Wanted 25-year-old Rhode Island man facing new drug and firearm charges

On Saturday afternoon, a traffic stop led to the arrest of a wanted Rhode Island man and the seizure of an illegal firearm, narcotics, and other contraband.

According to Lincoln, RI Police, at approximately 5:15 p.m., an officer observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed and committing several motor vehicle violations in the Manville area of Lincoln. The vehicle was stopped, and the driver identified himself as Emiliano Mendez, a 25-year-old male from Providence.

Mendez was found to have an active bench warrant for his arrest from the Superior Court and was immediately taken into custody.

During a subsequent inventory of the vehicle, officers located a significant quantity of controlled substances and drug paraphernalia, including over 100 grams of marijuana, numerous pre-packaged marijuana products, THC edibles, psychedelic mushrooms, and a digital scale.

In addition, officers recovered a black Sig Sauer pistol with a high-capacity magazine containing 18 full metal jacket rounds and one hollow point round. Police stated that Mendez is prohibited from possessing a firearm under RI law.

Emiliano Mendez has been charged with the following offenses:

• Carrying a Pistol Without a Permit

• Possession of Firearms by Certain Persons Prohibited

• Possession of Large Capacity Feeding Devices Prohibited

• Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance

• Possession of Marijuana Over One Ounce

• Bench Warrant – Failure to Appear

Mendez was also issued multiple civil citations for motor vehicle violations, including:

• Unlawful sunscreen material

• Leaving the lane of travel

• Time of signaling turn

• Reasonable and prudent speeds