For Immediate Release: 1/12/2024 11:42 am
On January 12th 2024 at about 1:40 AM, a Worcester Police officer was on patrol in the area of Walpole St when he saw a BMW stopped in the middle of the intersection of Walpole and Southbridge St. The officer saw another vehicle behind the BMW, which was not moving. The officer activated his airhorn in an attempt to alert the driver, but the vehicle was still stationary. The officer activated his overhead lights and initiated a traffic stop.
The officer approached the driver, identified as thirty-six-year-old Robert Villatico of Southgate St. The officer observed that Mr. Villatico appeared to be sleeping with his head against the steering wheel, with the vehicle still in drive and his foot on the brake. The officer also saw what appeared to be partially smoked “crack” cocaine. The officer leaned into the vehicle to try to put the car into park, and Mr. Villatico woke up and took his foot off the brake, causing the car to roll forward. The officer told him to stop the car, and he complied. The officer called for backup.
The officer developed probable cause that Mr. Villatico was operating the vehicle under the influence of drugs, and asked him to step out of the vehicle. The officer located what appeared to be cocaine in the vehicle, and attempted to place Mr. Villatico under arrest. Mr. Villatico pulled away from the officers and attempted to run.
Officers grabbed Mr. Villatico, who continued to struggle and fight with officers. During the struggle, an officer attempted to use her Taser, but Mr. Villatico grabbed it and attempted to take it from the officer. Three officers were nearly struck by the Taser, as Mr. Villatico attempted to use it against them. Mr. Villatico was eventually placed in handcuffs. Two officers suffered minor injuries.
Officers located multiple bags of what appeared to be powder and “crack” cocaine in the vehicle, plus packaging materials. Mr. Villatico is 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.
