Ward 6 Councilman Matthew Reilly was arrested Monday on charges of Drug Possession.

Reilly, a Republican and a member of the safety services committee, was arrested on drug charges early at approximately 11:28 a.m.  on May 15.

According to a press release and the arrest report from the Cranston Police Department, Officer Luis Collado was on patrol in the area of Pontiac Avenue and Marine Drive when he was flagged down by a passerby and informed an unidentified male subject was possibly choking a short distance away.

Collado immediately pulled up on the vehicle in question and noticed a man, later identified as Reilly, who appeared to be having a medical episode.

“He appeared to be sleeping or unconscious while having difficulty breathing/choking,” Collado said in his arrest report. “I opened the door and had to shake him in order for him to wake up. At that point I noticed that he had a glass pipe that's typically used to smoke crack cocaine from in his hand and a lighter. As he woke up he appeared disoriented and I had him turn the vehicle off. I then instructed him to exit the vehicle.”

The release goes on to say that a search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of a white rock-like substance which tested positive for crack cocaine and fentanyl. After a short evaluation and monitoring, Reilly was said to have refused treatment and appeared stable.

“The news of Cranston Republican Party Chairman Matthew Reilly/ Ward 6 Councilman Matthew Reilly's arrest and criminal charges are very concerning and disappointing,” Council President Jessica Marino wrote in a text. “However, at this time, this is a pending criminal charge and not a final determination of guilt. We must allow our judicial process to address this criminal charge and make the ultimate finding of innocence or guilt.”

Police say Reilly was taken into custody, arrested and charged with one count of Possession of Schedule II narcotics. He was later arraigned by a bail commissioner and released pending a hearing in 3rd District Court on June 15.

“I have known Matt and the Reilly family his entire life," Mayor Ken Hopkins said in a press release. "My thoughts and prayers are with him and his two young daughters. My hope is Matt will get whatever care and attention he needs for his own well-being. This is a serious matter. I agree with Council President Marino that everyone should allow the court system and judicial process to work towards an appropriate resolution.As titular head of the Cranston Republican Party, I have suggested to Matt that he step down as City Chairman to focus on personal and health matters. He concurred and has submitted his resignation as party chairman.While he is attending to those issues my office will stand ready to assist him and his constituents."

UPDATE: 

Council President Marino has officially asked Councilman Reilly to resign from his position. 

"Given the developing circumstances of Councilman Matthew Reilly as revealed with his recent
arrest, pending criminal charges, and other revelations in the news seemingly based in fact, I
have formally requested that Mr. Reilly resign his position of Ward 6 Councilman in the City of
Cranston for his sake, for that of his family and for the city as a whole. - Cranston City Council President Jessica Marino"