Police Break Up Alleged Drug Deal, Capture 'Dealer' After Foot Chase

A Cranston man, 31, reportedly involved in a cocaine deal in East Providence last Wednesday morning, July 24, has been charged with possession of illegal drugs, resisting arrest and reckless driving after he was captured during a foot chase.

Luis Pena, of Farmington Avenue, was run down by East Providence police officers on Humphrey Street after he allegedly fled a Cadillac in the parking lot of the Extended Stay America hotel at 1000 Warren Ave. about 11:19 am.

A police officer in an unmarked car observed what appeared to be a hand-to-hand transaction between three men outside the hotel, according to the arrest report. When the officer moved toward the three men -- two on foot and one in the car, they all fled, according to the police report.

Two of the men entered the hotel and disappeared; Pena first tried to escape in his vehicle. But the parking lot exit was blocked by a police car so he fled on foot eastbound toward Lucky’s American Bar and Grill on Warren Avenue. 

The chase continued on Luther Avenue toward Humphrey as Pena refused to stop several times after being warned by the police. At one point during the chase, he allegedly tossed away a plastic bag that was later retrieved by the police. 

Pena eventually was tackled and knocked to the ground by Patrol Officer Robert Warzycha. He refused to allow officers to handcuff him as he fought with police officers until a Taser was used to stun him into submission.

Pena was taken first to Rhode Island Hospital for treatment from being Tasered and tackled. He was then taken to the police station and charged with possession of 2 grams of cocaine found in smaller bags inside the larger plastic bag found on the street and possession of crack cocaine found in the Cadillac after a search.

Pena was released after being arraigned as the investigation into the reported drug deal continued.