Arlington Police Officer of the Week: Officer Alex Stotik

Editor’s Note: The following post was derived from information provided by the Arlington Police Department. It does not imply a conviction.

ARLINGTON, MA—Officer Alex Stotik has been chosen as the Arlington Police Department’s officer of the week!

Officer Stotik led the way to the arrest of two individuals and the seizure of nearly 15 grams of Cocaine on April 1 in the area of Lake St. near the Rte. 2 underpass. Stotik observed what appeared to be a disabled vehicle, later discovering that both individuals in the car were in possession of cocaine, as well as improperly stored ammunition.

"This is an excellent example of a police officer being proactive on the streets,” said Capt. Richard Flynn.” After checking on what he believed to be a disabled motor vehicle, Officer Alex Stotik and assisting officers placed two individuals in custody and seized a quantity of narcotics.

After noticing the vehicle, Stotik made his way over for a well-being check, noticing a man—William Rocha, 21, of Arlington—who appeared to be incapacitated. After immediately calling Arlington fire and rescue, Stotik was able to wake up Rocha, who was observed to have glassy and bloodshot eyes, as well as being unsteady on his feet and having slurred speech.

Additional officers later arrived on scene and discovered a second man, Joseph Aby, was returning to the scene with a portable gas tank. During inquiry, officers discovered that Aby had supplied a false name, and was being uncooperative. Both Aby and Rocha were found to have suspended licenses, and officers decided it would be best to tow the vehicle.

Upon hearing that he vehicle would be towed, Rocha threw a clear white bag containing a white powdery substance believed to be Cocaine on to Lake St. Stotik immediately placed Rocha under arrest and read him his Miranda rights.

A search of the vehicle soon thereafter yielded a small bag of Cocaine, which was attributed to Aby, who identified himself adamantly that he was the driver of the vehicle. Officers later placed Aby under arrest. The search also led to the discovery of a Winchester .380 caliber round in the passenger seat. During Joseph’s booking, officers also discovered white pills in his coat pocket.

“It is a pleasure to see officers rewarded with a quality arrest after a self initiated encounter," said Flynn.

Photo Credit: Arlington Police Department