Crash Ends in Arrest for Oxycodone Possession, DUI

WARWICK, RI — Warwick Police were called to 3030 West Shore Road for a three-car crash in front of Work Out World July 18 at 3:30 p.m., where they arrested one of the drivers for illegal oxycodone possession and DUI.

Officer Scott Chanthaphouvong, the first to arrive at the scene, saw the three cars still in the eastbound lane, according to the officer’s report. As Chanthaphouvong walked toward the cars, he saw the driver inside the last in the line of cars, a red Ford Focus with heavy front end damage, its air bags deployed, who was attempting to hide something inside a plastic grocery bag.

Chanthaphouvong ordered the man, later identified as Matthew J. Maleski, 41, of 489 Maple Valley Road, Coventry, to stop attempting to hide the object, but the man ignored the officer. Chanthaphouvong removed him from the car, and Maleski weakly resisted as the officer placed him in handcuffs, according to the officer’s report.

Chanthaphouvong asked the man what he’d been trying to hide, but Maleski didn’t answer. The officer noticed Maleski was sweating heavily and appeared to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

A search of the bag turned up several round blue pills later identified as 30mg Oxycodone tablets.

Officer Jason Brodeur arrived to assist, and ran Maleski through some field sobriety tests, which did not go well for the Coventry man. Maleski failed to walk keeping heel-to-toe cadence, or in a straight line, and complained of a back injury.

The driver also failed to stand safely on one leg, using his arms for balance and causing Brodeur to end the test for the man’s safety.

Brodeur arrested Maleski on a DUI charge, and transported him to Warwick Police Headquarters, where he asked to be taken to Kent County Memorial Hospital. The officer transported Maleski to the hospital for treatment.

Maleski was charged with possession of oxycodone, a felony, and DUI, and also cited or driving after having his license suspended.