Man Rescued From Partially Submerged Vehicle Charged With Possessing Meth, Coke: Cops

He refused "to get out to avoid getting wet until a tow truck pulled the vehicle from the floodwater," police said.

By Joseph Hosey, Patch Staff

Nov 9, 2026 12:01 PM EST

WARWICK, RI — A motorist rescued from a partially submerged vehicle was charged with possessing methamphetamine and cocaine, police said.

The car was stuck in floodwater Friday by the Lincoln Avenue train trestle, according to a media release.

The driver, Norman Barrett, 53, "remained inside, refusing to get out to avoid getting wet until a tow truck pulled the vehicle from the floodwater," the release said.

"Officers learned Barrett's license was suspended; there was also a glass pipe commonly used to smoke crack cocaine visible on the floor inside the vehicle," according to the release.

"A further search uncovered methamphetamine and crack cocaine," the release said.

Barrett was arrested, according to the release.

"We'll give him this: during the lengthy wait for the tow truck, he left everything in place, including the items officers would later seize," the release said. "His focus appeared to remain on keeping his feet dry."