RICHARD A FREETH  Arrest Narrative          Age:36

 UNHOUSED  
  MA  

• 1 Count: DRUG, POSSESS CLASS B

Narrative: 

Over the past few months, several individuals have been arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia or narcotics in the Davis Square Area. The Somerville Police Department have received numerous calls regarding drug use in the area. In response, the Somerville Police have been deploying a plain clothes unit that has had at least two Patrolman and one Supervisor to fill the role. The Unit was designed to survey the area and ensure safety and tranquility of the community. Patrolman who are assigned to Cruiser Units in the area have been tasked with walking patrols to speak with and engage with the community to discuss prevailing issues in the area. The West Branch Library has had several calls for Drug use and is a known area where individuals head to the rear of the Library to stay out of the general public's vision and abuse illicit substances.

About 7:20PM on Thursday, 09/03/26, I Officer Westgate in Unit West 6 and Officer A. Slattery in Unit West 7, were dispatched to a call for screaming and things being broken behind the Library at 40 College Avenue (West Branch Library,) Somerville.

Upon arrival, I walked to the rear of the library and noticed a male sitting at a table in the corner against the library. At the time, the Library was closed and the table is only visible if you walk deeper into the rear of the building. As I approached the male to speak with him, I asked if he had heard any yelling or screaming. He mentioned that a male and female had just recently left the area and that he does not know the two individuals. When I looked at the table I could see a glass pipe that appeared to have burnt copper wiring inside as well as black and white residue on the inside. From my training and experience, I know that glass pipes are commonly used to smoke illicit substances. I felt the pipe with gloves on, to which it was still hot. Next to the pipe was a small plastic bag that appeared to have a white rock like substance throughout the bag. Around this time, I took out a Miranda card and read to the male the following,

You have the right to remain silent. If you choose to speak, anything you say can be used against you in court. You have the right to consult with a lawyer before answering any questions, and you can have him or her with you during questioning. If you cannot afford a lawyer and want one, a lawyer will be provided by the Commonwealth before questioning, at no cost to you. You may answer questions now and waive, that means give up, your right to counsel and your right to remain silent. If you decide to talk to me, you still have the right to stop at any time and for any reason. Do you understand what I have told you? Will you talk to me now?

After the males acknowledgement, he identified himself as Richard Freeth (Freeth,) who I then verified with dispatch over the radio. Afterwards, I asked Freeth what the small, white rock like substance was in the bag. Freeth stated the substance was Cocaine, a class B substance. Freeth mentioned that he bought the bag an hour prior to Officer A. Slattery and I's arrival. He described the dealer as a white male who was clean shaved, about 5 Feet 10 Inches in height, 220 pounds, but had no recollection of the persons clothing. He added that he purchased the substance in the rear of the library for $10 dollars. Throughout conversation, Freeth was cooperative and answered questions without incident.

However, due to the substance being a class B controlled Substance, he was then placed in handcuffs (double locked,) and advised that he is under arrest. Unit 200 (transport wagon,) was then called to transport him back to the Somerville Police Headquarters for booking. Freeth was then brought back to the Station for booking. Freeth is charged with the following,

MGL CH 94C/34/C - Possession of a class B Substance (small white rock substance believed to be Crack Cocaine)

Once back at the station, Sergeant J. Teves processed and booked Freeth, to which he was later released. All gathered evidence has been entered into SAFE. I will be attaching COHR to this report.

Respectfully submitted,

Officer Ryan Westgate

Badge #375