Beginning in November 2021, the Bristol Police Department’s School Resource Officer (SRO) at Mt. Hope High School began investigating reports of the use of vaping devices containing TCH by students at Mt. Hope High School.

During the past several months the investigation continued and evolved to include members of the Bristol Police Detective Division and Warren Police Detective Division. The collaboration and sharing of information between the Bristol and Warren Police Departments led to the identification of a primary suspect, Dakota Rioux, age 18, of Warren, RI, who was suspected of supplying marijuana products and THC Glo vape cartridges to a group of Mt. Hope High Students for distribution and use during school hours.

Based on the information and intelligence gathered by the investigating officers, a court authorized search warrant was requested and granted for Rioux’s residence, 89 Market St., Warren, RI.

On the morning of April 19, 2022, members of the Bristol Police Department, Warren Police Department, and the Bristol County Massachusetts Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit, executed the search warrant upon Rioux’s residence. The search resulted in the discovery and seizure of over two pounds of usable marijuana, approximately 500 Glo THC vape cartridges, marijuana in various edible forms, approximately $45,000 in U.S. Currency and a 9mm “ghost gun”. Dakota Rioux was taken into custody by Warren Police and transported to the Warren Police Department where he appeared before a Bail Commissioner on drug and weapons charges.

Chief Kevin Lynch of the Bristol Police Department stated, “This is a significant arrest that directly impacts the safety and health of the students and staff of Mt. Hope High School and the communities of Bristol and Warren as well. Exemplary job well done by the men and women of the Bristol and Warren Police Departments removing drugs and a gun from our communities”.

Chief Roy Borges of the Warren Police Department stated, “This investigation is another excellent example of the collaboration and partnership between the Bristol and Warren Police Departments working together protecting the youth of our communities.”

This investigation is active and ongoing by the Bristol and Warren Police Departments, which may result in further arrests.

Warren Lt. Christopher Perreault added that two other adults, in the same building as Rioux but on the 2nd floor, were also arrested. They were arrested for Possession with Intent to Deliver Cocaine and Possession of Fentanyl.