Barnstable Officer Injured by Needle During Drug Arrest

While on patrol in Hyannis Friday night two members of the Barnstable Street Crime Unit pulled over a Toyota pickup truck for driving erratically on Winter St, according to a press release.

Police suspected the driver, Sean M. Sprague, 38, of Yarmouth, was under the influence of alcohol, drugs or both. Police said they noticed an open container of alcohol inside the truck.

Two passengers were in the truck with Sprague at the time of the stop, Gregory A. Hines, 51, of Hyannis and Tara J. Rapacki, 29, of Marstons Mills. Police noted both passengers have a lengthy criminal history including prior narcotics convictions.

Police found a hypodermic needle hidden on Hines and Rapacki; Sprague also had a hypodermic needle on his person, his uncapped. During a “pat-frisk” of Sprague the needle punctured the hand of one of the officers. Police also found hypodermic needles in the vehicle.

Police transported the three to the police station for booking where they found 3 grams of cocaine hidden on Hines.

The officer injured during the “pat-frisk” was taken to Cape Cod Hospital where he was treated and released; he will need to take medication for the next several days.

Sprague was charged with operating under the influence of drugs, operating with open container of alcohol, conspiracy to violate the narcotics laws, operating without a license, throwing lighted cigarette out of vehicle, marked lanes violation, and seatbelt violation. He is being held on $1,000 cash bail.

Hines was charged with possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, conspiracy to violate narcotics laws, open container of alcohol in public, and seatbelt violation. He is being held on a $2,500 cash bail.

Rapacki was charged with conspiracy to violate narcotics laws, open container of alcohol in public, and seatbelt violation. She was released on personal recognize.

Sprague, Hines and Rapacki will be arraigned in Barnstable District Court Monday.