WORCESTER — A Worcester man faces multiple charges including drug trafficking and assaulting a police officer following an early morning traffic stop that escalated into a physical confrontation on Jan. 12.
At approximately 1:40 a.m., a Worcester Police officer patrolling Walpole Street encountered a BMW stopped in the intersection with Southbridge Street, impeding another vehicle.
After the driver failed to respond to an airhorn, the officer activated his patrol car’s overhead lights and initiated a stop.
Approaching the vehicle, the officer found the driver, identified as 36-year-old Robert Villatico of Southgate Street, apparently asleep at the wheel with the car still in drive and his foot on the brake.
A partially smoked substance believed to be “crack” cocaine was visible, prompting the officer to reach inside to shift the car into park.
Villatico awoke suddenly, releasing the brake and causing the vehicle to move forward.
He complied when commanded to stop the car, and backup was called.
Upon developing probable cause for operating under the influence, the officer asked Villatico to exit the vehicle.
During the arrest attempt, Villatico resisted and fled on foot but was quickly apprehended after a struggle with officers.
During the altercation, Villatico grabbed an officer’s Taser and attempted to use it against law enforcement, nearly striking three officers.
He was ultimately handcuffed, with two officers sustained minor injuries in the incident.
A search of Villatico’s vehicle yielded multiple bags of powder and “crack” cocaine, along with packaging materials.
Villatico has been charged with operating a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs, trafficking in a Class B substance 18-36 grams, two counts of attempting to disarm a police officer, resisting arrest, assault with a dangerous weapon, and assault and battery on a police officer.
He is currently awaiting arraignment.
