WORCESTER – A local man was arrested on drug trafficking charges early Thursday morning after fleeing from police.
A police officer on patrol on Main Street saw a vehicle pulled over with several individuals standing by it just before 4 AM. As the officer turned around to approach the scene, the driver turned off the lights of the vehicle and sped away.
The officer decline to engage in a chase and issued a “be on the lookout” with the description of the vehicle to the Worcester Police Department.
Around 30 minutes later, another officer located the vehicle in a Pembroke Street parking lot. Officers responded to the location and ordered the driver, Jorge Virella, 37, of Southbridge, to exit the vehicle.
According to the Worcester Police Department, Virella first refused to exit the vehicle, then refused to show his hands or comply with demands from the officers. Some time passed before he eventually complied and was arrested.
During a search of the vehicle, officer discovered what they believed to be fentanyl and several open alcohol containers.
Virella faces charges of:
- Trafficking in Fentanyl over 10 Grams;
- Operating to Endanger;
- Failure to Stop for Police; and
- Possession of an Open Container of Alcohol.
Editor’s note: The information provided in this report is based on recent events as described by police. The claims within are allegations by police which may be challenged by the accused in court.
