SCITUATE, RI — A four-vehicle crash at the intersection of Hartford Pike and Chopmist Hill Road on Tuesday morning led to the arrest of a driver on narcotics and traffic charges.
Sgt. Shawn Clayton, Officer Joe Scotti and Officer Amber Perez responded to the crash at approximately 9:31 a.m.
Dispatch advised officers that a vehicle described as driving erratically was the same vehicle that had caused the accident.
Officers arrived to find a four-vehicle crash with significant damage and one vehicle resting against a tree approximately 50 feet from the intersection.
Witnesses reported that a gold Chevrolet Malibu, operated by Scott Jones, 34, of Woonsocket, was traveling at an estimated 80 mph, attempting to pass stopped vehicles at a red light before striking vehicles and then colliding head-on with another vehicle.
Witnesses said Jones was observed attempting to conceal items in his pants and behaving erratically prior to police arrival.
Officers learned Jones was operating with a suspended Massachusetts driver’s license.
While being treated for injuries, Jones was placed under arrest for reckless driving and driving with a suspended license.
A search incident to arrest revealed multiple bags of suspected narcotics concealed in his clothing.
Testing confirmed the presence of cocaine and fentanyl, with a total weight of approximately 221 grams, along with counterfeit pills identified as Alprazolam containing fentanyl.
Additional narcotics were discovered at the hospital during medical treatment.
No serious injuries were reported as a result of the crash.
Jones was transported and arraigned at Rhode Island Hospital by a Justice of the Peace and ordered held without bail.
He faces charges of manufacture/possession/delivery of cocaine (1 oz. to 1 kg), reckless driving, driving with suspended license (second offense) and possession of Schedule I-V controlled substances.
Jones was previously arrested by the Scituate Police Department on Aug. 22 for driving under the influence and on Sept. 10 for operating with a suspended license.
