PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 28, 2019
CONTACT INFO. :
Captain Thomas Rush
East Providence Police Department
401-435-7600 ext. 20011
East Providence police make DUI arrest, four children found in the car
EAST PROVIDENCE, RI – On Saturday, Aug. 24, 2019, Sgt. Michael Rapoza observed a vehicle travelling west in the eastbound lane on Warren Avenue, in the vicinity of Brightridge Avenue. Sgt. Rapoza immediately attempted to stop the vehicle, but it continued travelling at a reduced rate of speed, eventually coming to a stop. Upon approaching the vehicle, Sgt. Rapoza observed four children ages 10 and under, inside the vehicle. The operator of the vehicle was identified as Lester Morgan, 59 of Norwich, Conn.
Mr. Morgan was unable to answer basic questions and displayed signs of significant impairment. Based on these observations, officers conducted a series of field sobriety tests. After the conclusion of the tests, Morgan was placed in custody and a subsequent search of his vehicle and person was conducted. Officers located the following:
• Approximately 1 gram of suspected cocaine
• One 15 mg OxyContin tablet
• Approximately 5 grams of marijuana
• Empty bottle of whiskey
Mr. Morgan is charged with the following:
• DUI B.A.C Unknown (Child Under 13 as Passenger)
• Possession of Schedule I-V (Cocaine)
• Possession of Schedule I-V (OxyContin)
• Driving in Possession of Controlled Substances
• Refusal to Submit to Preliminary Breath Test
• Refusal to Submit to Chemical Test
• Possession of Marijuana
The children’s parents and guardians were located. It was determined that none of the children were related to Mr. Morgan and he was a family friend that was driving them home from an event. The children were transported to the police station and were reunited with their proper caregivers.
##
For further information, please contact the East Providence Police Department
