New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
Late last night Trooper Anthony Lavigne was patrolling Route 91 northbound in Bernardston. While in that area he observed a Ford Fusion operating at speeds over 70 miles per hour where the posted speed limit is 45 miles per hour. Trooper Lavigne clocked the vehicle for a short time and eventually activated his blue lights and stopped it in the breakdown lane.
Once the vehicle was stopped, Trooper Lavigne approached the driver’s side window and informed the operator what the reason for the stop was. He stated to the trooper he did not have a driver’s license and proceeded to verbally identify himself. At first the operator provided a false name and date of birth, however, he was eventually identified as SHAWNDELL COLLINS, 37, of Springfield. Given that COLLINS was illegally operating the vehicle he was told to exit while Trooper Lavigne identified the passenger.
The passenger, JEREMY GARCIA, 20, of Springfield, also did not possess a valid driver’s license and was told to exit the vehicle as it would need to be towed. While GARCIA exited the vehicle Trooper Lavigne observed materials commonly used in the packaging and sale of illegal narcotics on the floor where he was seated. A search of GARCIA’s person yielded a baggie containing multiple small orange pills, identified to be a controlled substance, and a baggie containing a large amount of crack cocaine.
Both men were placed under arrest and transported to State Police-Shelburne Falls for booking. During the booking process it was discovered COLLINS actually had a revoked driver’s license and was wanted by the Vermont State Police on charges of Lewd and Lascivious Conduct on a Child. He will eventually be released to the custody of VSP. Bail was set in the amount of $7,500 for GARCIA while COLLINS was ordered held without bail. Both men were arraigned today at Greenfield District Court
COLLINS was charged with the following:
• Trafficking in Cocaine;
• Operating with a Revoked License;
• Fugitive from Justice;
• Providing a False Name to Police Officer;
• Speeding; and
• Marked Lanes Violation.
GARCIA was charged with the following:
• Trafficking in Cocaine;
• Possession of a Class E Drug;
• Conspiracy to Violated Drug Laws; and
• Tampering with an Official Record.
