Bodycam footage of Cranston councilor’s arrest released, mayor calls for resignation

CRANSTON, R.I. (WLNE) — The Cranston Police Department shared bodycam footage of Councilman Matthew Reilly’s arrest after someone reportedly saw him choking.

This comes after Cranston Mayor Ken Hopkins called for a rally for Reilly to resign from his seat on the city council.

The footage shows a semi-conscious Reilly in the driver’s seat of his car. Police then wake Reilly who can be seen with a lighter and pipe in his hand.

Officers continue to investigate the vehicle and question Reilly who complies with officers until he is eventually placed into police custody.

Police later located a silicone container as well as plastic bags containing a white, powdery rock-like substance.

Reilly was charged with one count of drug possession and was arraigned by a bail commissioner and released pending a court appearance on June 15.