Webster, MA. — A routine traffic stop early Wednesday morning led to the arrest of a Worcester man on drug trafficking and operating under the influence charges.
Officer Alex Johnson was patrolling East Main Street around 12:29 a.m. on Sept. 10 when he observed a Range Rover SUV with a failed inspection sticker and a dark cover over its license plate. When Johnson signaled the vehicle to stop, the driver continued for more than 20 seconds onto Gore Road.
The driver was identified as Andrew Simpson, 47, of Park Avenue, Worcester.
During the stop, Johnson observed signs that Simpson might be under the influence of drugs. Officers requested that Simpson exit the vehicle to safely determine his ability to drive, but he became argumentative, refused, and began reaching around the interior and floorboard.
Sergeant Joseph Reed arrived to assist, and Simpson was eventually removed from the vehicle. He declined roadside assessment tests and requested an ambulance instead. Simpson was transported to UMASS Webster by Webster EMS.
A subsequent search of Simpson’s vehicle revealed a large, clear bag of cocaine weighing 18.63 grams in the center console. Officers also discovered $661 in cash in a bag Simpson attempted to take from the vehicle, suspected to be proceeds from drug distribution.
Simpson, who has an extensive criminal history with nearly 80 charges in Massachusetts—including drug trafficking and violent felonies involving knives and firearms—was placed under arrest.
He now faces charges including OUI drugs, trafficking cocaine, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, number plate violation, and failed inspection.
