Westport Woman Hits Parked Car and Elderly Man Before Being Arrested For OUI

A Westport woman was charged with operating under the influence on Wednesday after hitting several things with her vehicle.

The Fall River Herald reports that 38-year-old Heather L. Gonsalves was arrested in New Bedford after a string of accidents.

Just before 10 a.m. she reportedly struck a parked car on County and Sycamore streets. She then hit an 85-year-old man at County and Maxfield streets before leaving the scene of both accidents.

Not done yet, Gonsalves later returned to the County Street area with two flat tires and a damaged windshield. She then drove her car at a fire department lieutenant, who was trying to get her to stop. New Bedford police say he had to jump out of the way to avoid being struck.

Still not done Gonsalves left the scene once more, refused to stop for another officer, drove the wrong way down a one way street and was eventually pulled over on that street (Smith Street) by another New Bedford officer who found an open container of alcohol in the vehicle.

The Herald reports that thankfully the pedestrian suffered non-life threatening injuries. He was taken to Rhode Island Hospital.

Gonsalves now faces numerous charges, including leaving the scene of personal injury, operating a car under the influence of alcohol, operating after suspension of license, failing to stop for a police officer, leaving the scene of property damage, assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of an open container of alcohol on a public way.