On May 22, 2019, I, Officer Tim Van Nostrand, was on duty and assigned to uniform patrol in marked cruiser 660. At approximately 7:43pm, I was operating on Great River Rd, and observed MA XXXX parked illegally. I turned my cruiser onto Assembly Row, and then circled back to the intersection of Assembly Row and Great River Rd. Upon stopping at the intersection, I observed a black female leaning in the open drivers door of that vehicle, and arguing with a black male who was seated in the drivers seat. I then observed the vehicle to accelerate at a high rate of speed, dragging the female outside of the driver’s door. I activated my lights, and blocked the vehicle from fleeing. The operator stopped the vehicle, and complied with my commands to place the vehicle in park, and turn the vehicle off.

I immediately turned my attention to the female to render aid, however she declined medical. While speaking with her, I detected the smell of alcohol emanating from her breath, and she was slurring her words. After confirming she did not require medical care, I secured the male operator and awaited back up officers.

Once back up officers arrived, I interviewed the operator, identified as Sardou Nerette. Nerette stated he was there to pick up his sister who was intoxicated, however she exited the restaurant and began arguing with him while he was seated in the vehicle. Sardou stated she opened the door and he attempted to push her away, but was unsuccessful. He then decided to accelerate while she hung on the vehicle.

I attempted to speak with the sister, identified as XXXX. XXXX was highly uncooperative with all officers on scene, and refused to tell us her story. XXXX did provide her identification, however did not wish to speak with the police, and asked if she was free to leave, which she was. Before leaving, XXXX confronted her brother and officer’s who were detaining him. XXXX became disorderly and was given numerous chances to leave. A friend finally escorted XXXX away from the scene.

An independent witness stepped forward and identified herself as XXXX. XXXX stated she observed the female approach the male driver and begin yelling. XXXX also stated she saw the male drive away quickly with the female hanging onto the drivers door.

As the event unfolded, the crowded patio outside of Tony C’s, which is directly adjacent to where this incident took place, all stood up and yelled in fear as the Sardou drove his vehicle with XXXX hanging off it. Due to the incident occurring in my presence with an obvious breach of peace, I placed Sardou under arrest for Operating to Endanger (90/24). Officer Juan Ducasse transported Sardou Nerette to the station in unit 200 where he was booked by Sgt. Michael Holland. Pat’s Towing responded to tow the vehicle.

Respectfully submitted,

Officer Tim Van Nostrand
#293
Somerville Police Dept.