By Jim Clark

While sitting in his cruiser in front of the police station last week monitoring traffic flow, a SPD officer took notice of a group of males walking towards him.

One of the males, later identified as George Rivera, 22, appeared to be bringing the butt end of a marijuana cigarette to his lips, according to the officer.

When the two made eye contact Rivera reportedly folded his hand over the “roach” and continued walking away, police said.

The officer stopped the man for questioning and reportedly detected the odor of burnt marijuana on Rivera’s person.

The officer reportedly asked Rivera, “Where is it?” and was then told that it had been thrown on the ground.

The officer reported that he then advised Rivera that the law had changed, but that he was not allowed to walk down the street openly smoking marijuana.

The officer further insisted that Rivera turn over whatever marijuana he might have on his person, at which time the man reportedly began searching the ground nearby, stating that he could not find it.

The officer reportedly observed Rivera moving his right hand towards his pants pocket, at which time the man was advised that if he did not find the marijuana that the officer would look for it.

The officer then asked Rivera to turn around and it was at that time that a hard object was reportedly felt to be in his pocket, according to reports.

When asked what this was Rivera reportedly told the officer that it was marijuana.

Upon retrieving the object, the officer found that it was a prescription bottle containing individually wrapped quantities of marijuana, consistent with drug sales, in the opinion of the officer.

Other officers arrived to assist in dispersing the group of males that Rivera had been walking with, but one individual, Richard Alomar, 22, began behaving belligerently, according to reports, waving his arms and using profanity, police said.

Alomar was eventually subdued and handcuffed.

A search of both Alomar and Rivera revealed that each of them was carrying knives with blades approximately four inches long, according to reports.

Rivera was placed under arrest and charged with drug possession to distribute and violation of city ordinance possession of a dangerous weapon.

Alomar was placed under arrest and charged with disorderly conduct and violation of city ordinance possession of a dangerous weapon.