Traffic Stop in Newport Leads to Drug Charges for Georgia Man

NEWPORT, RI—A traffic stop led to the arrest of a 19-year-old Georgia man for felony possession of narcotics and misdemeanor possession of marijuana early Monday.

Jihad N. Nelson, of College Park, GA, was pulled over for running a red light at the intersection of Touro and Kay Streets at around 1:27 a.m., according to a police report.

Police approached the car cautiously on advice that Nelson has previously made threads to shoot police officers.

Nelson told police that he "tried to speed up to make it" as justification for running the red light. As the smell of fresh marijuana emanated from his car, police had him sit on the sidewalk as they began a search.

In his sock, police found a bag of marijuana. They also found $63 cash in assorted bills. In a backpack located inside the car, police found a digital scale, 30 plastic bags and a variety of prescription drugs including Promethazine, Oxycodone, Escitalopram, Lorazepam and Olanzapine.

Two pill bottles were inscribed with the name of a woman who Nelson said is his sister, though he could not explain why he had the pills in his possession. Nor did he have a medical marijuana card.

Nelson was held overnight for arraignment Monday on the drug charges. He was also issued a traffic summons for running the red light.