Boston Man Arrested on Drug and Motor Vehicle Charges

Winthrop police arrested and charged a man after a brief foot pursuit following a traffic stop Thursday night, Nov. 14. Ray Lara, 29, of Boston was arrested and charged with recklessly operating a motor vehicle so as to endanger, leaving the scene of a personal injury, marked lanes violation, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, failure to stop for police, trafficking in more than 10 grams of Fentanyl, and trafficking in 18 grams or more of a Class B drug. On Thursday, Nov. 14, at about 8:45 p.m., officers were on patrol in the area of Governor’s Drive when they observed what appeared to be a drug transaction involving a White Ford SUV, according to Police Chief John Goodwin.

While the SUV was leaving the area, officers observed the vehicle cross over designated road markings. Officers activated their emergency lights and pulled the vehicle over near Main Street, according to police.  Police stated that officers spoke to the driver, who identified himself as Lara. While officers were conducting the traffic stop, they said Lara attempted to flee the scene and crashed into another vehicle.

The collision significantly damaged both vehicles, leaving the SUV inoperable. Police stated that Lara then got out of the vehicle and attempted to run away from the scene. After a brief foot pursuit, officers were able to safely place LARA under arrest. LARA was assessed by responding medical personnel before being transported to Winthrop Police Headquarters. The driver of the other vehicle was transported to an area hospital by Action Ambulance for injuries that are believed to be serious. During a subsequent investigation, officers located two plastic bags near where officers arrested Lara following the pursuit. One bag contained a white, rock-like substance later determined to be 19.3 grams of crack cocaine. The other bag contained a brown, powdery substance later determined to be 11.9 grams of fentanyl.