RI Troopers Arrest Lakewood Man in Brick on Drug Charges

Rhode Island state troopers arrested a Lakewood man following a traffic stop in Brick late Tuesday night and charged him with drug possession and distribution.

Troopers Connor O'Donnell and Erik Jensen stopped a vehicle on Lanes Mill Road in the area of Greenwood Loop Tuesday night at approximately 11:45 p.m. for speeding and failure to stop at a stop sign, Brick Police Sgt. Keith Reinhard said.

The troopers detected an odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle, a 2008 Nissan Altima, and also observed the handle of a hunting knife sticking out from under the driver's seat, Reinhard said.

The driver, Jamill Tucker was removed from the vehicle and placed under arrest.

Further investigation revealed a small bag of suspected marijuana from Tucker's front pants pocket and an additional 22 bags of marijuana from the vehicle, said Reinhard.

Tucker was brought to Brick Police headquarters and charged with possession of marijuana over 50 grams; possession of marijuana over an ounce but less than 5 pounds with intent to distribute; possession of a weapon while committing a drug offense; and possessing drugs in a school zone.

Municipal Court Judge Robert Lepore set Tucker's bail at $75,000 cash. He was transported to the Ocean County Jail in lieu of bail.

The Rhode Island troopers were in Brick as part of a team of law enforcement that also includes officers from Louisiana, Mississippi, Pennsylvania and Michigan. They are assisting Brick police as the Hurricane Sandy cleanup continues.

"The Rhode Island troopers did a tremendous job and their professionalism was evident," said Reinhard. "The Brick Township Police Department is extremely grateful for their service."