State Police Arrest Three for Narcotics, School Zone Offenses

Yesterday at 5:26 p.m., Trooper Stephen Burgess, assigned to the State Police Troop B Community Action Team, was on patrol in Springfield when he observed a 1997 Chrysler Sebring operating with a missing license plate and an expired inspection sticker.

Trooper Burgess stopped the vehicle on Crystal Avenue and determined that none of the occupants were properly licensed to operate a vehicle. Trooper Marc Reidy arrived on-scene to assist and the subsequent investigation determined that the three occupants were in possession of 41 bags of crack cocaine and 10 bags of Phencyclidine (PCP), which were packaged consistent with narcotics intended for sale. The three suspects were arrested and troopers further determined that the stop was within 1000 feet of Forest Park Middle School.

Arrested were the following.

ALYSSA M. ORWAT, 21, of Springfield, charged with:

• Possession of a Class B substance with intent to distribute (2 counts);
• Intent to distribute within 1000 feet of a school;
• Conspiracy to violate drug laws;
• Unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle;
• Inspection sticker violation; and
• Number plate violation.

JOEVANY SANTIAGO, 20, of Springfield, charged with:

• Possession of a class B substance with intent to distribute (2 counts);
• Intent to distribute within 1000 feet of a school; and
• Conspiracy to violate drug laws.

TARIQ R. LOWE, 19, of Springfield, charged with:

• Possession of a class B substance with intent to distribute (2 counts);
• Intent to distribute within 1000 feet of a school; and
• Conspiracy to violate drug laws.

Troopers were additionally assisted at the scene by officers from the Springfield Police Department, who assisted with back-up and prisoner searches.

No further information is available at this time. Please do not call the barracks directly.