SALEM, MA — A Rhode Island man has been arrested in connection with striking a police officer with a vehicle during a narcotics investigation.
On Jan. 15 at approximately 8:30 p.m., a Salem Police Officer was struck by a motor vehicle while conducting a narcotics investigation in the area of Pope Street.
During the encounter, the suspect drove over a curb, onto a sidewalk and struck the officer.
The impact caused the officer to be thrown onto the hood of the vehicle before falling to the ground.
A second officer was forced to take evasive action to avoid being struck.
The suspect fled the scene following the incident.
The injured officer was transported to a local hospital for medical treatment and was released early the following morning.
The extent of the officer’s injuries remains under evaluation by medical professionals.
An arrest warrant was issued through the Salem District Court for Lucas David Fulcar-Bautista, 33, of Coventry, Rhode Island.
The Salem Police Department Criminal Investigation Division immediately mounted an extensive multi-state search for Fulcar-Bautista.
Detectives coordinated closely with partners in local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies with the goal of locating and safely apprehending the suspect.
On Jan. 21, Fulcar-Bautista was arrested in Lawrence without incident.
He was arraigned in Salem District Court on charges of trafficking in more than 10 grams of fentanyl, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, assault by means of a dangerous weapon, speeding, disorderly conduct, leaving the scene of a personal injury accident, and failure to stop for police.
