Mid-Day 'High' Leads to Drug Charges for Bristol Man, 21

A Bristol man, 21, allegedly got “high” on marijuana in the middle of the day last Friday, Oct. 25. It led to several drug charges.

A vehicle driven by Benjamin J. Choquette, of 2 Evangeline Court, was observed at about 12:30 pm “traveling recklessly on Asylum Road toward Hope Street,” said Bristol Deputy Police Chief Steven Contente. 

A Bristol police officer spotted his vehicle around 1070 Hope St. heading north toward Gooding Avenue. The vehicle was pulled over “after crossing the double-yellow line on Gooding Avenue,” said Contente. 

The officer immediately smelled the odor of burned marijuana, said Contente. Choquette also had “slurred speech.” 

Choquette soon admitted to having marijuana in the car’s glove compartment. It was wrapped in a folded piece of paper, Contente said.

Choquette failed a field sobriety test and refused a breath test. He was taken to the Bristol Police Station and charged with driving under the influence of marijuana, possession of narcotics, and refusing to submit to a chemical test.

Choquette will be arraigned in Sixth District Court next Wednesday, Nov. 6, on the charges. He was released on $3,000 personal recognizance bail about 10 pm after coming down off his alleged high.