OXFORD — Massachusetts State Police arrested two individuals for drug trafficking and weapons charges after a traffic stop led to a pursuit and an altercation late Tuesday night.
Around 11:10 p.m. on May 28, Trooper Joel Daoust, stationed in Sturbridge, noticed a black BMW sedan on Route 12 with part of its engine cowling dragging on the roadway.
When Daoust attempted to conduct a traffic stop, the vehicle turned into Carron Lane and accelerated away.
Despite losing sight of the BMW, Daoust re-engaged the vehicle, which was now facing his cruiser in a narrow section of the road.
The driver, identified as Ryan Christian, 35, of Dudley, attempted to reverse the vehicle but was subdued by Daoust using a taser and physical control techniques.
During the incident, Christian resisted arrest, kicking Daoust while the trooper was trying to handcuff him.
The passenger, Samantha Sweeny, 24, of Webster, was also arrested after failing to follow Daoust’s commands to stop reaching into the vehicle and becoming combative.
A subsequent search of the BMW uncovered a cache of illicit substances, including over 12 grams of fentanyl and 45 grams of cocaine, as well as prescription medications.
Troopers also found a sawed-off shotgun, a .22 caliber rifle with a spent casing, ammunition, and drug paraphernalia.
Christian was taken to a local hospital under police watch before being booked along with Sweeny.
They face numerous charges, including trafficking in fentanyl and cocaine, possession of firearms, and resisting arrest.
Christian received additional charges related to vehicle offenses and prior drug crimes, while Sweeny was charged with possession and distribution of controlled substances and carrying a dangerous weapon.
Both individuals were arraigned in Dudley District Court following their arrest.
