WPD: Dozing Driver, Crack Arrest March 21

WARWICK, RI — On March 21, 8:22 a.m., Officer Nathaniel Gray’s check on a man sleeping in his car at the Extended Stay, 268 Metro Center Blvd.,  ended with a crack arrest.

During a patrol of the hotel lot, Gray noticed a silver Toyota Corrolla, running, parked, with a man in the driver’s seat, leaning back, according to the officer’s report. As he inspected the man and the car further, he realized the man was asleep. He identified the man as Freddie Ruiz, 48, of 268 Metro Center Boulevard, Wawrick, RI.

Crack Arrest Follows Driver, Car Check

Gray also noticed a white, rock-like substance next to a clear bag on the passenger’s seat, which he suspected was crack cocaine. Gray read Ruiz his rights, and Ruiz ultimately admitted the substance was crack cocaine and that it was his.

A friend of Ruiz’s arrived and took custody of his car, and Gray transported him to Warwick Police Headquarters, 99 Veterans Memorial Drive, where the substance tested positive as crack cocaine, .5 grams.

Gray charged Ruiz with one count of Possesion of Scliedule I-V Controlled Substance 10 Grams or Less-Misdemeanor. The officer also issued Ruiz a 3rd District Court summons for April 16, then released him on personal recognizance/ $1,000. He is scheduled for a court screening on July 20. wa