heroin, other bags with an unidentified white powder, packaging materials, and a double-edged knife.
Torres faces charges including assault with a dangerous weapon (car), trafficking in a Class B substance, possession of a Class A substance with intent to distribute (second or subsequent offense), operating to endanger, driving with a suspended license, failing to stop for police, resisting arrest, tampering with evidence, and several motor vehicle charges.
