Johnston Police Log

DRUG POSSESSION

At approximately 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 17, Patrolman Matthew Lonardo observed a black Kia exiting the parking lot of the Ocean State Job Lob at 1493 Hartford Ave without activating a turn signal. While the vehicle initially continued to travel after an attempted motor vehicle stop, Patrolman Lonardo eventually made contact with the driver.

Upon speaking with the driver of the vehicle and its passenger, Lonardo observed both exhibiting signs of nervousness. Based on previous experience with the individuals and their current behavior, Patrolman Lonardo asked if there were narcotics present in the vehicle. After initially stating there were none, the driver commented that a friend who had used the car previously had left a bag of cocaine in the vehicle. 

Upon conducting a search, Patrolman Lonardo discovered a bag of a white powdery substance in the vehicle which appeared to be cocaine. The substance, once tested at Johnston Police Headquarters, yielded positive results for fentanyl. The driver of the vehicle was charged with Possession of Schedule I-V (Under 10 Grams).

DUI

On Sunday, May 25 at roughly 11 a.m., Patrolman Zachary Morin responded with two other law enforcement agents to a motor vehicle accident at the intersection of Greenville Avenue and the RT. 295S on-ramp. At the scene, Patrolman Morin spoke with the operator of a 2016 Chevrolet Express whose car had sustained heavy front end damage and front air bag deployment. During the interaction, he noticed the scent of alcohol on the operator’s breath; the operator denied any alcohol consumption.

After conducting a field sobriety test, Patrolman Morin observed signs of intoxication in the suspect. A witness to the accident stated that the operator’s vehicle had been driving erratically, swerving over both the double yellow lines and white line as well as braking and accelerating frequently. The suspect was placed under arrest for suspicion of driving under the influence.

Though unable to sign a consent form, the suspect verbally agreed to submit to a chemical test of blood, which was performed.The suspect was issued a third district court summons to appear for DUI Liquor and/or Drug - BAC Unknown - First Offense.