For Immediate Release: 8/9/2023 3:32 pm
On the morning of August 9th 2023, Worcester Police officers assigned to the Neighborhood Response Team were on an early morning foot patrol focusing on public parks in the city. At about 4:20 AM, officers were approaching Castle Park from the Ely Street entrance when they observed two males sitting in a Toyota. Officers walked up to the vehicle and observed that the males had several items often used to smoke crack cocaine.
One of the males became nervous when he saw the officers, and appeared to hide a bag from the officers. The male, identified as Armand Rodriguez, thirty-seven-years-old of Queen St, was frantically moving around and attempting to hid something. Officers removed him from the vehicle and attempted to pat frisk him, and he resisted their attempts. Mr. Rodriguez bit one of the officers on the hand, and he was placed under arrest. Officers recovered the bag, which contained seventeen smaller bags of what appeared to be crack cocaine. Officers discovered a knife and additional drug paraphernalia in the vehicle. Mr. Rodriguez continued resisting, spit at officers, and attempted to kick them.
Armand Rodriguez is charged with Trafficking in a Class B Substance 18-36 Grams, Assault and Battery on a Police Officer (Spit), Assault and Battery on a Police Officer (bite), Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (shod foot), and Disturbing the Peace.
