Michael Colson, 29, of 877 Middle St., pleaded guilty before Judge Robert T. Kane to trafficking more than 14 grams of cocaine

Michael Colson, 29, of 877 Middle St., pleaded guilty before Judge Robert T. Kane to trafficking more than 14 grams of cocaine, trafficking the drug in a school zone, failing to stop for police, leaving the scene of property damage, driving to endanger, assault and battery on a police officer, resisting arrest and five counts of assault with a dangerous weapon — motor vehicle.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Gregory Tinsworth. Defense counsel was Tom Henneberry.
On April 11, 2008, Vice and Intelligence Unit detectives were surveilling the area of 1091 S. Main St., where they saw Colson engaged in a suspected drug deal. Police were aware he had been convicted of possession of a drug with intent to distribute and they also had information from multiple informants that he was recently selling crack cocaine, said Gregg Miliote, spokesman for the District Attorney’s Office.
When police saw Colson start driving a car, they recalled that his license was suspended, so they had an officer in a marked cruiser stop his vehicle.
“As they approached the rear of Colson’s car on foot, they saw him looking at them in his rear view mirror,” Miliote stated. “His backup lights came on and he revved his engine as he put his car into reverse and drove at the officers, who had to run out of the way to avoid being struck.”
Miliote said Colson then put his car in drive and squealed his tires as he moved forward and drove at the uniformed officer who had conducted the stop. “This officer also had to jump out of the way to avoid being struck.”
Colson then drove down the narrow residential street at 60 mph, nearly striking an unidentified pedestrian, Miliote added. At the next corner, Colson collided head-on with a responding cruiser operated by Officer Raul Camara. Colson then fled on foot with all the officers chasing him.
“During the pursuit, he was observed throwing down a plastic bag which was later determined to be 16 grams of cocaine,” Miliote said. Once officers caught up with Colson, he fought with them, punching three, but was eventually subdued, Miliote said.
The officers nearly struck by the defendant’s car were Detective Lt. James Keighley, Detectives James Smith, William Falandys, Brian Nadeau and Officer Derick Silva.
“This case involved rapid prosecution by ADA Tinsworth and a tough sentence for a man who put police lives at risk,” Miliote stated. “Members of the Fall River Police Department involved in this case should be commended for their swift actions on the day of the incident.”

Posted in: Fall River