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Newport man arrested for trafficking heroin and dragging arresting officer with car

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NEWPORT — A 24-year-old man from Newport was arrested in Massachusetts after police say he was found with drugs in his vehicle and dove off during the stop, dragging the trooper alongside.

Justin R. Morgan, of Newport, is facing a slew of charges following the incident.

Police say they stopped a 2006 Mazda 6 after observing Morgan commit motor vehicle violations on I-91.

As the state trooper approached the vehicle, Springfield Mass Police Officer Dan Cintron stopped to offer assistance if needed.

The trooper spoke to Morgan and asked for his driver’s license. While speaking with the occupants, the trooper observed a small bag of crack cocaine.

He opened the driver’s door and ordered Morgan out as he placed one handcuff on him. Police say he refused to comply, pulled away, put the car in drive and began to drive forward, dragging the trooper alongside.

With his body half inside the car and fighting for control, the trooper says he was able to get the vehicle into park, but Morgan immediately pulled it back into drive and began forward again.

Fearing he would roll out and be ran over, the trooper moved himself completely inside the vehicle, still fighting for control.

At this point, Officer Cintron was alongside the passenger side also ordering Morgan to stop.

After approximately 300 feet, police were able to take control of the vehicle and get it stopped, as Officer Cintron pulled Morgan through the passenger side door onto the pavement.

The passengers were subsequently identified as Joseph A. Peets, 30, of Morrisville, and Robert G. Fitzgerald, 26, of Eden.

All three men were subsequently found to be in possession of approximately 800 bags of heroin.

All three were placed under arrest and transported to the State Police Springfield Barracks for booking.

Morgan was charged with the following:

Heroin/Morphine/Opium, Trafficking in (approximately 20 grams)
2. Conspiracy to Violate Drug Law
3. Assault and Battery with Dangerous Weapon (motor vehicle)
4. Assault and Battery on a Police Officer
5. Resisting Arrest
6. Negligent Operation of a Motor Vehicle
7. Identify Self, Motor Vehicle Operator Refuse to
8. Marked Lanes Violation;
9. Number Plate Violation.

Passengers Fitzgerald and Peets were both charged with the following:
1. Heroin/Morphine/Opium, Trafficking in (approximately 20 grams)
2. Conspiracy to Violate Drug Law

Morgan was held on $50,000 bail.

4 Comments

  1. Even though I am glad he was caught, there is no way anyone is going to leave out a bag of drugs knowing they are being pulled over by the cops. Cops lie to be able to search your vehicle. I know, this happened to someone I know very well. Lies, Lies, Lies!!

    • I’m sure he didn’t leave the drugs out intentionally, but when he unexpectantly got stopped, didn’t notice the drugs there. For such a small state, the drugs per capita are extremely high. Think the state needs to start working on some programs. The trooper did a good job of handling this situation.

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