NORTH SMITHFIELD – A Woonsocket man was charged with eluding law enforcement in a high speed pursuit this month after his attempt to escape police reportedly ended when his car got stuck in a ditch.
Jose Montilla, 25, was arrested on Saturday, Feb. 17 after his back tires became lodged up against a rock wall by a Route 146 off ramp, according to police.
The arrest report notes that around 2:41 a.m., Montilla passed an officer on Route 146 north while driving 88 miles-per-hour in a 55 mph zone. Police say they tried to catch up to the vehicle and call out a traffic stop, but Montilla headed toward the School Street exit, then swerved back onto the highway at a high rate of speed.
“Once the vehicle passed the other side of the School Street on ramp, it slammed on its brakes and attempted to back up onto the School Street exit in the opposite direction of travel,” notes the narrative by Officer Jordan Lapierre.
The vehicle, however, had backed into a ditch up against a rock wall during the attempted maneuver, and Lapierre approached on foot, instructing Montilla to show his hands.
“Montilla ignored these commands and was still actively attempting to drive off,” the officer notes.
The driver eventually cooperated and was placed in custody. Montilla reportedly told officers that he was scared and thought it was somebody else following him, so he decided to run.
Montilla is scheduled to be arraigned in 3rd District Court on Tuesday, March 5.
