Police Log: Domestic Disturbance Arrest Leads To Heroin Possession Charge

John Boucher, 23, was already having a bad day after Woonsocket Police arrested him for domestic disorderly conduct when they discovered two bags of heroin on him, adding a felony to his offenses for the day.

Woonsocket Police Officers Michael Theroux and Patrick Greeno responded to 203 Park Ave., apt. 1 on Oct. 15 at 2:34 a.m., for a report of a domestic disturbance.

When they arrived, Greeno reported he heard a woman yelling, "Get off me! Get off me!" Greeno began knocking on the apartment's door and windows. After several minutes of knocking, a woman opened the front security door. 

The woman, who was visibly upset and crying, told police she and her boyfriend, Boucher, were arguing, but it had not gotten physical. Greeno asked the woman to step outside while he spoke with Boucher. 

Boucher knocked on the apartment door, and Boucher answered, displaying a disheveled appearance, bloodshot eyes and a belligerent attitude. With no odor of alcohol, Greeno suspected Boucher was under the influence of narcotics.

Boucher stated there was nothing the matter as Greeno stepped inside the apartment, and began to impede his movement through the home. Greeno had previous knowledge of knives in the apartment, so he handcuffed Boucher before finishing his search of the apartment. The officer found evidence of a struggle and items strewn around the apartment, giving him cause to arrest Boucher for domestic disorderly conduct.

The woman said that the two were arguing and Boucher left the apartment and returned to find her packing her things. Boucher ripped her bags and belongings from her hands, she said, but denied he had touched her, despite the fact Greeno heard her telling him to get off of her. Fearing for the woman's safety, Greeno seized four large knives from the apartment's bedroom.

A quick search of Boucher revealed a bag of what later tested positive as heroin. Greeno stayed at the building to speak with other witnesses, and Theroux took Boucher to the station. 

While Theroux searched Boucher a second time at the station for any weapons or contraband, a second bag of heroin dropped to the floor from Boucher's waistband, prompting a more thorough strip search for Boucher. Nothing else was discovered on him.