EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- A woman who police say had more four pounds of marijuana at her home above the Liquor Mart at 208 Warren Ave. was arrested Tuesday after authorities discovered the marijuana while investigating a fire that erupted there just before 11 a.m.
Acting Fire Chief Oscar Elmasian said the the fire spread inside some of the walls of the three-story building and damaged at least two apartments, including one belonging to a woman who was overcome by smoke but declined medical attention.
Police Lt. William Nebus said police were called after firefighters discovered an array of lights used in the growing of marijuana, viewed as a possible cause of the blaze. Nebus said that while occupants on the two residential floors had medical marijuana cards allowing them to have as many as 12 plants and 2 ½ oz. of the marijuana, the 22-year-old woman suspect had four pounds of marijuana and 12 plants.
He said her name was being withheld pending her arraignment Wednesday morning.
By Richard C. Dujardin