State Police arrest Connecticut man while responding to drug overdose

May 24, 2019 9:55 am

By News Staff

Email: news@abc6.com

Twitter: @ABC6

LINCOLN, R.I. (WLNE) – Rhode Island State Police troopers arrested a Connecticut man on firearms and narcotics charges while responding to a drug overdose at Twin River Hotel Thursday.

State Police assigned to Twin River Casino responded to the hotel around 2:00 p.m. Thursday to assist Lincoln Rescue EMTs with a female guest who had overdosed on fentanyl.

Troopers on scene questioned the victim’s boyfriend, identified as 35-year-old Joseph Fortes of Moosup, Connecticut, a man with a lengthy criminal record including previous weapons and narcotics charges.

State Police said at the time of the overdose, Fortes was on probation from a previous conviction.

While investigating, troopers seized a 9mm semi-automatic handgun and a plastic bag containing 50 grams of suspected high-grade fentanyl.

Fortes was arrested and held overnight at the ACI pending arraignment.

License or Permit Required for Carrying a Pistol
Possession with Intent to Deliver & Manufacture a Controlled Substance – Schedule I/II (Fentanyl)
Possession of Firearm by Convict in a Crime of Violence

He will be presented to the court as a probation violator on charges of Possession of Stolen Vehicle / Parts; Possession of a Controlled Substance – Schedule I-V; and License or Permit Required for Carrying a Pistol, all from North Providence Police in 2016.