Police Search for Lincoln Man Who Fled North Smithfield Officer During Ongoing Investigation

NORTH SMITHFIELD, R.I. (WPRI) — Authorities are currently on the lookout for a Lincoln resident who evaded capture by fleeing from a North Smithfield officer amidst an ongoing investigation earlier this month.

The investigation was initiated two weeks ago when an officer on routine patrol passed by the Hilltop Motel parking lot on Eddie Dowling Highway. The officer noticed a parked vehicle with registration plates that did not match the car, prompting further inquiry.

Approaching the vehicle, the officer observed a man seated in the driver’s seat and a woman occupying the passenger seat. As the officer engaged in conversation with them, their behavior raised suspicion.

During the interaction, the driver, identified as Matthew Daignault, 41, made an attempt to re-enter the vehicle, presumably to conceal something. However, he quickly discarded a brown leather case from his pants before making a swift escape from the parking lot.

In pursuit, the officer chased Daignault into a densely wooded marsh nearby. Unfortunately, despite their efforts, the officer, along with additional law enforcement personnel and a Rhode Island State Police K-9 unit, were unable to apprehend him.

Upon subsequent examination, the brown leather case recovered by the police contained approximately 21.7 grams of suspected crack cocaine, meticulously separated into individual baggies. Additionally, authorities discovered 9 grams of suspected fentanyl within the case.

Daignault is currently wanted for obstructing an officer, as well as two counts of possession with the intent to distribute crack cocaine and fentanyl.

If you have any information regarding Daignault’s whereabouts, please contact the North Smithfield Police Department at (401) 762-1212.