For Immediate Release

Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 978-841-9948
Email: john@jgpr.net

Ashby Police Arrest Man, Seize 202 Grams of Cocaine, After Pursuit

Police Chief Praises Restraint, Measured Response of Officers

ASHBY — Chief Fred Alden reports that the Ashby Police Department arrested a Rhode Island man after a brief motor vehicle pursuit and seized 202 grams of cocaine from a rental car Saturday afternoon.

As a result, DISLYN ROA-De La ROSA, AGE 23, OF PROVIDENCE, R.I. was arrested and charged with:

• Trafficking a Class B Substance (Cocaine)
• Failure to Stop for Police
• Passing in a No Passing Zone
• Negligent Operation of a Motor Vehicle
• Possessing an Open Container of Alcohol in a Motor Vehicle
• Speeding

On Saturday, Nov. 26, 2016, Ashby Police were on patrol at 4:30 p.m. when an officer stopped a black sport utility vehicle for speeding on westbound on West State Road.

As the officer approached, the SUV sped off, and the officer returned to his cruiser and initiated a pursuit. The vehicle proceeded down West State Road, approaching Breed Road, passing multiple vehicles and driving in the breakdown lane. The vehicle abruptly stopped near 2173 West State Road, where the driver exited the vehicle.

The driver then began quickly walking toward one of the Ashby officers. The officer drew his firearm and ordered him to raise his hands. ROA-De La ROSA did not comply with the orders and told the officer he did not understand English. The officer was able to place the suspect into custody without further incident.

Ashburnham Police arrived shortly afterward to assist, and a Spanish-speaking officer from Leominster Police arrived to speak to the suspect and read him his Miranda rights in Spanish.

Inside the vehicle, with the help of Captain Thomas Chabot and K-9 Duke from the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office, police found nearly $1,800 in cash in the vehicle. Several bags of a white power, later shown to be cocaine, were found in a culvert up the road, which Ashby Police allege were thrown from the vehicle by ROA-De La ROSA.

Chief Alden praised the work of law enforcement officers in finding and apprehending this alleged drug trafficker without injury to the suspect, officers, or civilians.

“In this instance, we had an alleged drug trafficker fleeing police and showing no regard for the safety of those around him. With a pursuit and a language barrier preventing the suspect from complying with orders from police, this situation could have ended tragically had it not been for the training and instincts of our Ashby Police officers,” Chief Alden said. “Our officers, working with our neighbors, as well as county and state partners, did an excellent job.”

The rental car was towed away and ROA-De La ROSA was transported to Ashby Police for booking. He was ordered held on $15,040 cash bail pending arraignment Monday in Ayer District Court. ROA-De La ROSA is being held at Massachusetts State Police Station C-4 in Leominster.

These are allegations. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty.

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