Man from Westport arrested on assault charges after incident with ATV riders

WESTPORT, Mass. (WLNE) — A man from Westport is being accused of assaulting a man and two children who were allegedly riding ATVs on his property. 

On August 25, police said they were dispatched to a home on Whalon Way for a report of ATVs riding on the property. 

On arrival, police found Paul Correia who informed officers three ATVs were driving on his property. 

According to Correia, the ATVs were doing donuts in his gravel driveway which caused the gravel to be kicked up. 

Correia said he had recognized one of the ATVs from before as they had been seen riding on the gas lines in the woods.

According to Correia, one of the riders pulled a machete out and threatened him. 

Correia’s wife had followed the ATVs in her vehicle, took a photo of their license plate and returned to her residence. 

When asked what he would like to see done, Mr. Corriea stated he just wanted them spoken to about staying off his property.  

The Westport Police Department had received a call from one of the operators of the ATVs who wished to speak with officers.

The operator claimed that Correia had thrown a bat at them. 

The operator did confirm that he had a machete, but removed it from Correia’s eyesight. 

The operator further told police that Correia threw rocks at him and his two sons. 

Correia also allegedly pulled down his pants, exposing himself to the operator and his two sons. 

Correia was arrested and charged with assault and battery with two counts of dangerous weapon, three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, and three counts of open and gross lewdness.